Operators of Scheme That Targeted Hispanic Consumers Are Banned From Telemarketing Under Settlement with FTC

Cream Group, Inc., which operates as Oro Marketing, and its mastermind Sami Charchian have agreed to a permanent ban on telemarketing to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they targeted Spanish-speaking women with false promises that they could make money reselling brand-name goods, such as Gucci and Ralph Lauren. The agency alleged that, far from […]

FTC Approves Final Order Barring Blue Rhino, AmeriGas from Restraining Competition

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved final orders settling charges that Blue Rhino and AmeriGas Cylinder Exchange, the two leading suppliers of propane exchange tanks, illegally colluded to push Walmart, a key customer, to accept a reduction in the amount of propane in exchange tanks. Under the settlements, each company […]

FTC Proposes to Study Merger Remedies

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comments on a proposal to study the effectiveness of the Commission’s orders in merger cases where it required a divestiture or other remedy. The study would update and expand on the divestiture study the FTC issued in 1999, and should provide information on whether the orders met their […]

Company That Touted Products’ Ability to Treat Children’s Speech Disorders Settles FTC Charges It Deceived Consumers

An Illinois company and its owner will stop making allegedly deceptive claims that their dietary supplements are proven effective at treating childhood speech disorders, including those associated with autism, in order to settle Federal Trade Commission charges. Under the FTC settlement, the defendants also will pay $200,000 and are required to disclose any material connections […]

FTC Approves Changes to Cooling-Off Rule

The Federal Trade Commission has approved a final amendment to its Cooling-Off Rule that increases the exclusionary limit for certain “door-to-door” sales. The Cooling-Off Rule previously provided that it is unfair and deceptive for sellers engaged in “door-to-door” sales valued at more than $25 to fail to provide consumers with disclosures regarding their right to […]

Guidance on Identifying, Accepting, and Reporting Brokered Deposits

FIL-2-2015 January 5, 2015 Guidance on Identifying, Accepting, and Reporting Brokered Deposits Printable Format: FIL-2-2015 – PDF (PDF Help) Summary: The FDIC is issuing guidance in the form of “Frequently Asked Questions” or “FAQs” to promote consistency by insured depository institutions in identifying, accepting, and reporting brokered deposits. Statement of Applicability to Institutions With Total […]