http://www.ftc.gov/rss/text/prbcp.xml Speeches, news, and information from the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. The FTC's Bureau of Competition seeks to prevent business practices that restrain competition. http://www.ftc.gov/images/seal01c.gif en-us Federal Government Fri, 24 May 2013 14:00:00 EST Fri, 24 May 2013 14:00:00 EST In the wake of the devastating Tornado that hit suburban Oklahoma City on Monday, the Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, reminds consumers that scams often follow disasters. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/05/tornado.shtm Fri, 24 May 2013 12:00:00 EST As previously announced, technology researchers will join industry representatives to take part in the June 4 Federal Trade Commission forum "Mobile Security: Potential Threats and Solutions." http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/05/mobilethreats.shtm Thu, 23 May 2013 12:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is mailing 412 refund checks totaling more than $700,000 to consumers who were victimized by a telemarketing operation that allegedly tricked them into buying bogus health insurance.  http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/05/usbenefits.shtm Tue, 21 May 2013 12:00:00 EST Amounts Spent Marketing Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco Rose in 2011 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/05/tobacco.shtm Tue, 21 May 2013 9:00:00 EST In an ongoing effort to protect consumers from deceptive telemarketing, the Federal Trade Commission seeks public comment on proposed amendments to strengthen the Telemarketing Sales Rule’s protections against bogus charges and services. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/05/tsr.shtm Fri, 17 May 2013 14:00:00 EST As part of the Federal Trade Commission's systematic review of all current FTC rules and guides, the agency is announcing a modified 10-year regulatory review schedule.  http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/05/regreform.shtm Fri, 17 May 2013 10:00:00 EST One Operator Also Settles Charges He Illegally Telemarketed Debt Relief Services http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/05/techsupport.shtm Thu, 16 May 2013 9:45:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission testified before a U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce subcommittee about consumer protection issues facing older Americans, including the agency’s efforts to combat fraud and its education and outreach efforts to help seniors protect themselves. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/05/elder.shtm Wed, 15 May 2013 10:00:00 EST More Than 90 Letters Issued to App Developers in Advance of July 1 Implementation Date http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/05/coppa_education.shtm Tue, 14 May 2013 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has issued its annual letter to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) on FTC enforcement and related activities regarding the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), Consumer Leasing Act (CLA), Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA), and Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA). http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/05/cfpb.shtm Tue, 14 May 2013 10:00:00 EST Company Allegedly Used "Voice Broadcasting" to Help Clients Transmit Unwanted Calls http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/05/callfire.shtm Thu, 09 May 2013 11:00:00 EST An administrator working for the Federal Trade Commission today began mailing refund checks totalling approximately $1.7 million to 22,764 consumers who were defrauded by a group that used websites to falsely claim they could help consumers get free government grant money. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/05/grantconnect.shtm Tue, 07 May 2013 14:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission testified before a U.S. Senate Commerce subcommittee on a recent FTC study examining the accuracy of consumer credit reports, as well as the agency’s efforts to improve credit report accuracy through enforcement and education. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/05/fcra.shtm Tue, 07 May 2013 13:00:00 EST Staff Will Also Live-Tweet Roundtable http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/05/mobilecramming2.shtm Tue, 07 May 2013 12:00:00 EST Letters Issued As Part of Global Privacy Protection Effort http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/05/databroker.shtm Mon, 06 May 2013 15:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission voted unanimously to retain the July 1, 2013 date for implementation of the updated Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/05/coppa.shtm Mon, 06 May 2013 11:00:00 EST Agency Will Live-Tweet Workshop, Take Questions Via Social Media http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/05/senioridtheft.shtm Fri, 03 May 2013 11:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that Cbr Systems, Inc. failed to protect the security of customers’ personal information and that its inadequate security practices led to a breach that exposed the Social Security numbers and debit and credit card information of nearly 300,000 consumers. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/05/cbrsystems.shtm Fri, 03 May 2013 10:00:00 EST Cards Tested by the FTC Averaged Just 40 Percent of Minutes Advertised http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/05/drphone.shtm Thu, 02 May 2013 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will co-host a roundtable on June 6, 2013, to examine the flow of consumer data throughout the debt collection process. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/05/lifedebt.shtm Wed, 01 May 2013 13:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that Filiquarian Publishing LLC, Choice Level LLC, and their CEO, Joshua Linsk operated as a consumer reporting agency without taking consumer protection measures required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).  http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/05/filiquarian.shtm Wed, 01 May 2013 11:00:00 EST Consumer advocates, government officials and industry representatives will take part in a roundtable discussion on mobile cramming hosted by the Federal Trade Commission on May 8. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/05/mobilecramming.shtm Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is proposing changes to its Textile Labeling Rules. The staff of the Federal Trade Commission has closed its investigations of three companies that manufacture and sell football helmet. The Federal Trade Commission will host a public roundtable on June 19, 2013, in Washington, DC, to examine possible changes to the agency's Jewelry Guides. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/04/textiles.shtm Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST Consumer advocates, government officials and representatives of private industry will take part in the May 7 Federal Trade Commission workshop titled "Senior Identity Theft: A Problem in this Day and Age." http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/04/senioridtheft.shtm Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST Questions and Answers Provide Guidance for Industry http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/04/coppa.shtm Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that Robert Bosch GmbH's acquisition of the SPX Service Solutions business of SPX Corporation would have given it a virtual monopoly in the market for air conditioning recycling, recovery, and recharge devices for vehicles. Federal Trade Commission staff has responded to a request from Illinois State Senator Heather Steans for comments on a proposed state law that would allow only physicians to provide chronic interventional pain treatments, and bar certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) from providing pain management services that they currently provide, such as epidural injections. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/04/bosch-illcrna.shtm Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST Defendants Barred From Telemarketing; Ordered To Pay Almost $6.9 Million http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/04/nhs.shtm Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today released a statistical survey of fraud in the United States during 2011, which showed that an estimated 25.6 million adults - 10.8 percent of the adult population - were fraud victims. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/04/fraudsurvey.shtm Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, has tips for people who may want to donate money to the victims and families of the Boston bombings. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/04/boston.shtm Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST In a comment submitted to the Social Security Administration, the staff of the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection expressed support for an SSA proposal designed to protect children from identity theft. Staff also recommended two refinements to the SSA proposal to provide further safeguards. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/04/ssaidtheft.shtm Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has issued final amendments to the Alternative Fuels Rule, consolidating the labels required on alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) with those required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), eliminating the need for two different labels and reducing the burden of complying with the Rule. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/04/altfuels.shtm Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST Commission Staff to Conduct Workshop on Nov. 21 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/04/internetthings.shtm Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST Complaint Alleges Unauthorized Charges for 'Premium' Text Message Services http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/04/wisemedia.shtm Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved nine final orders settling charges that seven rent-to-own companies and a software design firm and its two principals spied on consumers using computers that consumers rented from them. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/04/designerware.shtm Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST Federal Trade Commission Chairwoman Edith Ramirez released the agency’s 2013 Annual Highlights today at the Spring Meeting of the American Bar Association’s Section of Antitrust Law in Washington, D.C., recognizing the FTC’s continued efforts to protect consumers and promote competition. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/04/annualhighlights.shtm Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission this week filed renewed motions in its ongoing litigation related to Phoebe Putney Health System's now consummated acquisition of Palmyra Park Hospital in Albany, Georgia. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/04/phoebeputney.shtm Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has submitted its Fiscal Year 2014 budget request to Congress, including the FY 2014 Budget Overview Statement, and FY 2013 and FY 2014 Performance Plans required under the Government Performance and Results and Modernization Act of 2010. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/04/fy2014budget.shtm Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has released a new video to help businesses that sell funeral goods and services comply with the Funeral Rule. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/04/funeralrule.shtm Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has amended a complaint against The Tax Club defendants, who in January 2013 were charged by the FTC and the New York and Florida Attorneys General with deceiving consumers who believed the defendants’ services would help their home-based businesses succeed. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/04/taxclub.shtm Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST If you’re a victim of identity theft or know someone who is, the Federal Trade Commission has a new video designed to help facilitators who assist consumers in repairing their identity. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/04/idtheft.shtm Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission mailed 341 refund checks to Spanish-speaking consumers who lost money to scammers who promised to stop foreclosure or obtain mortgage loan modifications. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/04/dinamica.shtm Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has warned the operators of six websites that share information about consumers’ rental histories with landlords that they may be subject to the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/04/tenant.shtm Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST Proposals Would Use Call Filter Software to Reduce Illegal Calls http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/04/robocall.shtm Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will announce the winners of the FTC Robocall Challenge in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/04/robocall_ma.shtm Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST For parents, the growing universe of mobile applications targeted at kids can be overwhelming. Knowing which app is the right fit for your family poses a major challenge to parents on the go. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/03/kidsapps.shtm Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST Consumers Allegedly Were Tricked into Paying Unnecessary Fees and Falsely Threatened with Legal Action http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/03/securitycredit.shtm Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST Other Retailers Also Improved Since Last Survey http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/03/mysteryshop.shtm Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST In response to requests from stakeholders, the Federal Trade Commission has reopened the public comment period, until April 1, 2013, on a recent proposal to update EnergyGuide label information and issue special labels for refrigerators and clothes washers to help consumers compare products in the wake of new Department of Energy tests for measuring energy costs.  http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/03/energyguide.shtm Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is mailing 50,395 refund checks totaling more than $1.1 million to consumers who were victimized by a telemarketing operation that allegedly tricked them into buying worthless medical discount plans.  http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/03/healthcareone.shtm Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST At the Federal Trade Commission’s request, a federal judge has temporarily halted a Slovakia-based operation that allegedly tricked small businesses and non-profits into collectively paying millions of dollars to be listed in an online directory in which they had no interest in being listed and for which they did not understand they would be charged. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/03/fairguide.shtm Tue, 19 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that Epic Marketplace, Inc. used "history sniffing" to secretly and illegally determine whether millions of consumers had visited any of more than 54,000 domains. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/03/epic.shtm Tue, 19 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST Three clothing retailers have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they misled consumers by marketing that products contained “faux fur,” when in fact, the products contained real fur. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/03/neiman.shtm Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:20:00 EST Defendant Violated 1998 Order by Operating Bogus Prize Promotion Scheme http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/03/dayton.shtm Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST Allegedly Debited Millions of Dollars from Consumers’ Bank Accounts Without Their Consent http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/03/aec.shtm Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST Video Provides Important Information on Advertising Rules, Privacy http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/03/mobileapps.shtm Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST Federal Trade Commission staff submitted a comment in response to a request from the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) for comments on demand response (DR) as one aspect of the PUC’s ongoing review of the reliability of electricity markets. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/03/texas.shtm Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST "Dot Com Disclosures" Guidance Updated to Address Current Online and Mobile Advertising Environment http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/03/dotcom.shtm Mon, 11 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST At the Federal Trade Commission's request, a U.S. district court has temporarily shut down a Brooklyn, New York-based operation that the allegedly used deception, threats, and intimidation to induce elderly consumers to pay for medical alert systems they neither ordered nor wanted. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/03/responsesystems.shtm Fri, 08 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST Report Includes Recommendations for Industry http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/03/mobilepymts.shtm Fri, 08 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST Interested Parties Invited to Submit Requests to Participate http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/03/mobilecramming.shtm Thu, 07 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST All But One Defendant Banned from Marketing Mortgage- and Debt-Relief Services http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/03/household.shtm Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST Defendants Were Responsible for More than 180 Million Spam Text Messages http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/03/textmessages.shtm Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission mailed 17,213 refund checks to consumers who were deceived by an operation that charged an up-front fee for bogus mortgage relief services and posed as a government mortgage assistance program. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/03/residential.shtm Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will host a media availability Thursday, March 7 at 11:30 a.m. ET/10:30 a.m. CT at its Midwest Region Office in Chicago to announce a series of enforcement actions designed to protect consumers nationwide from a pervasive series of scams built on text messages. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/03/textspam.shtm Wed, 06 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission approved final orders settling charges that The Sherwin-Williams Co. and PPG Architectural Finishes, Inc. made false and unsubstantiated claims that some of their paints contained zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs) after tinting.  http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/03/greenpaint.shtm Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is warning small businesses: An email that pretends to be from the FTC with "NOTIFICATION OF CONSUMER COMPLAINT" in the subject line is not from the FTC. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/03/bogusemail.shtm Fri, 01 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST FTC Joins Consumer Agencies Nationwide to Share Information, Encourage Action http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/03/ncpw.shtm Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST President Barack Obama intends to designate Edith Ramirez as Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission effective Monday, March 4, 2013. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/chairmanramirez.shtm Wed, 27 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is mailing 50,365 refund checks totaling more than $685,000 to consumers who were victimized by a bogus work-at-home and grant scam. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/realwealth.shtm Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission reminds members of the public that the period for submitting comments on its recent comprehensive data collection workshop remains open until March 8. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/datacollection.shtm Tue, 26 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST Identity Theft Tops List for 13th Consecutive Year in Report of National Consumer Complaints http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/sentineltop.shtm Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission warns veterans and their families: Be wary of dishonest advisers offering "free" help with paperwork for pension claims. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/vetspension.shtm Mon, 25 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that Compete, Inc. violated the Federal Trade Commission Act by using its web-tracking software that collected personal information without disclosing the extent of the information it was collecting through its products and third party web tools. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/compete.shtm Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST Company Required to Patch Vulnerabilities on Smartphones and Tablets http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/htc.shtm Fri, 22 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST Forum Will Address Threats to Smartphones and Other Devices from Viruses, Malware http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/mobilethreats.shtm Thu, 21 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has issued a Federal Register notice seeking public comment on proposed amendments to the agency’s fee rule and accompanying fee schedule for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/foia.shtm Wed, 20 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST Telemarketers Allegedly Bilked Millions of Dollars from Consumers Seeking Health Insurance http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/iab.shtm Wed, 20 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST At the Federal Trade Commission’ request, a federal court has temporarily halted an operation that allegedly used an intricate web of concealment to debit hundreds of thousands of consumers’ bank accounts and bill their credit cards more than $25 million without their consent. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/idealfinancial.shtm Tue, 19 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST The architect of an operation that allegedly distributed illegal robocalls offering credit card interest rate reduction programs, extended automobile warranties, and home security systems, is banned from telemarketing under a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/roycox.shtm Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST All Victims Who Could Be Identified to Get Full Refund http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/dynamic.shtm Thu, 14 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST Today, the Federal Trade Commission released a series of video tips to help you protect your personal information online. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/onguardonline.shtm Thu, 14 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will host a one-day workshop on May 7, 2013, exploring how identity theft impacts older Americans. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/seniortheft.shtm Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST With the tax-filing season upon us, the Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, reminds consumers to be aware of the threat of identity theft.  http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/taxidtheft.shtm Wed, 13 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission and the Florida Attorney General’s Office will host a town hall on identity theft and tax fraud on Wednesday, February 20, 2013, in Boca Raton, Florida. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/idtheft.shtm Wed, 13 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST Over the last year, the Federal Trade Commission has continued vigorously enforcing the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act by bringing or resolving seven debt collection cases, according to the agency's annual letter to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/cfpb.shtm Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:30:00 EST Guides Advise Businesses How to Avoid Illegal Discrimination in the Provision of Promotional Allowances and Services http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/fredmeyer.shtm Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has finalized a modified Order settling charges against Phusion Projects, LLC, and its principals for falsely claiming that a 23.5-ounce can of Four Loko contains the alcohol equivalent of one or two regular 12-ounce beers, and that a consumer could drink one entire can safely on a single occasion.  