Energy infrastructure companies Enbridge Inc. and Spectra Energy Corp have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that the proposed merger of Enbridge and Spectra likely would harm competition in the market for pipeline transportation of natural gas in three production areas off the coast of Louisiana. According to the FTC’s complaint, the merger likely […]
Monthly Archives: February 2017
FTC Provides Comment to NTIA on Multistakeholder Initiative to Improve Cybersecurity Vulnerability Disclosure
The Federal Trade Commission submitted public comments to the U.S. Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on a draft template, developed by a diverse group of stakeholders, designed to be used by industry participants to communicate their policies on disclosing security vulnerabilities. Stakeholders including cybersecurity researchers, industry representatives, academics, and civil society advocates […]
FTC Acting Chairman Ohlhausen Announces Tad Lipsky as Acting Director of Bureau of Competition; Other Staffing Changes
Federal Trade Commission Acting Chairman Maureen K. Ohlhausen announced today that she has appointed Abbott (Tad) Lipsky, a partner at the law firm of Latham & Watkins LLP, to be the Acting Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Competition, effective March 6, 2017. “The FTC plays an indispensable role in ensuring that the American […]
FTC Settlement Puts a Stop to Money Mule Who Profited from India-Based IRS and Other Scams
A Florida man charged with helping telemarketers in India defraud cash-strapped American consumers will be banned from aiding any telemarketers in a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission. The proposed settlement resolves an FTC complaint against Joel S. Treuhaft and his company, PHLG Enterprises, LLC, who collected more than $1.5 million from about 3,000 consumers […]
FTC Undercover Inspections of Funeral Homes in Nine States Prompt Compliance with Funeral Rule Disclosure Requirements
Federal Trade Commission investigators working undercover in nine states found failures to disclose pricing information to consumers, as required by the FTC’s Funeral Rule, in 31 of the 133 funeral homes they visited during 2015 and 2016. The FTC conducts undercover inspections to ensure that funeral homes comply with the Funeral Rule. Issued in 1984, […]
FTC Testifies Before Senate Judiciary Committee on Its Efforts to Combat Fraud Affecting Older Americans
In testimony before Congress today, the Federal Trade Commission described the current trends relating to fraud affecting older Americans, and how the FTC uses law enforcement and other tools at its disposal to combat these frauds. Testifying on behalf of the Commission before the Senate Special Committee on Aging, Lois Greisman, Associate Director of the […]
FTC Reports on 2016 Activities to Combat Illegal Debt Collection Practices
During the past year, the Federal Trade Commission has continued its efforts to stop unlawful debt collection practices, including vigorous law enforcement, education and public outreach, and research and policy initiatives. The FTC sent a summary of its 2016 work on debt collection practices to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for inclusion in the […]
Student Loan Debt Collector Will Pay $700,000 for Unlawful Collection Calls in Settlement with FTC
GC Services, a large debt collector charged with using unlawful tactics to collect on federal student loans and other debts, will pay a $700,000 civil penalty under a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission. Student loan debt is a large and growing segment of the U.S. debt collection industry, according to the FTC. More than […]
The FDIC Makes Joining the Money Smart Alliance Program Easier
FIL-8-2017 February 14, 2017 The FDIC Makes Joining the Money Smart Alliance Program Easier Printable Format: FIL-8-2017 – PDF (PDF Help) Summary: The FDIC’s Money Smart Alliance program is a network of financial institutions, nonprofits, and governmental organizations that use the FDIC’s financial education curriculum to provide training to consumers, small businesses, and others. Qualified […]
FTC Requests Public Comment on Application from SuperValu Inc. to Sell Supermarket Divested by Safeway and Albertsons
The Federal Trade Commission is accepting public comments on an application from SuperValu Inc. to sell one of two supermarkets it bought when Safeway and Albertsons merged in 2015 and were required by the agency to divest 168 stores. Under the FTC’s final decision and order in that merger case, SuperValu is required for three […]