Tag Archives: Consumer Protection

For the sixth time in just over a month, the Federal Trade Commission shut down a scheme, pending trial, that allegedly tricked consumers into paying hundreds of dollars based on bogus promises of lower credit card interest rates. At the FTC’s request, a federal district court in Arizona has temporarily shut down the operation, known […]

The promoters of a bogus investment scheme have agreed to a $24 million settlement to resolve Federal Trade Commission charges that they conned consumers into buying precious metals on credit without clearly disclosing significant costs and risks. Under two settlement agreements announced today, Harry Tanner, American Precious Metals, and Sam J. Goldman are permanently banned […]

Tips for Consumers December 7, 2012 Just in time for the holiday shopping season, the Federal Trade Commission has 12 practical tips to help you watch your wallet, shop wisely, and protect your personal information. Make a shopping list and check it twice.  Make sure your budget includes incidentals like cards, wrapping paper, parking, or […]

WHAT: On Monday, Dec. 10, 2012, the FTC will hold a press call to announce a follow-up report to an earlier FTC staff report on mobile apps for kids. The call will begin with remarks from Jessica Rich, Associate Director, FTC Division of Financial Practices. A discussion will follow. WHO: Jessica Rich, Associate Director, FTC […]

The Federal Trade Commission submitted written testimony to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights regarding the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the use of consumer reports in employment. The Fair Credit Reporting Act promotes the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of information in the files of consumer reporting agencies (CRAs). The FTC testimony describes some […]

Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz issued the following statement regarding the Sentencing of Osman Bah, of Owings Mills, Md., to 108 months in prison for his role in a phony sweepstakes scheme that defrauded thousands of U.S. consumers of more than $10 million.  Operators of this scam called consumers and told them that they […]

An online advertising company agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it used “history sniffing” to secretly and illegally gather data from millions of consumers about their interest in sensitive medical and financial issues ranging from fertility and incontinence to debt relief and personal bankruptcy. The FTC settlement order bars the company, Epic Marketplace […]

The Federal Trade Commission will host a workshop tomorrow exploring the practices and privacy implications of comprehensive data collection. FTC Commissioner Julie Brill will deliver the opening remarks, and Commissioner Maureen Ohlhausen will provide remarks after lunch. Consumer protection organizations, academics, business and industry representatives, privacy professionals, and others will join FTC staff to examine […]

The Federal Trade Commission put a stop to a California-based auto loan modification operation that settled FTC charges after allegedly deceived consumers with false promises that it could get auto loans modified and stop cars from being repossessed. Patrick Freeman, the sole owner of the Hope for Car Owners operation, has agreed to a settlement […]

The Federal Trade Commission today announced publication of an Interim Final Rule on identity theft “red flags” that narrows the circumstances under which creditors are covered by the Rule. Congress directed the FTC, along with several banking agencies to develop regulations requiring “financial institutions” and “creditors” to develop and implement a written identity theft prevention […]