http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/fourloko.shtm Mon, 11 Feb 2013 9:00:00 EST Consumers Should Check Their Credit Reports for Free Using AnnualCreditReport.com http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/creditreport.shtm Fri, 08 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST Proposed Buyers Guide Sticker Advises Consumers to Seek Vehicle Information History and Directs Spanish Speakers to a Spanish Version of the Guide http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/usedcar.shtm Thu, 07 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST Marketers Held Out Bogus Promise that They Could Help Consumers Avoid Foreclosure; Often Charged Thousands of Dollars http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/cag.shtm Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST Settlements will Yield more than $1.6 Million and Conclude Sweep against Online Affiliate Marketers and Networks http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/beony.shtm Tue, 05 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST PAmerican Tax Relief Scheme Bilked Consumers With False Promises They Qualified for IRS Programs to Reduce Tax Debts http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/americantax.shtm Fri, 01 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST Company also Will Pay $800,000 for Allegedly Collecting Kids' Personal Information without their Parents’ Consent http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/path.shtm Fri, 01 Feb 2013 9:45:00 EST Recommendations Would Help Build Trust in the Mobile Marketplace, Agency Says http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/mobileprivacy.shtm Fri, 01 Feb 2013 9:00:00 EST After nearly four years as the head of the Federal Trade Commission, Chairman Jon Leibowitz today announced he will step down on February 15, 2013. He has been a Commissioner since September 3, 2004. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/02/jdl.shtm Thu, 31 Jan 2013 17:00:00 EST Report Highlights Ways to Build Trust in Mobile Marketplace http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/mobileprivacy_ma.shtm Thu, 31 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST Energy- and Cost-Saving Claims Were Deceptive and Unsubstantiated http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/sumpolec.shtm Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST Prizes include $50,000 to Block Illegal Robocalls http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/robocallchallenge.shtm Thu, 31 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a U.S. district court shut down a Houston-based debt collection operation that allegedly illegally used insults, lies, and false threats to collect on payday loans – including telling a Virginia woman that she would be arrested and jailed for three years, and would lose her disability payments if she did not pay a $980 debt. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/goldman.shtm Wed, 30 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today announced the results of the first empirical study of debt buyers – companies that are in the business of buying consumer debts and trying to collect on them.  http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/debtbuyer.shtm Wed, 30 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST "Auto Debt Consulting" Operation Permanently Halted http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/autodebt.shtm Wed, 30 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST On January 16, 2013, the Federal Trade Commission mailed 70,511 refund checks to consumers who lost money to a scheme that allegedly sold bogus “platinum” credit cards and illegally debited consumers’ bank accounts. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/platinumtrust.shtm Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST FTC Brings Seventh Action in Three Months Against Debt Relief Companies Tampa Telemarketers Alleged to Have Falsely Promised To Save Consumers Thousands on Credit Card Debt http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/innwealth.shtm Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST FHTM Promoted Itself as a Path to Financial Independence, But Most People Made Little or No Money http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/fhtm.shtm Mon, 28 Jan 2013 10:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will co-host a press conference in Lexington, KY, today at 1 p.m. ET (Noon Central Time), with the Kentucky Attorney General’s office, to announce a major action against an allegedly illegal pyramid scheme. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/lexingtonky_ma.shtm Mon, 28 Jan 2013 08:30:00 EST Security Breach Allegedly Exposed Nearly 300,000 Consumers' Information http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/cbr.shtm Fri, 25 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission’s Southwest Region Office has warned 11 used car dealerships in Jonesboro, Arkansas, that their sales practices violate the FTC’s Used Car Rule, which requires used car dealers to display a “Buyers Guide” detailing warranty and other important information on the cars they sell.  http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/usedcarrule.shtm Fri, 25 Jan 2013 14:30:00 EST Federal Trade Commission staff submitted a comment in response to a request from the New York State Public Service Commission (NY PSC) for comments on competition and consumer protection rules in New York's retail electricity markets.  http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/nypsc.shtm Fri, 25 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is issuing changes to its Energy Labeling Rule, which will add regional information to the familiar yellow EnergyGuide label on residential furnaces and central air conditioners http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/energylabeling.shtm Thu, 24 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST FTC Alleged that Defendants Falsely Claimed They Had Buyers Lined Up for Consumers’ Properties http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/nationalsolution.shtm Wed, 23 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST Mansion and Silver Bars Among Alleged Ill-Gotten Gains http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/iworks.shtm Tue, 22 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST American eVoice, Ltd. Allegedly Placed Bogus Charges on Consumers' Phone Bills http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/evoice.shtm Thu, 17 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission and the New York and Florida Attorneys General charged The Tax Club's telemarketing operation with deceiving consumers who mistakenly believed its services would help their home-based business succeed.  http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/taxclub.shtm Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST National Collector's Mint Inc., which sold 9/11-related coins and collectibles, including an "exclusively authorized" commemorative honoring the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, has agreed to pay $750,000 to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it deceived consumers, charged them for items they never ordered, and failed to properly mark its imitation items with "COPY." http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/911coin.shtm Thu, 17 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST Scheme Allegedly Targeted Consumers and Small Businesses http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/rumson.shtm Thu, 17 Jan 2013 10:30:00 EST Ivy Capital Allegedly Took Millions from Consumers Trying to Run Their Own Online Businesses http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/ivycapital.shtm Wed, 16 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission upheld an Administrative Law Judge's decision that the marketers of POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice and POMx supplements deceptively advertised their products and did not have adequate support for claims that the products could treat, prevent, or reduce the risk of heart disease, prostate cancer, and erectile dysfunction, and that they were clinically proven to work.  http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/pom.shtm Fri, 11 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz welcomed Joshua D. Wright as an FTC Commissioner at a swearing-in ceremony today. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/wright.shtm Thu, 10 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST Pitched Mobile Apps Offering Job Applicant Screening Tools http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/filiquarian.shtm Tue, 08 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST Telemarketers Who Allegedly Falsely Claimed Affiliation with Federal Mortgage Assistance Programs Are Banned from Mortgage Assistance Business http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/freedom.shtm Mon, 07 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST FTC Challenged Marketers' Claims that Products could Cause Weight Loss or Treat and Prevent Colds, Flu, and Allergies http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/iovaterefund.shtm Thu, 03 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST Amazon, Leon Max, Macy's, and Sears Ignored Warning Letters FTC Sent in 2010 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/bamboo.shtm Thu, 03 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today announced an Enforcement Policy Statement regarding the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act, the Wool Products Labeling Act, and the Fur Products Labeling Act concerning treatment of certain retailers that directly import textile, wool, and fur products. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/01/eps.shtm Mon, 31 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST Also Proposes Changes to Update Labels on Refrigerators and Clothes Washers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/12/energylabel.shtm Fri, 21 Dec 2012 13:00:00 EST As part of its systematic regulatory review process, and following public comment, the Federal Trade Commission announced that it is retaining the Cooling Off Rule and proposed increasing its $25 exclusionary limit to $130 to account for inflation. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/12/coolingoff.shtm Fri, 21 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST Commends Industry for Progress, Urges Broader Participation and Continued Improvement http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/12/foodmarketing.shtm Wed, 19 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST Rule Being Modified to Keep Up with Changing Technology http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/12/coppa.shtm Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:30:00 EST At a press conference hosted by Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz will announce final amendments to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule that strengthen kids' privacy protections and give parents greater control over the personal information that websites and online services may collect from children under 13.  http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/12/coppa_ma.shtm Tue, 18 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST Commission Issues Nine Orders for Information to Analyze Industry's Privacy Practices http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/12/databrokers.shtm Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:30:00 EST Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz today announced that David C. Vladeck, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, is leaving the agency on December 31 to return to a faculty position at Georgetown University Law Center, and that Charles A. Harwood, who has been a Deputy Director in the Bureau for the past three years, will serve as Acting Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/12/personnel.shtm Fri, 13 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST Defendants Routinely Called Consumers on the Do Not Call Registry, Complaint Alleges http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/12/financialfreedom.shtm Wed, 12 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST Case is Sixth Advance-Fee Telemarketing Complaint Filed in Just Over a Month http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/12/nationalcard.shtm Tue, 11 Dec 2012 13:00:00 EST Defendants Allegedly Tricked Consumers Into Buying High-Fee, Risky Investments on Credit http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/12/preciousmetals.shtm Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST Kids' Data Still Collected, Shared without Parents' Knowledge, Consent http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/12/kidsapp.shtm Fri, 07 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST 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. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/12/kidsapp_ma.shtm Fri, 07 Dec 2012 13:00:00 EST 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. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/12/fcra.shtm Fri, 07 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST 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. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/12/holidayshopping.shtm Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST 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. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/12/bah.shtm Wed, 05 Dec 2012 13:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will host a workshop tomorrow exploring the practices and privacy implications of comprehensive data collection. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/12/bigpicture_ma.shtm Wed, 05 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST Network Tracked Interest in Sensitive Medical and Financial Issues, Agency Says http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/12/epic.shtm Tue, 03 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST Proposed Buyers Guide Sticker Advises Consumers to Seek Vehicle Information History via FTC.gov and Directs Spanish Speakers to a Spanish Version of the Guide http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/12/usedcarrule.shtm Tue, 03 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST Agency Charged "Hope for Car Owners" Operation Falsely Promised to Modify Consumers' Loans and Stop Their Cars from Being Repossessed http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/12/hopeforcarowners.shtm Mon, 03 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST Case is 100th Brought by the FTC Enforcing Provisions of the Do Not Call Registry  http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/12/cubanexchange.shtm Fri, 30 Nov 2012 13:00:00 EST Responding to charges by the Federal Trade Commission, a U.S. district court has found a credit repair operation in contempt for violating a previous court order that required the defendants to stop promoting bogus credit repair products and services to consumers.  http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/11/hargrave.shtm Fri, 30 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST Interim Final Rule Narrows the Circumstances Under Which Creditors Are Covered http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/11/redflags.shtm Thu, 29 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST Agency Sends Warning Letters to 18 Other Marketers of Anti-Concussion Products http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/11/brainpad.shtm Wed, 28 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has warned 22 hotel operators that their online reservation sites may violate the law by providing a deceptively low estimate of what consumers can expect to pay for their hotel rooms. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/11/hotelresort.shtm Tue, 27 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST Foreign Operation Targeted Small Businesses and Nonprofits in U.S. and Other Countries http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/11/yellowpage.shtm Fri, 23 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission announced a preliminary agenda for The Big Picture: Comprehensive Data Collection, a workshop that will explore the practices and privacy implications of comprehensive data collection. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/11/compdata.shtm Tue, 20 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Consumer Protection Director David Vladeck issued the following statement regarding a federal judge's approval of the FTC proposed order and $22.5 million civil penalty settling charges that Google misrepresented privacy assurances to users of Apple's Safari Internet browser in violation of a previous FTC settlement order. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/11/google.shtm Mon, 19 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST After reviewing hundreds of mortgage advertisements, the Federal Trade Commission staff has sent letters to 20 companies, warning them that their ads may be deceptive. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/11/mortgageadvertise.shtm Fri, 16 Nov 2012 16:00:00 EST Scammers are using illegal robocalls to impersonate the Federal Trade Commission, and to try to trick consumers into disclosing their bank account information on a non-FTC website, the agency warns. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/11/robocalls2.shtm Fri, 16 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST On Monday, November 19, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) will hold a press call to announce a coordinated effort to protect consumers. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/11/ftc-cfpb_ma.shtm Thu, 15 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has issued its Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 Performance and Accountability Report. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/11/par.shtm Thu, 15 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST More Than 70 Actions Brought By FTC and Its Law Enforcement Partners http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/11/lostopp.shtm Wed, 14 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST More Than 70 Actions Brought By FTC and Its Law Enforcement Partners http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/11/lostopp_ma.shtm Wed, 14 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST Affiliate Network to Pay $2 Million for Allegedly Using Deceptive Claims to Sell Acai Berry Weight-Loss Products and Colon Cleansers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/11/clickbooth.shtm Tue, 13 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz today announced that Willard K. “Will” Tom, the agency's General Counsel, has left the agency to return to the private sector, and that David Shonka, the FTC's Principal Deputy General Counsel, will serve as Acting General Counsel.  http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/11/personnel.shtm Tue, 13 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission announced the agenda for its November 29 forum exploring the use of enforceable industry codes of conduct to protect consumers in cross-border commerce. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/11/enforceablecodes.shtm Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:00:00 EST To help Spanish-speaking consumers recover money lost to a scam that promised to stop foreclosure or obtain mortgage loan modifications, the Federal Trade Commission mailed claim forms this week, that must be submitted no later than January 14, 2013. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/11/dinamica.shtm Wed, 07 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST Will Pay $101,500 Civil Penalty http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/11/plspayday.shtm Thu, 01 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST Agency Gets Court Orders Disconnecting Five of Them http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/11/robocalls.shtm Thu, 01 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST If you purchased "Wal-Born" - a Walgreens' brand dietary supplement, the Federal Trade Commission wants you to know that you may be eligible for a refund. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/11/walgreens.shtm Wed, 31 Oct 2012 15:30:00 EST Actions Continue Agency's Work to Protect Consumers From Unwanted Telemarketing Calls http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/robocalls_ma.shtm Fri, 26 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has accepted as final settlements with two operations it charged with illegally exposing the sensitive personal information of thousands of consumers by allowing peer-to-peer file-sharing software to be installed on their corporate computer systems. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/franklinepn.shtm Thu, 25 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST Two of the nation's leading paint companies, The Sherwin-Williams Company and PPG Architectural Finishes, Inc.,have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they misled consumers to believe that some of their paints are free of potentially harmful chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/sherwinwilliams.shtm Thu, 25 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST As consumers turn back their clocks, it's a good time to check their free annual credit report http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/freecredit.shtm Tue, 23 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST Callers Often Posed as Law Enforcement Authorities; Defendants will Be Permanently Barred from Debt Collection, Surrender Ill-Gotten Gains http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/americancredit.shtm Mon, 22 Oct 2012 10:30:00 EST A web analytics company has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it violated federal law by using its web-tracking software that collected personal data without disclosing the extent of the information that it was collecting. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/compete.shtm Mon, 22 Oct 2012 09:30:00 EST Companies Using the Technologies Should Design Services with Consumer Privacy in Mind http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/facialrecognition.shtm Fri, 19 Oct 2012 15:45:00 EST Defendants Settle FTC Charges that They Made Fake Endorsements and Deceptive Acai Berry Weight Loss Claims http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/circa.shtm Thu, 18 Oct 2012 16:45:00 EST Agency Offers $50,000 for Best Technical Solution as Part of Ongoing Fight Against Illegal Calls http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/robocalls3.shtm Wed, 17 Oct 2012 15:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will host a forum on Thursday, November 29, 2012, on using enforceable industry codes of conduct to protect consumers in cross-border commerce.  http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/codeenf.shtm Wed, 17 Oct 2012 15:00:00 EST Event Will Be Held at FTC Conference Center in Washington, DC http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/robocalls2.shtm Wed, 17 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST Ads on 17 Websites Featured Misleading Claims, False Ties to Government Assistance Programs, and Phony Testimonials, FTC Alleges http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/legitdebt.shtm Tue, 16 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST More Than 217 Million Phone Numbers on Do Not Call List http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/dncdatabook.shtm Mon, 15 Oct 2012 14:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will host a workshop on December 6, 2012, to explore the practices and privacy implications of comprehensive collection of data about consumers' online activities. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/collection.shtm Mon, 15 Oct 2012 13:30:00 EST Only AAA and AATA Can Issue International Driving Permits to Lawful Holders of U.S. Driver's Licenses, Agency Says http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/idp.shtm Fri, 12 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST Court Found Company Deceived Timeshare Owners http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/vacationproperty.shtm Wed, 10 Oct 2012 13:30:00 EST IAB Scheme Allegedly Bilked Millions of Dollars from Consumers Seeking Health Insurance http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/iab.shtm Wed, 10 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST In Separate Actions, Equifax and Its Customers Will Pay a Total of $1.6 Million http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/equifaxdirect.shtm Tue, 09 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST Victimizing Thousands of Consumers, Marketers Allegedly Falsely Claimed They Could Help, But Instead Drove Distressed Homeowners Deeper into Debt http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/phonymortgage.shtm Thu, 04 Oct 2012 11:30:00 EST Event Will Be Held at FTC Conference Center in Washington, DC http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/robocalls.shtm Thu, 03 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST Artist Arena Ran Sites For Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/artistarena.shtm Thu, 03 Oct 2012 11:30:00 EST Event Will Be Held at FTC Conference Center in Washington, DC http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/robocalls.shtm Wed, 03 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST Tens of Thousands of Consumers Allegedly Tricked Into Paying for Removal of Bogus Viruses and Non-Existent Spyware, and Allowing Scammers to Remotely Access their Computers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/pecon.shtm Tue, 02 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will host a press conference Wednesday, October 3, 2012, to announce a law enforcement crackdown on a massive international computer tech support scam that allegedly swindled tens of thousands of consumers in six countries. