A Chicago funeral home operator has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that he violated the Funeral Rule, which helps to ensure that people have the information they need to compare prices and buy only the funeral services and goods they want. In July 2011, at the FTC’s request, the U.S. Department of Justice […]
Tag Archives: Consumer Protection
Two Online Placement Services for Senior Care Centers Settle FTC Charges
Two companies that recommend long-term care facilities for senior citizens have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they misled consumers to think that they had researched the facilities and had detailed knowledge about them. The proposed settlements, which prohibit the respondents from misrepresenting their services in the future, resolve the FTC’s first cases […]
FTC Charges Second “Affiliate Network” of Internet Advertisers with Deceiving Consumers by Using Fake News Sites to Market Acai Berry Weight-Loss Products and Colon Cleansers
The Federal Trade Commission has charged the Coleadium, Inc. affiliate network which uses the name “Ads4Dough,” and its owner, with recruiting affiliate marketers that made deceptive claims on fake news sites to promote acai berry supplements, and so-called “colon cleansers,” as weight-loss products. According to the FTC, in addition to misleading consumers about the effectiveness […]
FTC Returns More than $2 Million to Buyers of the “Google Money Tree” Work-at-Home Scam
The Federal Trade Commission is mailing 93,086 refund checks totaling nearly $2.3 million to consumers who allegedly were charged hidden fees tied to a bogus work-at-home product. In July 2009, the FTC took action against the online marketers behind “Google Money Tree,” which also operated under names including “Google Pro” and “Google Treasure Chest,” alleging […]
FTC Finalizes Privacy Settlement with Myspace
Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling FTC charges that Myspace misrepresented its protection of users’ personal information. The settlement bars Myspace from future misrepresentations about its privacy practices, requires the company to implement a comprehensive privacy program, and calls for regular, independent privacy assessments for the […]
FTC Proposes Changes to its Fur Labeling Rules
The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comment on changes the agency is proposing that would eliminate unnecessary requirements on companies that sell fur products to give them more flexibility on labeling, and update the Fur Products Name Guide that lists common animal names allowed on fur labels. The proposed changes also would incorporate provisions […]
FTC Publishes Guide to Help Mobile App Developers Observe Truth-in-Advertising, Privacy Principles
The Federal Trade Commission has published a guide to help mobile application developers observe truth-in-advertising and basic privacy principles when marketing new mobile apps. The FTC’s new publication, “Marketing Your Mobile App: Get It Right from the Start,” notes that there are general guidelines that all app developers should consider. They include: Tell the Truth […]
FTC Sends Refunds to Victims of Robocall Credit Card Interest Rate Reduction Scheme
The Federal Trade Commission is mailing refund checks to 4,468 consumers nationwide who allegedly were defrauded by a telemarketer who used robocalls to pitch worthless credit card rate reduction programs for an up-front fee. Each consumer will receive a check for between $31 and $1,300, based on how much money he or she lost in […]
FTC to Return Money to Victims of Allegedly Deceptive Drug Price Claims by CVS Caremark
The FTC will provide refunds to nearly 13,000 consumers who paid significantly more for their drugs than they expected based on allegedly deceptive pricing claims made by CVS Caremark. Consumers eligible for refunds will receive all of the amount they overpaid for the drugs. In January 2012, the FTC charged that CVS Caremark misrepresented the […]
FTC Refunds $6 Million to Consumers Who Bought Deceptively Advertised Supplements that Were Supposed to Cause Weight Loss and Treat Erectile Dysfunction
The Federal Trade Commission is mailing 153,109 checks for $40.45 each to consumers who were deceived by supplement marketers National Urological Group and Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals. A federal district court ruled in favor of the FTC in 2008, ordering the defendants to provide money for refunds. The marketer made false advertising claims that two supposed weight-loss […]