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/pecon_ma.shtm Tue, 02 Oct 2012 11:30:00 EST At the Federal Trade Commission's request, a federal court imposed a judgment of more than $163 million on the final defendant in the FTC's case against an operation that used computer "scareware" to trick consumers into thinking their computers were infected with malicious software, and then sold them software to "fix" their non-existent problem.  http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/winfixer.shtm Tue, 02 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission's staff submitted a comment to the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on disclosure forms designed to help consumers understand the features, costs, and risks of home mortgage loans. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/cfpb_mortgage.shtm Mon, 01 Oct 2012 15:00:00 EST Event Will Be Held at FTC Conference Center in Washington, DC http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/petmedswksp_ma.shtm Mon, 01 Oct 2012 11:30:00 EST Will Help Marketers Avoid Making Misleading Environmental Claims http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/10/greenguides.shtm Fri, 28 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST Guides Help Firms Ensure Their Environmental Claims Are Truthful and Substantiated http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/09/greenguides_ma.shtm Fri, 28 Sep 2012 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is mailing 831 checks for $13.70 each to consumers who allegedly were charged an illegal advance fee for a CD-ROM with information about credit reporting and instructions that supposedly taught consumers how to repair their credit. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/09/luebke.shtm Thu, 27 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST More Than 138,000 Checks Being Mailed This Week to Consumers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/09/suretouch.shtm Tue, 25 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST Secretly Installed Software on Rented Computers Collected Information, Took Pictures of Consumers in Their Homes, Tracked Consumers' Locations http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/09/designware.shtm Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:00:00 EST Amount Spent Declines for Cigarettes, Smokeless Tobacco in 2009 and 2010 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/09/tobacco.shtm Thu, 20 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST Banned from Telemarketing, Credit Card Marketing http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/09/platinumtrust.shtm Thu, 20 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today issued final changes to agency procedure that will streamline the FTC's investigatory process, make updates to keep pace with electronic evidence discovery, and provide more detail on how the agency evaluates allegations of misconduct by attorneys practicing before the Commission. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/09/finalrule.shtm Wed, 19 Sep 2012 11:00:00 EST Charged with Failing to Show Itemized Price Lists to Consumers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/09/carter.shtm Tue, 18 Sep 2012 13:30:00 EST Allegedly Made Illegal Robocalls, Debited Consumers' Bank Accounts Without Their Consent; FTC Hosts Summit on Stopping Illegal Robocalls on October 18 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/09/nelsongamble.shtm Mon, 17 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST Allegedly Did Not Check Out Long-Term Care Facilities As Claimed http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/09/abcspcarepatrol.shtm Thu, 13 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST Says Accuracy of Data is Essential to an Effective Consumer Reporting System http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/09/fcra.shtm Wed, 12 Sep 2012 11:00:00 EST Defendants will Pay $1 Million to Settle Charges http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/09/coleadium.shtm Tue, 11 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST 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 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/09/myspace.shtm Tue, 11 Sep 2012 11:00:00 EST Defendants Charged Hidden Fees and Falsely Claimed Affiliation with Google Inc., FTC Alleged http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/09/google.shtm Mon, 10 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST Cedar, Cinnamon, Lemon Grass, Peppermint, and Clove Oil? There's No Proof They Will Eradicate Bed Bugs, Agency Says http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/09/cedarcidermb.shtm Mon, 10 Sep 2012 11:30:00 EST Unsupported Weight-Loss Claims Violated Previous Order, Agency Alleges http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/09/jasonpharm.shtm Fri, 07 Sep 2012 11:00:00 EST 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. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/09/furproducts.shtm Tue, 05 Sep 2012 11:00:00 EST 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. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/09/mobileapps.shtm Mon, 04 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST 4,468 Checks Being Mailed This Week on Behalf of FTC to Consumers Nationwide; Calls Included Those from "Heather from Card Services" http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/09/econrelief.shtm Mon, 04 Sep 2012 11:00:00 EST 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. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/09/cvs.shtm Wed, 29 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission warned 14 window manufacturers and one window glass manufacturer that they may be making unsupported energy savings claims for replacement windows. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/08/windows.shtm Tue, 28 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST Two of Three Defendants Settle Charges for Claims Made about Children's Learning Program; Order Bans Use of Product Name http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/08/babyread.shtm Tue, 28 Aug 2012 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is mailing 153,109 checks for $40.45 each to consumers who were deceived by supplement marketer National Urological Group. A federal district court ruled in favor of the FTC in 2008, ordering the defendants to provide money for refunds. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/08/nugrefund.shtm Mon, 27 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST The FTC will extend until September 24, 2012, the deadline for commenting on additional proposed modifications to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule, which gives parents control over what information websites and online services may collect from children under 12.   http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/08/coppa2.shtm Mon, 27 Aug 2012 11:30:00 EST A federal grand jury has charged a Tracy, California-based man with 21 criminal counts of wire fraud and mail fraud for a fake debt collection scheme.  http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/08/bgm.shtm Mon, 27 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST Consumers Should Read the FTC's Federal and Postal Job Scams: Tip-offs to Rip-offs http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/08/govcareers.shtm Thu, 23 Aug 2012 14:00:00 EST At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a U.S. district court ordered the marketers of three get-rich-quick systems, including "John Beck's Free and Clear Real Estate System," to pay a record $478 million for deceiving close to one million consumers with phony claims that they could make easy money using their programs. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/08/johnbeck.shtm Thu, 23 Aug 2012 12:30:00 EST Agency Sues Satellite TV Provider, Alleging it Called Millions of Consumers Who Had Asked Not to be Called Again http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/08/dish.shtm Thu, 23 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST Settlement will provide up to $25 million for consumer refunds http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/08/abcirclepro_ma.shtm Thu, 23 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST Just Three Minutes a Day Won't Make You Thin, FTC Complaint Alleges http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/08/abcirclepro.shtm Wed, 22 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has announced updated fees starting on October 1, 2012, for telemarketers accessing phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/08/donotcall.shtm Mon, 20 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission filed an amicus brief in the phone bill cramming case Moore v. Verizon Communications, Inc. (No. 2 CV 09-1823 SBA) before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, opposing a proposed class action settlement of the case because it is not fair, adequate, and reasonable. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/08/amicusbrief.shtm Thu, 16 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau filed a joint amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court supporting consumers' ability to protect their rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act by suing debt collectors. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/08/amicus.shtm Thu, 16 Aug 2012 10:00:00 EST FTC Alleges Claims Are Not Backed by Adequate Scientific Evidence http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/08/brainpad.shtm Wed, 15 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST Do you have something to say about jewelry and how it's marketed? If so, the Federal Trade Commission wants to hear from you, and is extending the deadline for filing public comments on the agency's Jewelry Guides. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/08/jewelryguides.shtm Tue, 14 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST Have you purchased Disney- or Marvel Hero-themed vitamins for your kids during the last few years – vitamins that featured characters such as the Disney Princesses, Winnie the Pooh, Finding Nemo, and Spider-Man? http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/08/nbty.shtm Fri, 10 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST Facebook Must Obtain Consumers' Consent Before Sharing Their Information Beyond Established Privacy Settings http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/08/facebook.shtm Fri, 10 Aug 2012 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is mailing 9,282 refund checks to consumers who were deceived by false promises that they could earn substantial income if they bought and followed the "Stefanchik Program" to buy and sell privately held promissory notes and mortgages. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/08/stefanchik.shtm Thu, 09 Aug 2012 13:30:00 EST More than $723,000 being returned to consumers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/08/firstuniversal.shtm Thu, 09 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST Privacy Settlement is the Largest FTC Penalty Ever for Violation of a Commission Order http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/08/google.shtm Thu, 09 Aug 2012 10:55:00 EST Agency also to host social chats to discuss the settlement with public http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/08/google_ma.shtm Wed, 08 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST FTC Charges HireRight Solutions Incorrectly Listed Criminal Convictions on Reports of Some Consumers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/08/hireright.shtm Tue, 07 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST Company Paid $25 Million for Refunds to Settle FTC Charges of Deceptive Advertising http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/08/reebok.shtm Wed, 01 Aug 2012 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is publishing a Federal Register Notice seeking public comments on additional proposed modifications to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/08/coppa.shtm Mon, 30 Jul 2012 11:00:00 EST Court Issues Restraining Order against Telemarketers Who Falsely Claimed Affiliation with Federal Mortgage Assistance Programs http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/07/freedom.shtm Mon, 30 Jul 2012 10:00:00 EST In a comment submitted to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), staff of the Federal Trade Commission expressed support for protecting users of general purpose reloadable (GPR) cards and for the CFPB's proposal to solicit information about the costs and benefits of extending additional protections to these cards. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/07/ccfpb.shtm Fri, 27 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, has tips for anyone who may want to donate money to the victims and families of the Aurora, Colorado, movie theater shooting. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/07/coloradocharity.shtm Fri, 27 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST Defendants Must Pay $100,000 and Up To $15,000 Per Day for Noncompliance http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/07/neovi.shtm Thu, 26 Jul 2012 12:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission welcomed the approval of the United States' participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Cross-Border Privacy Rules system, which was announced by the U.S. Department of Commerce today. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/07/apec.shtm Mon, 23 Jul 2012 11:00:00 EST In Comment to FCC, Agency Says Wireless Customers Should Be Given the Option to Block All Third-Party Charges http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/07/cramming.shtm Fri, 20 Jul 2012 11:00:00 EST Charged with Failing to Show Casket Price Lists to Consumers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/07/bkhenry.shtm Thu, 19 Jul 2012 11:00:00 EST Sellers of "Cure" Threatened to Disclose Consumers' Alcohol Dependence http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/07/alcoholcure.shtm Thu, 19 Jul 2012 10:00:00 EST Allegedly Told Timeshare Owners They Had Renters or Buyers Lined Up for Their Properties http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/07/infomanagement.shtm Wed, 18 Jul 2012 14:30:00 EST Agency Will Recommend Best Practices to Safeguard Privacy, Security http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/07/facial.shtm Tue, 17 Jul 2012 10:00:00 EST Federal Trade Commission staff, in response to a request by a law firm representing the textile company Naturally Advanced Technologies US Inc., stated that using the generic term "flax" for textile products made from the company's CRAiLAR® flax fibers and yarns would comply with the FTC's Textile Rules. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/07/textiles.shtm Tue, 10 Jul 2012 11:00:00 EST Agency Announces Robocall Summit to be Held October 18 in Washington, DC http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/07/robocall.shtm Mon, 09 Jul 2012 13:00:00 EST Cards Tested by the Agency Delivered Only 40 Percent of the Minutes They Advertised http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/07/drcommunication.shtm Mon, 02 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EST One Operator Allegedly Impersonated Federal Agencies; Settlements Ban Both from the Debt Relief Business http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/07/premier.shtm Mon, 02 Jul 2012 11:00:00 EST Defendants Charged Consumers $2,000 Each for Services They Did Not Perform http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/07/crowder.shtm Mon, 02 Jul 2012 10:00:00 EST Before you apply for a job, you should know what's in your credit report, because employers may look at your credit history if they're considering hiring you. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/07/jobsearch.shtm Fri, 29 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST Have you heard the federal government will pay your bills? Don't be fooled; it's a scam. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/06/fedbillpay.shtm Wed, 27 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST If your kids play video games, the Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, wants you to know there are resources to help you learn about the games and put limits on what your kids can access. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/06/videogames.shtm Wed, 27 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is mailing 454 refund checks totaling more than $2.9 million to consumers who were victimized by a scam that promoted video rental machines as a business opportunity. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/06/aedrefund.shtm Tue, 26 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST Credit Card Data of Hundreds of Thousands of Consumers Compromised, Millions of Dollars Lost to Fraud http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/06/wyndham.shtm Thu, 21 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST FTC Alleged that They Deceptively Marketed Mortgage Modifications and "Forensic Audits", Settlements Ban Them from Mortgage Relief Business http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/06/debtcenter.shtm Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has halted a telemarketing scam that allegedly tricked consumers who were seeking affordable health insurance into buying worthless medical discount plans. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/06/healthcareone.shtm Wed, 13 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST Forensic Mortgage Loan Audit Scams: A New Twist on Foreclosure Rescue Fraud http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/06/consumeradvocate.shtm Tue, 12 Jun 2012 10:30:00 EST Spokeo, Inc., a data broker that compiles and sells detailed information profiles on millions of consumers, will pay $800,000 to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it marketed the profiles to companies in the human resources, background screening, and recruiting industries without taking steps to protect consumers required under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/06/spokeo.shtm Thu, 7 Jun 2012 13:00:00 EST Hargrave Operation Falsely Claimed it Could Repair Anyone's Credit for $250 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/06/hargrave.shtm Thu, 7 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST Settlements Require Companies to Establish Comprehensive Information Security Programs http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/06/epn-franklin.shtm Wed, 6 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST FDN Solutions, LLC Web Advertisements Claimed Company Could Reduce Debt by 40 to 60 % http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/06/fdnsolutions.shtm Tue, 29 May 2012 12:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will host a one-day public workshop on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 to consider the need for new guidance concerning advertising and privacy disclosures in today's online and mobile environments. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/05/dotcomdiscl_ma.shtm Mon, 21 May 2012 15:30:00 EST ALJ Ruling: Some Health Claims for Pomegranate Products Were False and Not Supported by Scientific Evidence http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/05/pom.shtm Mon, 21 May 2012 11:00:00 EST Company Made Unfounded Claims that Vacuum Cleaner and Air Filters Could Prevent Illness, FTC Alleged http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/05/oreckrefund.shtm Fri, 18 May 2012 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will host a one-day public workshop on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 to consider the need for new guidance concerning advertising and privacy disclosures in today's online and mobile environments. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/05/dotcomdiscl_ma.shtm Fri, 18 May 2012 11:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved final orders settling charges that five companies that make and sell replacement windows made deceptive energy efficiency and cost savings claims. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/05/windows.shtm Wed, 16 May 2012 11:00:00 EST Consumers Who Bought Shape-ups, Other Toning Shoes Will Be Eligible for Refunds http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/05/consumerrefund.shtm Tue, 15 May 2012 11:00:00 EST Consumers Were Subjected to Collection Efforts for Magazine Subscription Debts They Did Not Owe, FTC Alleges http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/05/luebkenr.shtm Tue, 15 May 2012 11:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the FTC has accepted as final an order with CVS Caremark settling charges that it misrepresented the prices of certain Medicare Part D prescription drugs, including drugs used to treat breast cancer symptoms and epilepsy, at CVS and Walgreens pharmacies. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/05/cvs.shtm Tue, 15 May 2012 10:00:00 EST Alleges Overhyped Advertising Claims; Consumers to Receive Millions in Refunds in Settlement http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/05/consumergoods_ma.shtm Mon, 14 May 2012 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will host a workshop on May 21 on drip pricing, a pricing technique in which firms advertise only part of a product's price up-front, and then reveal additional charges later as the consumer goes through the buying process. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/05/drippricing.shtm Fri, 11 May 2012 11:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that Star Pipe Products, Ltd. engaged in illegal anticompetitive practices to protect its share of the market for ductile iron pipe fittings used in municipal water systems nationwide. Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved final orders settling charges that five automobile dealers made deceptive claims that they would pay off the remaining balance on consumers' trade-ins, no matter what they owed. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/05/starpipeautodealers.shtm Thu, 10 May 2012 16:00:00 EST New York Funeral Home Previously Cited for Price List Violations in 2001 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/05/harrison.shtm Wed, 9 May 2012 14:30:00 EST Asks Congress to Encourage Industry to Continue Efforts on "Do Not Track" Tools http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/05/donottrack.shtm Tue, 8 May 2012 12:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has joined the Department of Justice and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in filing a memorandum brief in support of the constitutionality of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the 1970 law that is designed to protect the privacy of credit report information and ensure that the information supplied by consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) is as accurate as possible. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/05/fcra.shtm Tue, 8 May 2012 11:00:00 EST Settlement Will Require Regular Privacy Assessments for the Next 20 Years http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/05/myspace.shtm Tue, 8 May 2012 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is seeking a civil contempt ruling against the nation's largest third-party billing company, alleging that it placed more than $70 million in bogus "cramming" charges on consumers' phone bills in violation of a previous court order. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/05/bsg.shtm Thu, 3 May 2012 13:30:00 EST Agency Charges Blair-Mazzarella Home With Funeral Rule Violations http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/05/blair.shtm Wed, 2 May 2012 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will host a one-day public workshop on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 to consider the need for new guidance for online advertisers about making disclosures.  http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/05/dotcom_ma.shtm Tue, 1 May 2012 11:00:00 EST Agency Alleges that Nearly One Million Consumers Lost More Than $450 Million http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/05/johnbeck.shtm Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST The staff of the Federal Trade Commission is seeking information from the public on how identity theft impacts senior citizens, which the agency will use to inform its law enforcement agenda, policy initiatives and consumer education efforts. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/04/idtheft.shtm Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST FTC's Funeral Rule Requires Funeral Homes to Provide Price Lists to Consumers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/04/funeral.shtm Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST 'Green Millionaire Book' Promoters Settle FTC Charges; Will Pay Almost $2 Million for Consumer Refunds http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/04/greenmill.shtm Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST Consumer advocates, industry representatives, government regulators, technologists, and academics will take part in the upcoming workshop, "Paper, Plastic . . . or Mobile? http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/04/mobilepayments.shtm Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST Study Focuses on Industry Self-Regulatory Efforts to Reduce Ads, Marketing to Underage Audiences http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/04/alcoholstudy.shtm Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST California-based Defendant Ran Phantom Debt Collection Scheme from His Home, FTC Alleges http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/04/broadway.shtm Fri, 6 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a federal court has imposed a court order with a $3.89 million judgment against defendant Samuel Paul Bain and three of his companies for their role in an allegedly fraudulent mortgage modification and foreclosure relief scheme. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/04/ushomeowners.shtm Thu, 5 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST A Great Time to Share Free Resources from the FTC http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/04/financialmonth.shtm Thu, 5 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission put the telemarketing and timeshare businesses off-limits to a south Florida couple who allegedly operated a deceptive telemarketing scheme that victimized property owners hoping to sell their timeshares. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/04/timeshare.shtm Wed, 4 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST "Hope for Car Owners" and "Auto Debt Consulting" Took Fees, But Failed to Modify Loans http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/04/autoloans.shtm Tue, 3 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that Upromise, Inc., a membership reward service aimed at consumers trying to save money for college used a web-browser toolbar to collect consumers' personal information without adequately disclosing the extent of the information it was collecting. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/04/upromise.shtm Mon, 2 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST Defendants Charged Many Consumers More than Three Times the Amount Borrowed http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/04/amg.shtm Mon, 2 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST Cash Grant Institute Called Consumers on the Do Not Call Registry, Promised Cash Grants That Didn't Exist http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/04/cashgrant.shtm Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:45:00 EST Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz and Maureen K. Ohlhausen were confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Thursday to serve as Commissioners of the FTC. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/03/senateconfirm.shtm Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz released the agency's 2012 Annual Highlights today at the spring meeting of the American Bar Association's Section of Antitrust Law in Washington, DC, recognizing the agency's continued efforts to protect consumers and promote competition. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/03/annualhighlights.shtm Thu, 29 Mar 2012 9:00:00 EST Agency Tells Congress It Continues to Support Implementation of "Do Not Track" Tools http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/03/privacytestimony.shtm Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST Settlement Order Requires Company to Implement Comprehensive Data Security Program http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/03/rockyou.shtm Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST Agency Calls on Companies to Adopt Best Privacy Practices http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/03/privacyframework.shtm Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST Agency also to host social chats to discuss the report with public http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/03/privacy_ma.shtm Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST Defendants Falsely Promised They Could Help Desperate Consumers Who Joined Group Lawsuits Against Their Lenders http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/03/household.shtm Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST FTC Resolves first Action against "Affiliate Network" of Internet Advertisers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/03/fakenews.shtm Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST The FTC Enforces the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and Promotes Related Education, Research, and Policy Development Initiatives http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/03/cfpb.shtm Tue, 15 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST Operation Deceived Clients and Harassed Consumers, FTC Alleged http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/03/rumson.shtm Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a U.S. district court judge has ordered the operators and top promoters of a deceptive pyramid scheme to pay a total of $17 million to refund consumers who were burned by the scam. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/03/burnlounge.shtm Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST FTC Alleges Dealers Falsely Promised To Pay Off Trade-ins, No Matter What Consumers Owed http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/03/autoloans.shtm Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission issued a staff report summarizing the results of a survey of identity theft victims who were asked to describe their experiences dealing with consumer reporting agencies and, more generally, exercising their rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) as amended by the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA), to recover from identity theft. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/03/fcra.shtm Thu, 8 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST Defendants Allegedly Sold Job Seekers Exam Prep Services for Non-Existent Vacancies http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/03/govcareers.shtm Wed, 7 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST Agency Expands Its Case Against Payday Financial, LLC http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/03/payday.shtm Mon, 5 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST In testimony before the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, the Federal Trade Commission summarized the agency's FY 2013 budget request and described its ongoing work to promote competition and protect American consumers. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/03/housebudget.shtm Mon, 5 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST In the wake of a late-winter tornado outbreak that pounded seven states, the Federal Trade Commission reminds consumers that scams often follow disasters. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/03/storms.shtm Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will host a day-long public workshop to consider the need for new guidance for online advertisers about making disclosures required under FTC law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/02/dotcom.shtm Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST Nationwide Vacation Prize Scheme Targeted Spanish-Speaking Consumers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/02/vgc.shtm Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST Identity Theft Once Again Tops the List http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/02/2011complaints.shtm Mon, 27 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST Speakers Include Costa Rica President Laura Chinchilla and FTC Commissioner Edith Ramirez http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/02/icpen.shtm Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:45:00 EST Defendants Allegedly Made Hundreds of Millions of Illegal Prerecorded Calls to Numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/02/voiceblaze.shtm Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST Program Will Promote Compliance With Children's Online Privacy Protection Act http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/02/aristotle.shtm Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST Settlements Ban Defendants From Using 'Negative-Option' Marketing http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/02/willms.shtm Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST Companies Must Have Scientific Evidence Before Making Marketing Claims http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/02/windows.shtm Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST Promoters Falsely Claimed That "Almost Everybody" Can Legally Receive Food Stamps http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/02/creditrestoration.shtm Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST Energy-Efficiency, Consumer Savings Claims Allegedly Overstated http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/02/windows-ma.shtm Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a U.S. district court has halted an operation that the FTC alleges collected phantom payday loan "debts" that consumers did not owe. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/02/acc.shtm Tue, 21 Feb 2012 9:30:00 EST Agency Alleges Operator Attempted to Collect on Phantom Debts - Victim Will Describe Her Experiences http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/02/debt-ma.shtm Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST Says Mobile Apps Offer Opportunities But Lack Information on Data Being Collected http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/02/mobileapps_kids.shtm Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST Defendant Ordered to Surrender Yacht, Cadillac, and Rolex http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/02/usmortgage.shtm Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission submitted its Fiscal Year 2013 budget request to Congress, including the FY 2013 Budget Overview Statement, and FY 2012 and FY 2013 Performance Plans required under the Government Performance and Results and Modernization Act of 2010. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/02/budget.shtm Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has issued its annual report to the Federal Reserve Board on FTC enforcement and related activities regarding the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA), Consumer Leasing Act (CLA), and Truth in Lending Act (TILA). http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/02/fedreport.shtm Thu, 9 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST Excessive Default-Related Fees Allegedly Violated Earlier Countrywide Settlement http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/02/bachomeloans.shtm Tue, 7 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST Agency Sends Letter to Marketers of Six Apps for Background Screening http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/02/mobileapps.shtm Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST Defendants Ordered to Pay Almost $10 Million; Billed Consumers Without Their Consent http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/02/moneymaker.shtm Wed, 1 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST Cards Failed to Deliver the Advertised Minutes http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/02/millennium.shtm Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST Firm Also Will Notify Consumers with "Time-Barred" Debt That It Will Not Sue to Collect http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/01/asset.shtm Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST As part of its continuing effort to protect consumers from financial fraud and keep them informed, the Federal Trade Commission will be joined by the U.S. Department of Justice to discuss a major enforcement action involving the debt collection industry. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/01/debt-ma.shtm Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will host a workshop on April 26, 2012, to examine the use of mobile payments in the marketplace and how this emerging technology impacts consumers. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/01/mobilepayments.shtm Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST Alleged Fraudulent Affiliate Marketers will Surrender Assets under Settlements http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/01/fakenews.shtm Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST The immigration services business will be permanently off limits to an operation that allegedly posed as the federal government and tricked people into paying up to $2,500 for immigration forms, under settlements with the Federal Trade Commission. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/01/immigration.shtm Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST Memorandum of Understanding Creates Framework for Strong Coordination and Cooperation http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/01/ftccfpb.shtm Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a U.S. district court has frozen the assets of a telemarketing operation that allegedly charged consumers hundreds of dollars based on bogus promises to either provide them with low-interest credit or refund their money. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/01/premier.shtm Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST Proposed Changes Would Expedite Investigatory Processes, Keep Pace with Technology http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/01/part2rules.shtm Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has approved Rule 2.17, a new component in the agency's Rules of Practice. Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that Pool Corporation, the largest distributor of swimming pool products in the United States, used threats and coercion to stop manufacturers from selling pool products to PoolCorp's competitors. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/01/ftcpoolcorp.shtm Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST Many Seniors and Disabled Consumers Hit With Higher Prices for Prescription Drugs http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/01/cvs.shtm Mon, 9 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission announced that an operation that marketed acai berry supplements, "colon cleansers," and other products using allegedly fraudulent free trial offers and phony endorsements from Oprah Winfrey and Rachael Ray will pay $1.5 million as part of a settlement. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/01/centralcoast.shtm Thu, 5 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST Allegedly Debited Millions of Dollars from Consumers' Bank Accounts Without Their Consent http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/01/landmark.shtm Thu, 5 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST A membership reward service aimed at consumers trying to save money for college has agreed to settle FTC charges and will be barred from its allegedly deceptive practice of using a web-browser toolbar to collect consumers' personal information without adequately disclosing the extent of the information it is collecting. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2012/01/upromise.shtm Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has approved a biennial report to Congress focusing on the use of the Do Not Call Registry by both consumers and businesses over the past two years, as well as the impact that new technologies have had on the Registry. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/12/dnc.shtm Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST Brief Emphasizes the Funeral Rule's Goals of Protecting Consumers and Promoting Competition http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/12/amicus.shtm Fri, 23 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST Federal Trade Commission staff is seeking public comments on the issues raised at a recent FTC workshop exploring facial recognition technology and the privacy and security implications raised by its increasing use. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/12/facefacts.shtm Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has finalized a settlement order with online advertiser ScanScout, which the FTC alleged deceptively claimed that consumers could opt out of receiving targeted ads by changing their browser settings. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/12/scanscout.shtm Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission reached a settlement putting a stop to the phony claims of marketers who told consumers their fuel economy device could boost automobile gas mileage by at least 50 percent and "turn any vehicle into a hybrid." http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/12/dutchman.shtm Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is pleased to announce that Jessica Rich, currently a Deputy Director of the agency's Bureau of Consumer Protection, will take over as head of the Bureau's Division of Financial Practices. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/12/bcpersonnel.shtm Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a federal court has ordered one of the individuals behind a payday lending scheme and two companies he controlled to pay $294,536 for illegally trying to garnish borrowers' wages, and for using other illegal debt-collection practices. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/12/getecash.shtm Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST Letter Urges ICANN to Implement Pilot Program, Take New Steps to Protect Consumers. The Federal Trade Commission today sent a letter to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the organization that oversees Internet domain names, expressing concern that the organization's plan to dramatically expand the domain name system could leave consumers more vulnerable to online fraud and undermine law enforcers' ability to track down online scammers. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/12/icann.shtm Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST An Illinois-based telemarketing firm will pay $500,000 to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it interfered with consumers' requests to be placed on company-specific do not call lists and transmitted deceptive Caller ID names. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/12/americall.shtm Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST Six defendants have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they participated in a fraudulent mortgage modification and foreclosure relief scheme. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/12/ushomeowners.shtm Wed, 14 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST A federal judge has ruled in favor of the Federal Trade Commission, finding supplement marketer Lane Labs-USA Inc., and its president Andrew Lane in contempt of a court order that bars them from making deceptive health claims. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/12/lanelabs.shtm Fri, 9 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST Starting this week, more than 300,000 consumers who were victims of a "scareware" scam will receive refunds resulting from Federal Trade Commission settlements with Innovative Marketing and other parties involved in the scheme. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/12/rebates.shtm Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST As part of its ongoing crackdown on deceptive health claims, the Federal Trade Commission has filed a complaint jointly with the State of Connecticut, seeking to permanently stop a Connecticut-based operation that allegedly used fake news websites to promote their products, made deceptive weight-loss claims, and told consumers they could receive free trials of acai berry and "colon cleanse" products, and only have to pay the nominal cost of shipping and handling. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/12/leanspa.shtm Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today issued the National Do Not Call Registry Data Book for Fiscal Year 2011. The FTC's National Do Not Call Registry provides consumers with an easy way to stop unwanted telemarketing calls. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/11/dnc.shtm Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comments on a proposal to require information from alcoholic beverage manufacturers for a follow-up study of the self-regulatory efforts of the alcoholic beverage industry. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/11/alcoholstudy.shtm Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST The social networking service Facebook has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it deceived consumers by telling them they could keep their information on Facebook private, and then repeatedly allowing it to be shared and made public. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/11/privacysettlement.shtm Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST Telephone press conference for media members only http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/11/privacysettlement_ma.shtm Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST Checks Being Mailed This Week to Consumers Nationwide http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/11/express.shtm Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST Three Internet marketers of cosmetic, "circle" contact lenses have agreed to resolve Federal Trade Commission charges by entering into settlements that will put a stop to their alleged illegal practice of selling lenses to consumers without prescriptions. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/11/circlelens.shtm Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST Settlement Prohibits Pool Corporation from Using Threats and Coercion to Stop Manufacturers From Selling Products to Competitors http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/11/pool.shtm Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST Researchers, industry representatives, consumer advocates, and privacy professionals will take part in the upcoming workshop, "Face Facts: A Forum on Facial Recognition Technology" to be held December 8, 2011 at the FTC Conference Center at 601 New Jersey Ave. N.W. in Washington, D.C. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/11/facefacts.shtm Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has issued its Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 Performance and Accountability Report. The report shows American taxpayers how the FTC has managed its resources, highlights major accomplishments in fulfilling the FTC's two core goals of protecting consumers and promoting competition, and outlines plans for addressing future challenges. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/11/par.shtm Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has obtained a settlement against the remaining defendants in an allegedly fraudulent mortgage modification scheme that will permanently ban them from the mortgage assistance business and force them to return ill-gotten gains to consumers. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/11/hopenow.shtm Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will hold a public hearing on December 6, 2011, to obtain input on whether to amend the agency's Name Guide that lists the common animal names that are allowed on fur labels. The hearing is part of a review of the Name Guide required by Congress under the Truth in Fur Labeling Act of 2010 and the Federal Trade Commission's systematic review of all current FTC rules and guides. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/11/furlabeling.shtm Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST Court Also Bans Defendants from Marketing Numerous Products and Services Related to Their Alleged Scam http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/11/grantconnect.shtm Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission welcomed the approval by the forum on Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) of a new initiative to harmonize cross-border data privacy protection among members of APEC. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/11/apec.shtm Wed, 9 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST Court Rules Defendants Must Comply with its Preliminary Injunction Barring Advance Fees http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/11/businessrecovery.shtm Tue, 8 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST Online advertiser ScanScout has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it deceptively claimed that consumers could opt out of receiving targeted ads by changing their computer's web browser settings to block cookies. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/11/scanscout.shtm Tue, 8 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST The operator of www.skidekids.com, a website that advertises itself as the "Facebook and Myspace for Kids," has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that he collected personally information from approximately 5,600 children without obtaining prior parental consent, in violation of the Commission's Children's Online Privacy Protection Act ("COPPA") Rule. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/11/skidekids.shtm Mon, 7 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST Telemarketers who peddled medical "insurance" that was actually a bogus medical discount plan have agreed to settle charges by the FTC and Attorney General of Tennessee that they violated federal and state laws. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/11/usbenefits.shtm Thu, 3 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST One is Banned from Marketing Dietary Supplements, Another from Making Weight-loss Claims http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/11/stella.shtm Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has extended the deadline for the public to submit comments on a proposed settlement with Phusion Projects, LLC, the company that markets the beverage Four Loko, until December 2, 2011. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/10/fourlokofyi.shtm Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST FTC Alleges that Defendants Targeted English- and Spanish-Speaking Consumers, Posing As Process Servers and Attorneys http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/10/rincon.shtm Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has finalized two settlement orders with three individuals who allegedly claimed that their smartphone applications could cure acne. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/10/acnecure.shtm Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz today named former FTC Commissioner and Chairman William E. Kovacic the 2011 recipient of the Miles W. Kirkpatrick Award for Lifetime FTC Achievement, noting how much of his professional career and personal passion Kovacic has devoted to the agency. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/10/kirkpatrick.shtm Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST Agency Continues to Seek Public Comments http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/10/autodealers.shtm Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has accepted as final a settlement with Google, and authorized the staff to provide responses to the commenters of record. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/10/buzz.shtm Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:30:00 EST Responding to charges by the Federal Trade Commission, a U.S. district court has found a credit repair seller in contempt for violating a previous court order that required him to stop promoting worthless credit repair products and services to consumers. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/10/rca.shtm Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST Marketers Also Pitched Sham Products, Including Useless Credit Cards, Fake Work-at-Home Opportunities, and Worthless Dietary Supplements, According to FTC Complaint http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/10/grantconnect.shtm Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has charged the operators of a credit repair company with making false statements to credit bureaus about information in consumers' credit reports, and illegally collecting fees from consumers before performing any services. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/10/rmcn.shtm Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission testified today before the U.S. House of Representatives on the agency's efforts to help address childhood obesity through its participation in the Interagency Working Group on Food Marketed to Children. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/10/foodmarketing.shtm Tue, 11 Oct 2011 9:00:00 EST Default Settings in Mobile File-Sharing App Jeopardized Consumers' Personal Files http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/10/frostwire.shtm Thu, 6 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is reminding customers of Borders Group that they have until October 15, 2011, to decide whether to opt out of having their personal contact information and purchasing history shared with Barnes and Noble. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/10/bordersbarnes.shtm Thu, 6 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST In response to charges by the Federal Trade Commission and four state attorneys general, a U.S. district court has ordered a defendant who assisted in a wide-ranging government grant scheme to pay $1.68 million, and has banned her from marketing money-making opportunities to consumers. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/10/meggiechapman.shtm Wed, 5 Oct 2011 9:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today told a House Subcommittee that it is committed to protecting children online, and that the agency recently proposed changes to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA Rule) to make sure the Rule keeps pace with fast-changing technology. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/10/coppa.shtm Tue, 4 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST One Firm Charged $1,495 for Loan Modification Program, but Provided No Services http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/10/resrelief.shtm Mon, 3 Oct 2011 9:00:00 EST Marketer of Supersized, High-Alcohol Beverage Agrees to Stop Allegedly Deceptive Claims to Settle FTC Charges http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/10/fourloko.shtm Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a U.S. district court has halted an operation that allegedly subjected consumers to abusive debt-collection practices and deceived the small-business clients for whom it collects. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/09/rumson.shtm Fri, 30 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST Provisions Take Effect Oct. 1, Will Lower Some Merchants' Costs http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/09/electronicpymtrule.shtm Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST An operator who allegedly sent millions of illegal spam text messages to consumers is banned from sending any unsolicited text messages, under a settlement agreement with the Federal Trade Commission entered by a federal court. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/09/loanmod.shtm Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:30:00 EST Settlement Order Prohibits Reebok from Making Unsupported Claims that ‘Toning Shoes' Strengthen, Tone Muscles http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/09/reebok.shtm Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST Alleges Overhyped Advertising Claims; Consumers to Receive Millions in Refunds in Settlement http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/09/consumergoods_ma.shtm Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST Scheme Used Fictitious Federal Agencies and Misrepresentations about Debt Relief, FTC Alleges http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/09/usdebtcare.shtm Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST As part of the Federal Trade Commission's ongoing efforts to protect consumer privacy, the Director of the FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection sent a letter advocating protection of personal customer information held by Borders Group, which is currently in bankruptcy. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/09/borders.shtm Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will host a workshop in Washington, DC on December 8, 2011, exploring facial recognition technology and the privacy and security implications raised by its increasing use. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/09/facialrec.shtm Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comment on proposed amendments to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule, which gives parents control over what personal information websites may collect from children under 13. The FTC proposes these amendments to ensure that the Rule continues to protect children's privacy, as mandated by Congress, as online technologies evolve. The Commission proposes modifications to the Rule in five areas: definitions, including the definitions of "personal information" and "collection," parental notice, parental consent mechanisms, confidentiality and security of children's personal information, and the role of self-regulatory "safe harbor" programs. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/09/coppa.shtm Tue, 13 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Education have issued their annual report to Congress describing the agencies' continued efforts to combat scholarship and financial aid fraud, as required by the College Scholarship Fraud Prevention Act of 2000. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/09/scholarshipfraud.shtm Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST After the Federal Trade Commission filed an action in U.S. district court, a payday lender that allegedly attempted to illegally garnish consumers' wages has agreed to stop the challenged conduct pending trial. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/09/payday.shtm Thu, 8 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is honoring Jennifer Arbittier Williams, an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, with its fifth Annual Criminal Liaison Award for her work to combat consumer fraud. The award is presented annually to a criminal law enforcer who demonstrates a commitment to consumer protection in partnership with the FTC. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/09/cluaward.shtm Thu, 8 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST Marketers who advertised that their smartphone applications could treat acne have agreed to stop making baseless claims in order to settle FTC charges. The mobile applications, commonly referred to as "apps," were sold in Apple's iTunes Store and Google's Android Marketplace. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/09/acnecure.shtm Wed, 7 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST FTC Launches 2011 "We Don't Serve Teens" Education Campaign; Materials Are Available at DontServeTeens.gov http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/09/wdst.shtm Fri, 2 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST The FTC has amended its complaint against U.S. Mortgage Funding, Inc. by adding as a defendant Louis Gendason. The amended complaint also asks the court to issue a preliminary injunction against Gendason that will reduce the chance of consumer injury and preserve the possibility of consumer redress while the defendants await trial. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/09/usmortgage.shtm Thu, 1 Sep 2011 17:30:00 EST The FTC is warning small businesses that an email with a subject line "URGENT: Pending Consumer Complaint" is not from the FTC. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/09/scamemail.shtm Thu, 1 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today told the House Committee on Ways and Means Committee Subcommittee on Social Security that, "Protecting consumers – especially vulnerable consumers such as children – against identity theft and its consequences is a critical component of the Commission's consumer protection mission." http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/09/childtheft.shtm Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST With Hurricane Irene approaching the East Coast, the Federal Trade Commission reminds consumers that when it comes to preparing for a weather emergency, financial readiness is as important as having a flashlight with fully charged batteries. Also, the FTC warns that it's important to be mindful of possible scams in the aftermath of a disaster. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/08/irene.shtm Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has announced updated fees starting on October 1, 2011, for telemarketers accessing phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/08/telemarketing.shtm Thu, 25 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST Online penny auctions may offer deals, but they can also pose problems, as the Federal Trade Commission warns in a new consumer alert Online Penny Auctions: Nothing for Something? http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/08/pennyauctions.shtm Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST Defendants Falsely Promised "Guaranteed" $25,000 Grant from the U.S. Government http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/08/grantwriters.shtm Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission put an end to three schemes that claimed they would help consumers with their mortgage and debt problems, as part of settlements with defendants who allegedly claimed a bogus affiliation with government assistance programs. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/08/mortagerelief.shtm Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST Two Principals Banned from Selling Financial Products and Services http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/08/debtrelieft.shtm Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission finalized the Order settling charges against Beiersdorf, Inc. for falsely claiming that regular use of its Nivea My Silhouette! skin cream can significantly reduce users' body size. The company also agreed to pay $900,000 as part of the settlement. Under the final Order, Beiersdorf may not claim that any product applied to the skin causes substantial weight or fat loss or a substantial reduction in body size; that any drug, dietary supplement, or cosmetic causes weight or fat loss or a reduction in body size, unless the claim is backed by two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical studies; or that any drug, dietary supplement, or cosmetic has health benefits, unless the claim is backed by valid scientific evidence. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/08/beierdorf.shtm Fri, 19 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved final orders settling charges against three credit report resellers, SettlementOne Credit Corporation; ACRAnet, Inc.; and Fajilan and Associates, Inc., also doing business as Statewide Credit Services. The FTC alleged the companies did not take reasonable information security steps to protect consumers' data, allowing hackers to access more than 1,800 credit reports without authorization. The FTC's orders settling the charges require the companies to strengthen their data security procedures and submit to audits for 20 years. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/08/creditreporters.shtm Mon, 15 Aug 2011 9:30:00 EST Company Collected Kids' Information Without Their Parents' Consent http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/08/w3mobileapps.shtm Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST Rule Changes will Further Improve the FTC's Adjudicative Process http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/08/part3.shtm Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST Rule Governs How Grocery Stores Advertise Products on Sale http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/08/retailfood.shtm Fri, 29 Jul 2011 11:00:00 EST Amount Spent Declines for Cigarettes, Increases for Smokeless Tobacco in 2007 and 2008 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/07/tobacco.shtm Tue, 26 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission testified today on consumer protection issues relating to the rent-to-own industry. The testimony described the agency's role in enforcing laws relating to financial issues, provided background on the rent-to-own industry, and described key findings of a 2000 report published by the FTC's Bureau of Economics on the rent-to-own industry. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/07/rtotestimony.shtm Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today announced that it is extending until August 15, 2011, the deadline for public comments relating to a proposed safe harbor program that Aristotle International, Inc. has submitted for Commission approval under the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/07/aristotle.shtm Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Department of Justice has charged funeral homes in Chicago and Washington, D.C. with violating an FTC consumer protection rule designed to ensure that people have the information they need to compare prices and buy only the funeral services and goods they want. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/07/funeral.shtm Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today issued a staff report, that compiles and updates the agency's guidance on the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the 1970 law designed to protect the privacy of credit report information and ensure that the information supplied by credit reporting agencies is as accurate as possible. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/07/fcra.shtm Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has reached a settlement with an Internet marketer and his company that will put a stop to their alleged illegal practice of selling cosmetic contact lenses to consumers without prescriptions. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/07/jokeshop.shtm Fri, 15 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today issued a statement announcing that it will forbear from enforcing most provisions of its Mortgage Assistance Relief Services (MARS) Rule against real estate brokers and their agents who assist financially distressed consumers in obtaining short sales from their lenders or servicers. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/07/mars.shtm Thu, 14 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST Say "spam" and most business executives think of annoying e-mail messages, like the ones that hold out a phony offer to split $50 million that's sitting in a foreign bank. Of course, this type of message is covered by the Federal Trade Commission's CAN-SPAM Rule, which is designed to protect consumers from deceptive commercial e-mail. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/07/canspam.shtm Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today told Congress that protecting consumers' privacy – through law enforcement, education and policy initiatives – is a top priority at the agency. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/07/privacy.shtm Thu, 7 Jul 2011 10:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today told Congress it is taking steps to enhance the agency's longstanding program to review rules and guides, which will promote greater efficiency, transparency, and public participation. The FTC announced several initiatives to ensure its regulations are up-to-date, effective, and not overly burdensome, including: updating its schedule of rule and guide reviews for the next decade; seeking public comments to improve its regulatory review process; launching a new regulatory review web page; and streamlining the form and information that companies must submit when seeking antitrust clearance for proposed mergers or acquisitions. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/07/regreview.shtm Wed, 6 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Reserve Board have announced final changes to the Risk-Based Pricing Rule to require creditors to disclose credit score information to consumers when a credit score is used in setting or adjusting credit terms. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/07/riskbased.shtm Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST As part of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers from over-hyped advertising claims, the Federal Trade Commission reached a settlement requiring Nivea skin cream maker Beiersdorf, Inc. to stop claiming that regular use of its Nivea My Silhouette! skin cream can significantly reduce consumers' body size. The company also has agreed to pay $900,000 as part of the settlement. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/06/beiersdorf.shtm Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today told Congress that consumers must be confident that their privacy will be protected if they are to be willing to take advantage of all the benefits offered by the Internet marketplace. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/06/privacytestimony.shtm Mon, 27 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST Company Provided Sensitive Consumer Credit Information to Marketers In Violation of Law http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/06/teletrack.shtm Thu, 23 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission filed an amicus brief in federal court opposing a class action settlement that would require consumers to surrender protections provided by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and state laws in exchange for minimal payments. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/06/amicus_midland.shtm Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST A federal judge has ruled in favor of the Federal Trade Commission and ordered Real Wealth, Inc. and its owner, Lance Murkin, to pay $10.4 million, the full amount of harm caused to thousands of consumers nationwide who were victimized by the Defendants' work-at-home and grant scams. The Court also banned Real Wealth and Murkin from marketing or selling work-at-home or grant-related products, and from assisting others in doing so. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/06/realwealth.shtm Wed, 15 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission told Congress today that to minimize the risk of identity theft or other harm, companies should employ reasonable safeguards to protect consumer information, collect only information for which they have a legitimate business need, and retain data only as long as necessary to fulfill the business purposes for which it was collected. The FTC also reiterated its recommendation that Congress pass legislation that would require companies to implement reasonable security practices and to notify consumers when there is a data security breach. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/06/datasecurity.shtm Fri, 10 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission finalized the Order settling charges that Legacy Learning Systems Inc. and its owner, Lester Gabriel Smith, deceptively advertised the "Learn and Master Guitar" program through online affiliate marketers who falsely posed as ordinary consumers or independent reviewers without clearly disclosing they were paid substantial commissions for every sale they generated. Under the final order, Smith and Legacy Learning will pay $250,000, and maintain a system to review and monitor their affiliate marketers' representations and disclosures. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/06/legacylearning.shtm Fri, 10 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST The staff of the Federal Trade Commission will extend the public comment period for "Dot Com Disclosures: Information About Online Advertising" – the business education publication discusses how federal advertising law applies to advertising and sales on the Internet. Last month, the FTC staff announced that it was seeking public comment to assist it in updating the business education. [Read May 26, 2011 news release here.] At the request of a stakeholder, the comment deadline has now been extended for 30 days until August 10, 2011. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/06/dotcom.shtm Thu, 9 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST Defendants Also Cannot Charge Consumers Before Goods Are Ready to Ship http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/06/bestbrands.shtm Tue, 7 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission's staff submitted a comment to the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission providing views on how energy regulators should apply the revised Horizontal Merger Guidelines. The revised Guidelines, which the FTC and the Department of Justice updated last year, outline how the federal antitrust agencies evaluate the likely competitive impact of mergers and whether those mergers comply with U.S. antitrust law. The FTC staff comment is in response to a Notice of Inquiry issued by FERC, seeking to determine to what extent its approach should reflect the revised Guidelines. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/06/ferc.shtm Mon, 6 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST DHS, DOJ and FTC Collaborate with State and Local Partners in Unprecedented Effort http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/06/immigration_ma.shtm Thu, 2 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST The FTC and the Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime will host "Stolen Futures: A Forum on Child Identity Theft," on July 12, 2011. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/06/childtheft.shtm Wed, 1 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a U.S. district court has ordered a temporary halt to the deceptive advertising claims used to promote prepaid phone cards marketed by Millennium Telecard, Inc. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/06/millennium.shtm Mon, 31 May 2011 11:00:00 EST Infomercial Falsely Claims It's Easy to "Find 'Em," "List 'Em," and "Make Money" Agency Also Settles Charges Against Consumer Who Gave Allegedly Misleading Testimonial http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/05/dalbey.shtm Mon, 31 May 2011 10:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission finalized the Order settling charges that Oreck Corporation made false and unproven claims that two of its appliances can reduce the risk of flu and other illnesses, and eliminate virtually all common germs and allergens. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/05/oreck.shtm Thu, 26 May 2011 10:00:00 EST Needed Revisions Will Reflect Dramatic Changes in Online World Since Guidance Was Issued 11 Years Ago http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/05/dotcom.shtm Wed, 25 May 2011 11:00:00 EST Every Contestant 'Won' But Promised Vacations Not Delivered http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/05/vgc.shtm Thu, 19 May 2011 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today told Congress that while mobile technology, such as smart phones, is giving consumers a vast array of new products and services, it also presents new consumer privacy challenges. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/05/mobiletestimony.shtm Mon, 16 May 2011 11:00:00 EST In a comment submitted to the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Trade Commission has urged its sister agency to hold that sellers of goods and services should be held responsible for sales calls made by others on their behalf, even if the seller did not physically place the calls. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/05/dishcomment.shtm Thu, 12 May 2011 11:00:00 EST The operators of 20 online virtual worlds have agreed to pay $3 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they violated the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule by illegally collecting and disclosing personal information from hundreds of thousands of children under age 13 without their parents' prior consent. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/05/playdom.shtm Wed, 11 May 2011 11:00:00 EST Marketers who targeted financially strapped Americans by selling a variety of supposed work-at-home and other money-making opportunities will give up their ill-gotten gains under a settlement agreement with the Federal Trade Commission. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/05/market.shtm Tue, 10 May 2011 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today told Congress that "the Commission is committed to protecting consumers' privacy in the mobile sphere" by bringing enforcement actions where appropriate and "by working with industry and consumer groups to develop workable solutions that protect consumers while allowing innovation in this growing marketplace." http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/05/mobileprivacy.shtm Mon, 9 May 2011 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will host a public workshop on June 21, 2011, in Washington, D.C., as part of a project to examine the legal and policy issues surrounding the competition problem of "hold-up" when patented technologies are included in collaborative standards. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/05/standardsetting.shtm Mon, 9 May 2011 10:00:00 EST Defendants Allegedly Made 16 Million Calls to Numbers on the Do Not Call Registry; Misrepresented How Funds Would Be Used http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/05/featurefilms.shtm Wed, 4 May 2011 10:30:00 EST Agency Settles With Two Firms That Allegedly Failed to Protect Consumers' Personal Data http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/05/security.shtm Tue, 3 May 2011 11:00:00 EST Sensitive Information on Nearly 65,000 Employees Was Compromised, Agency Says http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/05/ceridianlookout.shtm Fri, 29 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST This week, an administrator working for the Federal Trade Commission began mailing checks to more than 172,000 consumers nationwide who were defrauded by a scam in which consumers were falsely promised free gifts such as shopping sprees, movie passes, and gas vouchers and wrongfully paid monthly fees for "program memberships" in discount buying and travel clubs. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/04/universalredress.shtm Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has announced the agenda for its day-long public forum in Washington, D.C., on May 11, 2011, to examine telephone bill cramming and explore possible solutions to reduce unauthorized third-party billing on telephone bills. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/04/cramming Mon, 25 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST On Thursday, April 28, 2011, the Federal Trade Commission will host a workshop about the impact that technological advances are having on the nation's consumer debt collection system. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/04/debtcollection.shtm Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST Internet Marketers Falsely Claim Endorsement from ABC, Fox News, CBS, CNN, USA Today, and Consumer Reports, FTC Alleges http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/04/fakenews.shtm Mon, 18 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST Lawsuits Filed Across the United States http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/04/acaiad.shtm Mon, 18 Apr 2011 10:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has filed contempt charges against a promoter of credit repair and debt relief services and three of his companies, alleging that they continued their deceptive marketing practices in violation of a federal court order. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/04/creditrestoration.shtm Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST An administrator working for the Federal Trade Commission has mailed 1,410 refund checks to consumers allegedly defrauded by Home Assure LLC, a so-called mortgage foreclosure rescue service. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/04/homeassure.shtm Thu, 14 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission charged two men and their companies with unfairly and deceptively billing consumers without their consent, and not providing promised refunds, in violation of federal law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/04/moneymaker.shtm Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST OnGuardOnline.gov, a partnership of fourteen federal agencies managed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is informing consumers that an unexpected message from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) could be a warning sign that their Social Security number is being misused by an identity thief.  http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/04/taxidtheft.shtm Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today told a House subcommittee that millions of consumers are victims of identity theft each year at a cost of billion of dollars and countless hours of consumers' time to repair the damage. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/04/idtheft.shtm Wed, 13 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST Files Complaint Seeking $540,000 Penalty Against Another Retailer For Similar Violations http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/04/applabeling.shtm Fri, 8 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST A Great Time to Share Free Resources from the FTC http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/04/financeliteracy.shtm Fri, 8 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST With the resurgence of bed bugs in the United States, the Federal Trade Commission urges consumers to be cautious when shopping for products that are touted as remedies or ways of preventing bed bug infestations. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/04/bedbugs.shtm Thu, 7 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST Marketer Must Pay $750,000 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/04/oreck.shtm Thu, 7 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST After considering public comments, the Federal Trade Commission is extending the deadline for manufacturers to comply with new light bulb labels by approximately six months. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/04/bulblabeling.shtm Fri, 1 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST Highlights Agency Accomplishments to Protect Consumers and Competition http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/04/annualrpt.shtm Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST Defendants Allegedly Claimed They Could Find Timeshare Buyers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/03/vacationps.shtm Wed, 30 Mar 2011 9:30:00 EST Google Agrees to Implement Comprehensive Privacy Program to Protect Consumer Data http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/03/google.shtm Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission finalized an Order settling charges that a major vitamin marketer and its subsidiaries made false and unsupported claims that their Disney and Marvel Heroes line of children's multivitamins contained a significant amount of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, an Omega-3 fatty acid) and promoted healthy brain and eye development in children. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/03/nbty.shtm Fri, 25 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST Week-long 'Consumer University' Meets in Washington, DC http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/03/conuniversity.shtm Fri, 25 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has accepted a final settlement with an online data broker that charged consumers $10 based on the false promise that it could "lock their records" so that others could not see or buy them. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/03/ussearch.shtm Mon, 14 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST After the earthquake that rocked Japan's northeast coast and triggered a widespread tsunami last week, the Federal Trade Commission is urging consumers to be cautious of potential charity scams. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/03/earthquake.shtm Mon, 14 Mar 2011 11:30:00 EST Chitika Inc.'s Opt-Out Expired After Only 10 Days http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/03/chitika.shtm Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has finalized a proposed settlement that it announced in June 2010 with social networking site Twitter, which resolved charges that Twitter deceived consumers and put their privacy at risk by failing to safeguard their personal information. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/03/twitter.shtm Thu, 10 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST On April 28, 2011, the Federal Trade Commission will host a public workshop to examine how debt collectors are using new technologies and how this affects consumers. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/03/debtcollection.shtm Tue, 8 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today released the list of top consumer complaints received by the agency in 2010. The list showed that for the 11th year in a row, identity theft was the number one consumer complaint category. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/03/topcomplaints.shtm Tue, 8 Mar 2011 10:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission plans to begin a study of the self-regulatory efforts of the alcoholic beverage industry. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/03/alcohol.shtm Wed, 23 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST Operation Blasted Out Text Message Spam at a "Mind-Boggling" Rate, Agency Alleges http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/02/loan.shtm Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission submitted its Fiscal Year 2012 budget request to Congress, including an FY 2012 Budget Overview Statement, and FY 2011 and FY 2012 Performance Plans that are required under the Government Performance and Results Act. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/02/budget.shtm Thu, 17 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST Judgments Entered Against All But One Defendant http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/02/americanentertainment.shtm Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST An administrator working for the Federal Trade Commission began mailing claim forms today to 11,780 people defrauded by illegal auto "warranty" robocalls made by Voice Touch, Inc., and its related individuals and entities. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/02/robocall.shtm Fri, 11 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has added further factual details to its complaint against a company that allegedly misled consumers by exaggerating the light output and life expectancy of its Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/02/lightsamerica.shtm Fri, 11 Feb 2011 9:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, today released tips to help people protect their personal information while they use public wireless networks – Wi-Fi hotspots in coffee shops, libraries, airports, hotels, universities, and other public places. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/02/wireless.shtm Wed, 9 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST After trying for years to keep assets he acquired while deceiving consumers with false promotions and bogus business opportunity pitches, a repeat offender has agreed to turn over his Las Vegas home, valued at over $1 million, and give up his appeal of the Federal Trade Commission's case against him. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/02/neiswonger.shtm Tue, 8 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST A federal judge has imposed a nine-year prison sentence on a Canada-based con artist who was charged by the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California with defrauding elderly consumers using phony claims about non-existent prizes and investments. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/02/bezeredi.shtm Fri, 4 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission finalized the Order settling charges that The Dannon Company, Inc. exaggerated the health benefits of its Activia yogurt and DanActive dairy drink, two popular products that contain beneficial bacteria known as probiotics. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/02/dannon.shtm Fri, 4 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, has information for health care providers and insurers about how to help patients minimize the risk of medical identity theft and deal with the consequences if they become victims of it. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/02/medicalid.shtm Thu, 3 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST As part of the Federal Trade Commission's ongoing campaign to protect consumers' personal information, three companies whose business is reselling consumers' credit reports have agreed to settle FTC charges that they did not take reasonable steps to protect consumers' personal information, failures that allowed computer hackers to access that data. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/02/settlement.shtm Wed, 2 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST For consumers who are searching for love or already in a relationship, the Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, has information that may be particularly handy around Valentine's Day. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/02/valentines.shtm Mon, 31 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a federal judge has shut down an operation that allegedly posed as the U.S. government, then duped consumers into paying fees ranging from $200 to $2,500 by claiming the fees would cover processing by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/01/immigration.shtm Thu, 27 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST An operator of an online "scareware" scheme will pay more than $8 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that he used deceptive ads to trick consumers into thinking their computers were infected with malicious software, and then sold them software to "fix" their non-existent problem. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/01/winsoftware.shtm Thu, 27 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST FTC Seeks Return of More Than $275 Million to Consumers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/01/iworks.shtm Wed, 26 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will host a forum on May 11, 2011, in Washington, DC, examining how the government, businesses, and consumer protection organizations can work together to prevent consumers from being hit with unauthorized third-party charges on their phone bills, a practice known as "cramming." http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/01/cramming.shtm Thu, 20 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST Defendants Must Pay $500,000 to Settle Charges http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/01/hermosa.shtm Tue, 18 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission finalized the Order settling charges that a subsidiary of Nestlé S.A., the world's largest food and nutrition company, made deceptive advertising claims about the health benefits of its children's drink BOOST Kid Essentials. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/01/nestle.shtm Fri, 14 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST Can a dealer void your car's warranty if you have someone else do routine maintenance on the vehicle? http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/01/autowarranties.shtm Thu, 13 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST 'Short Change' Defendant Banned from Internet Businesses that Access Consumers' Bank Accounts http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/01/classicclose.shtm Tue, 11 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST Company Allegedly Charged Up To $549.95 for Worthless Environmental Labels http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/01/testedgreen.shtm Mon, 10 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST Owner of My Car Solutions Pitched Bogus Extended Auto Warranties http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/01/khalilian.shtm Thu, 6 Jan 2011 16:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has charged another defendant in a case filed earlier this year against an operation that allegedly defrauded uninsured Americans by selling them "medical discount plans" that were disguised as health insurance. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/01/usbenefits.shtm Wed, 22 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comments on whether to provide manufacturers approximately six additional months to incorporate new light bulb labels on their packaging, and whether to exempt certain bulbs that will soon be obsolete from those requirements. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/12/lightbulbs.shtm Tue, 21 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has launched the website and blog for National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2011, to be held March 6-12. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/12/ncpw.shtm Thu, 16 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST Consumer and Business Education Updated to Help with Holiday Shopping http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/12/platinemguides.shtm Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST FTC Charges that Evidence Supporting Benefits of Probiotics Falls Short http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/12/dannon.shtm Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST Marketers Must Pay $2.1 Million to Refund Purchasers of Disney- and Marvel Heroes-Licensed Vitamin http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/12/nbty.shtm Tue, 7 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST Seeks Ways to Combat Technologies That Hide Callers' Identities http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/12/tsrcaller.shtm Mon, 6 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST Agency Also Issues National Do Not Call Registry Data Book for Fiscal Year 2010 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/12/jpm.shtm Mon, 6 Dec 2010 10:00:00 EST Must Surrender Funds in Bank Accounts and Sell Property and Investments http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/12/creditdebt.shtm Thu, 2 Dec 2010 12:30:00 EST As part of its continuing crackdown on scams that target consumers in financial distress, the Federal Trade Commission has charged three debt relief operations with making unsubstantiated claims to lure consumers nationwide into paying thousands of dollars in up-front fees, but failing to reduce credit card debts as promised. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/12/ffdc.shtm Wed, 1 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST Endorses "Do Not Track" to Facilitate Consumer Choice About Online Tracking http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/12/privacyreport.shtm Fri, 26 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that Reverb Communications, Inc., and its owner, Tracie Snitker, engaged in deceptive advertising. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/11/reverb.shtm Wed, 24 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, has tips and information for consumers who use gift cards for holiday gift-giving. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/11/giftcards.shtm Tue, 23 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, warns that scammers sometimes use online dating and social networking sites to try to convince people to send money in the name of love. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/11/onlinedating.shtm Thu, 18 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST An administrator working for the Federal Trade Commission will mail 34,130 refund checks today for approximately $17.89 each to consumers who were deceived into buying "Ab Force" electronic stimulation devices by advertisements that falsely claimed they could help people lose weight. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/11/telebrands.shtm Wed, 17 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST Tells Promoters of Four Loko, Joose, Core Spiked, and Others That Marketing May Be Deceptive or Unfair http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/11/alcohol.shtm Tue, 16 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that Mark Dreher, Ph.D. – who was Vice President of Science and Regulatory Affairs of POM Wonderful LLC from approximately August 2005 to May 2009 – made false and unsubstantiated claims that POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice and POMx supplements prevent or treat heart disease and prostate cancer. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/11/pom.shtm Mon, 15 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST Companies Falsely Promised to Reduce Consumers' Credit Card Interest Rates http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/11/aflfinancial.shtm Mon, 8 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is extending the public comment period, until December 1, 2010, on a proposed policy statement clarifying when the FTC will take action under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the FTC Act against companies who contact the relatives of deceased consumers to collect the decedent's debts. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/11/fdcpa.shtm Fri, 5 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has a new Business Center at Business.ftc.gov that gives business owners, attorneys, and marketing professionals the tools they need to understand and comply with the consumer protection laws, rules, and guides the FTC enforces. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/11/businesscenter.shtm Mon, 1 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST Three Firms Will Pay More Than $400,000 in Total Penalties http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/11/appliancelabel.shtm Fri, 29 Oct 2010 9:00:00 EST At FTC's Request, Court Stops Fraudsters Who Took Advantage of Consumers Trying to Resell Timeshares http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/10/megamedia.shtm Wed, 27 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST Enforcement Deferred for Tax Debt Relief Services, but Most Companies Are Now Prohibited From Collecting Advance Fees http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/10/debtrelief2.shtm Wed, 27 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST Televisions manufactured after May 10, 2011 must display EnergyGuide labels so consumers shopping for TVs will have more information about different models and how much energy they use. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/10/tvlabeling.shtm Tue, 20 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST Starting October 27, consumers trying to settle their debts will be protected by a new rule that prohibits companies that sell debt relief services over the telephone from charging fees before settling or reducing a customer's credit card or other unsecured debt. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/10/debtrelief.shtm Wed, 13 Oct 2010 9:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission in response to the FCC's proposal to establish a voluntary program under which communications service providers would be certified if they adhere to a set of cyber security objectives or practices. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/10/fcc.shtm Fri, 8 Oct 2010 9:00:00 EST With More Than 5 Million Copies of 'Net Cetera' Booklet Distributed, FTC Expands Campaign http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/10/netcetera.shtm Thu, 7 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz will announce tomorrow a community outreach kit to promote online safety for children. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/10/netcetera_ma.shtm Tue, 5 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission provided comments to U.S. energy regulators outlining its views on pro-competitive and efficient ways for public utilities to plan for new electricity transmission lines and allocate the costs of paying for them. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/10/ferc.shtm Mon, 27 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST Agency Proceedings Will Determine Whether Health Claims for Pomegranate Products Are False and Not Supported by Scientific Evidence http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/09/pom.shtm Fri, 24 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST In the wake of legislation passed by Congress last year, the Federal Trade Commission will rescind its regulations governing the format and display of health warnings on smokeless tobacco packages and advertising. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/09/smokeless.shtm Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today told a Senate Subcommittee that it supports proposed legislation that would require many companies to use reasonable data security policies and procedures and require those companies to notify consumers when there is a security breach. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/09/data.shtm Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST An online data broker that charged consumers $10 based on the promise that it could "lock their records"so others could not see or buy them, has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that its claims were deceptive and violated federal law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/09/ussearch.shtm Wed, 22 Sep 2010 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission moved to further strengthen its longstanding enforcement program aimed at preventing deceptive mortgage advertising, proposing a rule that would ban misrepresentations for all mortgages and would allow the FTC and the states to seek civil penalties against those who violate the rule. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/09/nprm.shtm Wed, 22 Sep 2010 9:00:00 EST An administrator working for the Federal Trade Commission is mailing checks to 14,023 consumers who were victims of ChoicePoint's failure to implement a comprehensive information security program to protect consumers' personal information. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/09/choicepoint.shtm Tue, 21 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST Consumers Misled to Believe They Could Earn Substantial Income, FTC Alleges http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/09/salatto.shtm Tue, 21 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST New Network Will Enhance Enforcement, Help to Protect Consumers' Privacy http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/09/worldprivacy.shtm Wed, 15 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST An administrator working for the Federal Trade Commission has mailed claim forms to 1,018 consumers who are eligible for refunds because they allegedly were steered from the Ticketmaster website to its ticket resale website TicketsNow while buying tickets to attend Bruce Springsteen concerts last year. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/09/ticketmaster.shtm Tue, 8 Sep 2010 11:00:00 EST FTC Launches Annual Education Campaign http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/09/dontserveteens.shtm Tue, 8 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST Agency Charges Firm With Misrepresenting the Light Output and Life Expectancy of its Bulbs http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/09/lightsofamerica.shtm Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST The fees that telemarketers pay to access phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry will remain unchanged in fiscal year 2011, the Federal Trade Commission has announced. Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that Houghton International's 2008 acquisition of D.A. Stuart GmbH was anticompetitive. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/08/dnchoughton.shtm Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comment on a planned survey on the prevalence of consumer fraud in the United States. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/08/fraud.shtm Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, offered these tips for people who seek to sell their timeshare through real estate brokers and agents that specialize in reselling timeshares. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/08/timeshare.shtm Thu, 26 Aug 2010 9:00:00 EST A public relations agency hired by video game developers will settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it engaged in deceptive advertising by having employees pose as ordinary consumers posting game reviews at the online iTunes store, and not disclosing that the reviews came from paid employees working on behalf of the developers. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/08/reverb.shtm Tue, 24 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST In the wake of the devastation caused by flooding in Pakistan and along the border between China and North Korea, the Federal Trade Commission warns consumers to choose carefully when considering urgent appeals for aid in the news, online, and at social networking sites. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/08/flood.shtm Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST Beginning today, a claims administrator working for the Federal Trade Commission will mail more than 16,000 checks to consumers who were victims of Stewart Finance Company. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/08/stewart.shtm Thu, 12 Aug 2010 9:00:00 EST Millions of consumers who are anxious to lose weight or prevent cancer have seen the ads: "…USE WITH CAUTION! Major weight loss in short periods of time may occur," or "detoxify your organs," and break down and remove "toxic waste matter which may have been stuck in the folds and wrinkles of your digestive system for years and years." http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/08/acaicolon_ma.shtm Wed, 11 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST Operators charged with scamming people who did not have health insurance - the uninsured, the unemployed, and the uninsurable - have been targeted by a federal-state coalition of law enforcement agencies for fraudulently marketing "medical discount plans" as health insurance. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/08/hustle1.shtm Mon, 9 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST Thousands of Small Businesses and Non-profits Billed for Bogus Renewal Fees http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/08/ils.shtm Mon, 9 Aug 2010 9:30:00 EST Forty-seven million Americans lack health insurance. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/08/hustle.shtm Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST Pre-paid calling cards can be a convenient way to stay in touch. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/07/phonecards.shtm Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST It's Fast, Free to Register a Number, and Registrations Never Expire http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/07/dnc.shtm Mon, 26 Jul 2010 9:00:00 EST Eight marketers are banned from selling mortgage modification or foreclosure relief services under settlements with the Federal Trade Commission. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/07/lmshope.shtm Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST Defendants Permanently Banned from Marketing Debt Relief Services http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/07/mutualconsol.shtm Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST FTC Hosts Roundtable Discussion Featuring U.S. Ambassador to OECD http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/07/toolkit.shtm Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:30:00 EST The Consumer Policy Toolkit will help government policy makers around the world who strive to protect and empower consumers in an increasingly complex global marketplace. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/07/oecd.shtm Mon, 19 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST To settle Federal Trade Commission charges that its 2008 acquisition of three LandAmerica Financial, Inc. subsidiaries was anticompetitive, Fidelity National Financial, Inc. will sell several title plants and related assets in the Portland, Oregon, and Detroit, Michigan, metropolitan areas, and in four other Oregon counties. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/07/fidelity.shtm Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST FTC Challenges Claims that Supplements Cause Weight Loss and Treat or Prevent Colds, Flu, Allergies, and Hay Fever http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/07/iovate.shtm Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST Case Involving Drink for Kids Is Agency's First Challenging Deceptive Probiotic Advertising http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/07/nestle.shtm Fri, 2 Jul 2010 17:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is distributing refund checks to borrowers lured by a firm charged with deceptively advertising that it offered 3.5 percent, fixed-payment, 30-year mortgage loans. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/07/chase.shtm Fri, 2 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST Program Falls Under Non-Profit Institutions Act http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/07/npia.shtm Fri, 2 Jul 2010 10:00:00 EST Americans report losses of more than a billion dollars a year to international scam artists, according to the Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/07/intlfraud.shtm Fri, 2 Jul 2010 9:30:00 EST Publication Provides Resources to Find Legitimate Opportunities http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/07/oilspill.shtm Wed, 30 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST Company Also Allegedly Called Thousands of Consumers Who Asked Not to be Called http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/06/jak.shtm Thu, 24 Jun 2010 9:30:00 EST Social networking service Twitter has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it deceived consumers and put their privacy at risk by failing to safeguard their personal information, marking the 30th case the FTC has brought targeting faulty data security, and the agency's first such case against a social networking service. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/06/twitter.shtm Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has acted upon several applications filed by the Whole Foods Divestiture Trustee to sell assets under a March 5, 2009 consent order designed to help restore the competition lost by Whole Foods Market Inc.'s 2007 acquisition of Wild Oats Market, Inc. The Federal Trade Commission submitted a written comment on information privacy and innovation in the Internet economy in a comment submitted to the Department of Commerce, which has requested public comment as part of an inquiry on the subject. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/06/foodinternet.shtm Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST Labels Will Emphasize Lumens, Not Watts, as a Measure of Bulb Brightness http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/06/lightbulbs.shtm Fri, 18 Jun 2010 9:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has honored Assistant United States Attorney Ellyn Lindsay with its fourth Annual Criminal Liaison Award for her work to combat consumer fraud. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/06/cluaward.shtm Thu, 10 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST Firm Delivered 370 Million Prerecorded Calls and Used Offshore Shell Company http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/06/asiapacific.shtm Thu, 10 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST Firm's Owner Has History of Engaging in Misleading Telemarketing http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/06/dolcegroup.shtm Wed, 9 Jun 2010 10:30:00 EST As the nation follows news of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, so do scammers. The Federal Trade Commission issued an alert urging consumers and businesses to watch out for con artists trying to take advantage of the oil spill in the gulf and to report their experiences to federal and state authorities. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/06/oilspill.shtm Mon, 7 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST Two Countrywide mortgage servicing companies will pay $108 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they collected excessive fees from cash-strapped borrowers who were struggling to keep their homes. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/06/countrywide.shtm Mon, 7 Jun 2010 8:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission distributed more than 2,335 refund checks today to consumers who purchased "Rite Aid Germ Defense" tablets and lozenges believing that they would prevent and treat colds and the flu or reduce the severity and duration of these illnesses.. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/06/riteaid.shtm Wed, 2 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has put the brakes on the business practices of an operation that was selling spyware and showing customers how to remotely install it on other people's computers without their knowledge or consent. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/06/cyberspy.shtm Tue, 1 Jun 2010 11:15:00 EST With the graduation season in full swing, and students preparing to take on their new role as adults in the marketplace, the FTC has a series of tips to help them become smarter consumers. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/06/grads.shtm Fri, 28 May 2010 8:00:00 EST At the request of several Members of Congress, the Federal Trade Commission is further delaying enforcement of the "Red Flags" Rule through December 31, 2010, while Congress considers legislation that would affect the scope of entities covered by the Rule. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/05/redflags.shtm Thu, 27 May 2010 14:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is seeking comments on a proposal to compel information from major food and beverage manufacturers, distributors, and marketers, as well as quick-service restaurant companies. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/05/foodmarket.shtm Wed, 26 May 2010 13:00:00 EST Agency Describes Enforcement and Education Activities http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/05/supplement.shtm Fri, 21 May 2010 11:00:00 EST The FTC has created a "teaser" website for a fictitious lending company that warns consumers about how easy it is to be fooled by scammers charging up-front fees for bogus loans. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/05/teaserscams.shtm Thu, 20 May 2010 14:30:00 EST At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a federal judge has put a stop to three companies' allegedly deceptive telemarketing calls, including robocalls, that promised to reduce consumers' credit card interest rates; frozen their assets; and appointed a receiver to take control of the business. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/05/ams.shtm Thu, 20 May 2010 9:00:00 EST Crackdown on the Industry Has Yielded More Than $4 Million http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/05/diamondphone.shtm Thu, 6 May 2010 10:00:00 EST Global Enforcement Network Meets in Washington, DC. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/05/icpen.shtm Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EST Send the FTC's Musical E-card http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/04/mothersday.shtm Thu, 29 Apr 2010 9:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today said that the rapid-fire pace of technological change, including an explosion in children's use of mobile devices and interactive gaming, has led the agency to accelerate its review of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA Rule) to make sure that it is still adequately protecting children's privacy. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/04/coppa1.shtm Wed, 28 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST Beginning today, a claims administrator working for the Federal Trade Commission will mail more than 34,000 checks totaling almost $18 million to consumers identified as victims of a series of cross-border fraud schemes involving payments via MoneyGram International, Inc., the second-largest U.S. wire-transfer company. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/04/moneygram.shtm Wed, 28 Apr 2010 9:30:00 EST FTC's New Campaign Seeks to 'Ad-ucate' Tweens http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/04/admongo1.shtm Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST Women's clothing retailer Talbots and its California marketing company have agreed to pay penalties totaling $161,000 to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they illegally delivered prerecorded "robocalls" that failed to give consumers proper notice of their right to opt out of receiving telemarketing calls. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/04/talbots.shtm Tue, 27 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST Starting April 30, an administrator working for the Federal Trade Commission will mail more than 140,000 refund checks totaling about $6 million to consumers who bought certain "For Women Only" brand dietary supplements from TV home shopping channel QVC, Inc.  http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/04/infomercials.shtm Tue, 27 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has charged additional defendants and violations in the matter of Grant Connect, LLC, a company that allegedly deceptively promised government grants to consumers, and failed to adequately disclose that those who bought their products or services would be enrolled in continuity plans with significant monthly fees, primarily for other unrelated products.; Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final settlement order in the matter Transitions Optical, Inc., and sent letters to members of the public who submitted comments. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/04/grant-optical.shtm Thu, 23 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST U.S. consumers are being inundated with prerecorded "robocalls" from companies claiming they can negotiate lower credit card interest rates - for a fee. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/04/interestscams.shtm Thu, 23 Apr 2010 9:00:00 EST National Program Gives ‘Tweens' Ages 8 to 12 Skills to Recognize, Understand Advertising http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/04/admongo.shtm Thu, 22 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST A nationwide speciality consumer reporting agency that provides casinos with credit reports that are used to assess customers' eligibility for credit and check cashing has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/04/centralcredit.shtm Tue, 20 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST Searching for ways to make the most of Earth Day? Start by looking at home. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/04/earthday.shtm Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST In light of rapidly changing technology such as the increased use of smartphones and other devices to access the internet, the Federal Trade Commission will host a public roundtable, "Protecting Kids' Privacy Online: Reviewing the COPPA Rule," on June 2, 2010 to explore whether to update the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/04/coppa.shtm Fri, 9 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST Beginning April 9, the FTC, through its claims administrator, will be mailing more than 145,000 checks totaling over $4 million to consumers identified as victims of an illegal credit card billing scam operated by J.K. Publications and other defendants. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/04/jkpub.shtm Fri, 9 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission explains how it helps to keep children safe in both fast-changing online environments; Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final settlement order in the matter of The M Group, Inc.; Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final settlement order in the matter of Roaring Fork Valley Physicians I.P.A., Inc.; Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final settlement order in the matter of Richard Stanton. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/04/100409fyi.shtm Thu, 8 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST Complaint Brought as Part of 2008's "Operation Tele-Phoney" Law Enforcement Sweep http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/04/helphands.shtm Thu, 8 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST Free Information from the FTC Can Help You Stay Savvy All Year http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/04/literacy.shtm Thu, 1 Apr 2010 10:30:00 EST Defendants Publicly Revealed Some Consumers' Alcoholism, Complaint Alleges http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/04/alcoholism.shtm Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST More than 1 Million Copies of Net Cetera Booklet Distributed to Help Parents, Kids Navigate the Online World http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/03/directmarketing.shtm Wed, 31 Mar 2010 9:00:00 EST Defendants Deceived Consumers into Believing All Donations Would Help Local Police, Firefighters, Veterans http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/03/cdg.shtm Fri, 26 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST Consumers Charged Up-Front Fee for Supposed General-Use Credit Card http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/03/groupone.shtm Thu, 25 Mar 2010 10:30:00 EST More than 130,000 Customers' Credit or Debit Cards Compromised http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/03/davebusters.shtm Thu, 25 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST FTC Settlement Also Permanently Bars Voice Touch, Inc. From Telemarketing http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/03/voicetouch.shtm Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST Investigators working undercover in nine states and the District of Columbia found significant violations of Federal Trade Commission consumer protection rules at 52 of 175 funeral homes they visited during 2009. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/03/funeral.shtm Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today released the agenda for its final roundtable on consumer privacy issues scheduled for March 17, 2010, at the FTC Conference Center, 601 New Jersey Ave, NW Washington DC, 20001. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/03/privacy.shtm Tue, 9 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST LifeLock, Inc. has agreed to pay $11 million to the Federal Trade Commission and $1 million to a group of 35 state attorneys general to settle charges that the company used false claims to promote its identity theft protection services, which it widely advertised by displaying the CEO's Social Security number on the side of a truck. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/03/lifelock.shtm Mon, 4 Mar 2010 1:00:00 EST Agency is Seeking Public Comments on Proposed Rule Through May 14, 2010 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/03/tvlabel.shtm Mon, 4 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will distribute more than 5,700 refund checks totaling approximately $3 million to consumers who bought infrared saunas and dietary supplements from Roex, Inc., based on bogus claims that the products would treat, prevent, or cure a wide range of serious diseases. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/03/roex.shtm Mon, 2 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comments on applications filed by the Divestiture Trustee to divest two stores pursuant to the Commission's March 5, 2009 order, which was issued to help restore the competition lost by Whole Foods Market Inc.'s 2007 acquisition of Wild Oats Market, Inc. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/03/wholefoods.shtm Mon, 1 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST The chief executive officer of a payment processing company will be banned from the business as part of a settlement resolving Federal Trade Commission charges that the company illegally debited millions of dollars in bogus charges from consumers' bank accounts. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/03/yma.shtm Mon, 1 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST A U.S. district court judge has ordered a halt to the illegal practices of an Internet services company that crammed unauthorized charges onto the telephone bills of thousands of consumers and small businesses for services they never agreed to buy. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/03/inc21.shtm Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST "When drug companies agree not to compete, consumers lose," said Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/02/payfordelay.shtm Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST FTC Warns of Improper Release of Sensitive Consumer Data on P2P File-Sharing Networks http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/02/p2palert.shtm Fri, 18 Feb 2010 11:05:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today announced it has settled charges that Ticketmaster and its affiliates used deceptive bait-and-switch tactics to sell event tickets to consumers. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/02/ticketmaster.shtm Fri, 17 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST Scams Prey on Victims of the Recession With Bogus Job, Money-Making Schemes http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/02/bottomdollar.shtm Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:15:00 EST In conjunction with state law enforcement officials and other federal agencies, the Federal Trade Commission will hold a press conference on Wednesday, February 17, 2010, at 11 a.m. to announce a law enforcement sweep cracking down on job and work-at-home fraud fueled by the economic downturn. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/02/bottomdollar.shtm Fri, 5 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST Checks Will Arrive This Month http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/02/checkin.shtm Fri, 5 Feb 2010 9:00:00 EST In conjunction with state law enforcement officials and other federal agencies, the Federal Trade Commission will hold a press conference on Tuesday, February 9, 2010, at 11 a.m., to announce a law enforcement sweep cracking down on job and work-at-home fraud fueled by the economic downturn. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/02/obd.shtm Thu, 4 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today told the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation that the agency has stepped up efforts to protect consumers affected by the economic downtown, and that additional authority would make the agency even more effective. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/02/financialsvc.shtm Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission moved to protect distressed homeowners from the promoters of bogus foreclosure rescue and mortgage modification services by proposing a new rule that would forbid companies to charge up-front for these services. Instead, companies could only collect payment after providing services. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/02/mars.shtm Wed, 3 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST Seventy-eight companies nationwide have received Federal Trade Commission letters warning that they may be breaking the law by selling clothing and other textile products that are labeled and advertised as "bamboo," but actually are made of manufactured rayon fiber. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/02/bamboo.shtm Tue, 2 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has approved its FY 2011 Budget Overview Statement and the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) Performance Plans for FY 2010 and FY 2011. The Federal Trade Commission's staff has sent a letter to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) stating that certain new regulations proposed for the licensing of "limited service clinics" (LSCs) in the state raise competitive concerns and are likely to increase the cost of health services for Kentucky consumers, particularly the uninsured. The Federal Trade Commission has issued its annual report to the Federal Reserve Board on FTC enforcement efforts in 2009 related to four consumer finance laws: the Truth in Lending Act, Consumer Leasing Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act, and Electronic Fund Transfer Act. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/02/mjk.shtm Tue, 2 Feb 2010 10:30:00 EST A tenant screening agency that rejected consumers' requests for their files and failed to recheck information on their consumer reports after they had disputed it has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it violated federal law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/02/saferent.shtm Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST A home mortgage lender that previously settled Federal Trade Commission charges of discriminatory lending will have to hire an outside consultant to make sure it does not illegally charge higher prices to African-American and Hispanic consumers. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/01/gateway.shtm Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today told the U.S. House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection of the Committee on Energy and Commerce that the FTC will use its expertise to help the Subcommittee address the problems highlighted by last year's horrific events at the historic Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/01/funeral.shtm Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comments on a proposed divestiture by Carilion Clinic of Roanoke, Virginia. Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved the petition of The Dow Chemical Company seeking approval to divest its acrylic acid monomers and latex polymers businesses to Arkema Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Arkema Group. The Federal Trade Commission has approved an amended complaint in the matter of JPM Accelerated Services, Inc. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/01/carilionrobo.shtm Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today charged the Indoor Tanning Association with making false health and safety claims about indoor tanning. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/01/tanning.shtm Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today released the agenda for its second roundtable on consumer privacy issues scheduled for January 28, 2010. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/01/roundtable.shtm Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST A mortgage broker who discarded consumers' personal financial records in a publicly- accessible dumpster paid a $35,000 civil penalty to settle Federal Trade Commission charges. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/01/navone.shtm Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST Court Rules in Favor of FTC in Case of Diet Tea and Bio-Slim Patch http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/01/diet.shtm Tue, 5 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comments on a petition by SCI Corporation International for approval to divest the Davis Memorial Park cemetery and related funeral home in Las Vegas, Nevada, to Legacy Funeral Holdings of Nevada, LLC. The Federal Trade Commission has ordered the nation's largest consumer debt buyers to turn over information about their practices in buying and collecting consumer debt, which the FTC intends to use for a study of the debt-buying industry. Consumers have reported that debt collectors frequently try to collect from the wrong consumers or the wrong amounts, or both. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/01/sci.shtm Mon, 4 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST More Than 356,000 Checks Being Mailed on Behalf of FTC to Consumers Nationwide http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/01/suntasia.shtm Wed, 30 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has launched its Web site and blog for National Consumer Protection Week 2010, which will be held March 7-13. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/12/ncpw.shtm Tue, 29 Dec 2009 12:15:00 EST Includes Recommendations for Preventing and Halting Consumer Fraud http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/12/fraud.shtm Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has announced that it is lowering from $11 to $10.50 the maximum amount that consumer reporting agencies are allowed to charge consumers for an extra copy of their credit report. The Federal Trade Commission, as part of its crackdown on mortgage scams, has charged three more defendants with promoting phony mortgage relief services. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/12/fcra-hope.shtm Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST A federal court has jailed the marketer of a deceptive envelope-stuffing scheme for ignoring a court order that required him to stop his illegal practices. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/12/intermarketing.shtm Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved a final consent order in the matter of Dyna-E International, Inc. and a letter to the public commenter. Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved final consent orders in the three matters concerning Pure Bamboo, LLC; Sami Designs, LLC, doing business as (d/b/a) Jonano; and CSE, Inc., d/b/a Mad Mod, and also sent letters to the public commenters. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/12/dynabamboo.shtm Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has joined an effort to alert consumers to online deceptive marketing connected to free trial offers that require individuals to cancel or opt-out of a recurring charge for future products or services. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/12/visa.shtm Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST FTC, Department of Education, Federal Communications Commission Officials Present Free Booklet at D.C. Middle School http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/12/netcetera.shtm Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has submitted a comment supporting a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Federal Trade Commission has issued a report to Congress on the U.S. SAFE WEB Act. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/12/hhs.shtm Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will hold a day-long forum on food marketing to children titled "Sizing Up Food Marketing and Childhood Obesity." http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/12/sizingup.shtm Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers to be skeptical of anyone trying to sell test kits, inspections, or quick fixes for problems caused by imported drywall that has turned out to be contaminated. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/12/chinesedrywall.shtm Thu, 10 Dec 2009 9:00:00 EST Recommends Best Practices to Shield Children and Teens http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/12/virtualworlds.shtm Tue, 8 Dec 2009 13:30:00 EST Commission Also Issues National Do Not Call Registry Data Book for 2009 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/12/robocall.shtm Mon, 7 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST In conjunction with the organizers of the World Cup, the Federal Trade Commission is warning soccer fans that they could become victims of scams. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/12/fifa.shtm Fri, 4 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST The Commission has approved an amended complaint in the matter currently pending against Grant Writers Institute, LLC and its related entities. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/12/gwi.shtm Fri, 4 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST Just in time for the holiday shopping season, the Federal Trade Commission has 12 tweets about watching your wallet, shopping wisely, and protecting your personal information. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/12/holidaytweet.shtm Thu, 3 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will host the first of three public Roundtables to explore the privacy challenges posed by technology and business practices that collect and use consumer data. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/12/privacyrt.shtm Thu, 3 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST Marketers of violent music, movies, and video games can do more to restrict the promotion of these products to children, according to the seventh in a series of Federal Trade Commission reports on marketing violent entertainment to children. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/12/violentent.shtm Thu, 3 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today told the U.S. House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection of the Committee on Energy and Commerce that the FTC has cracked down on the deceptive marketing of prepaid phone cards, and that pending legislation would benefit consumers by giving the agency stronger tools to combat the problem. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/12/prepaidcards.shtm Wed, 2 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST FTC.gov/YouAreHere Launches New Content http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/12/youarehere.shtm Wed, 2 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will host a public event on consumer protection issues arising when debt collectors sue consumers to recover on a debt. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/12/debtcollect.shtm Tue, 1 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST The Commission has issued the "2009 Report on Ethanol Market Concentration." http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/12/ethanol.shtm Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will host more than 250 government officials, business leaders, consumer advocates, and academics from around the world to discuss opportunities and challenges for consumers in electronic commerce at a conference organized by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) December 8-10, 2009. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/11/oecd.shtm Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will hold a two-day workshop to explore how the Internet has affected journalism, with representatives from print, online, broadcast, and cable news organizations; academics; consumer advocates; bloggers; and others involved in new media. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/11/futurenews.shtm Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST U.S. Co-Defendant Forfeits More Than $800,000 and Faces Jail Time http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/11/herbalkings.shtm Tue, 24 Nov 2009 4:00:00 EST FTC Leads "Operation Stolen Hope" to Stop Fraud and Help Troubled Homeowners http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/11/stolenhope.shtm Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST Will Address Developments in Self-Regulation; Report on Recommended Nutritional Standards http://ftc.gov/opa/2009/11/sizingup.shtm Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST Defendants Could Pay More Than $1 Million for Failing to Disclose Terms of Recurring-Fee Plan http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/11/commerceplanet.shtm Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST Defendants' Operation Continues to "Ring the Dinner Bell" for Fraudsters http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/11/neovi.shtm Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST The Commission has issued its Performance and Accountability Report (PAR) for fiscal year (FY) 2009. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/11/par.shtm Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST Eight federal regulatory agencies today released a final model privacy notice form that will make it easier for consumers to understand how financial institutions collect and share information about consumers. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/11/glb.shtm Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission last week sent 10 warning letters to Web site operators who made questionable claims that their products can prevent, treat, or cure the H1N1 flu, commonly known as swine flu. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/11/h1n1.shtm Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST Company Pocketed More Than $15 Million From Consumers Last Year, But Almost None Received a Computer http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/11/bluehippo.shtm Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST Attorney Failed to Turn Over Proceeds from Defendants' Business Opportunity Involving Sale of Internet Kiosks to Consumers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/11/nsd.shtm Fri, 6 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST With the holiday season fast approaching, some smart planning now can keep your household budget intact when you ring in the new year. One option to consider is layaway plans. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/11/layaway.shtm Tue, 3 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST Commission's Order Prohibits Limitations on Discount Real Estate Listings http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/11/lowpay.shtm Mon, 2 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST Commission's Order Prohibits Limitations on Discount Real Estate Listings http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/11/realcomp.shtm Mon, 2 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST The U.S. Justice Department, at the Federal Trade Commission's request, filed suit today in federal court in a case affecting consumers nationwide. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/11/basicresearch.shtm Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:30:00 EST At the request of Members of Congress, the Federal Trade Commission is delaying enforcement of the "Red Flags" Rule until June 1, 2010, for financial institutions and creditors subject to enforcement by the FTC. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/redflags.shtm Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST Whether you use oil, natural gas, or electricity, there are many ways to ensure that you stay warm at home this winter without heating the great outdoors. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/homeheating.shtm Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST In response to a request by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for comment, the Federal Trade Commission has urged adoption of policies to protect and empower consumers as they buy and use communications services, including telephone, cable, and Internet access services. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/fcc.shtm Thu, 29 Oct 2009 9:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will host a public event on consumer protection issues arising when debt collectors sue consumers to recover on a debt. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/debtcollect.shtm Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST The FTC has proposed new labeling requirements for "lamps," commonly known as light bulbs, in response to a congressional mandate. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/lightbulbs.shtm Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST Just in time for Halloween: The Federal Trade Commission has 12 Tweets about protecting yourself, your kids, and your computer when online http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/halloween.shtm Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST Company's Products Not Made of Bamboo Fiber http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/bamboosa.shtm Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST Company Also Required to Implement Comprehensive Anti-Fraud Program and to Monitor its Agents http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/moneygram.shtm Tue, 20 Oct 2009 8:00:00 EST Company Will Pay $250,000 Civil Penalty http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/iconix.shtm Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST New Settlement Imposes Stricter Compliance Regimen http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/choicepoint.shtm Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:45:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will host a press event on Tuesday, October 20, 2009, at 11 am EDT to announce a multi-million-dollar settlement with a major U.S. company for facilitating cross-border telemarketing fraud between the United States and Canada. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/crossborder.shtm Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST Media Encouraged to Call with Questions http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/adpractices.shtm Fri, 9 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST Magazine Seller, Medical Discount Plan Pitchmen Barred From False Claims http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/telephoney.shtm Fri, 9 Oct 2009 9:00:00 EST Washington, D.C. - As part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Jon Leibowitz today encouraged the public to take steps to protect themselves, their privacy, and their personal information online. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/cybersecurity.shtm Thu, 8 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST Two bogus credit repair companies and their principals settled Federal Trade Commission charges that they falsely claimed they could clean up consumers' credit reports and collected up-front fees for their services, in violation of federal law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/successcredit.shtm Tue, 6 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST Six U.S. businesses have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they deceived consumers by falsely claiming they were abiding by an international privacy framework that provides a means for U.S. companies to transfer data from the European Union to the United States in keeping with EU and U.S. law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/safeharbor.shtm Mon, 5 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today announced an extension of the public comment period for proposed Debt Relief Amendments to the Telemarketing Sales Rule. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/debt.shtm Mon, 5 Oct 2009 8:00:00 EST Changes Affect Testimonial Advertisements, Bloggers, Celebrity Endorsements http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/endortest.shtm Fri, 2 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST An Administrative Law Judge has dismissed a Federal Trade Commission administrative complaint alleging that the respondents were responsible for the deceptive advertising of an herbal remedy that was falsely advertised as a cure for cancer. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/gemtronics.shtm Fri, 2 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST The FTC is seeking public comments on a petition by Dow Chemical Company for approval to divest its hollow sphere particle business to OMNOVA Solutions Inc., as required by a Commission consent order issued on March 31, 2009. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/chemical.shtm Wed, 30 Sep 2009 9:00:00 EST Today the Federal Trade Commission is hosting a public event on consumer protection issues in debt collection proceedings. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/09/debtcollect3.shtm Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST Will Address Developments in Self-Regulation; Report on Recommended Nutritional Standards http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/09/foodmarket.shtm Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has joined the U.S. Department of Justice in filing an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court in the matter of Jerman v. Carlisle, McNellie, Rini, Kramer, and Ulrich LPA, et al., No. 08-1200 (U.S. S. Ct.). http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/09/jerman.shtm Tue, 29 Sep 2009 9:00:00 EST Today and tomorrow, the Federal Trade Commission is hosting a public event on consumer protection issues in debt collection proceedings. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/09/debtcollect2.shtm Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST Callers with Prize News Don't Work for the FTC http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/09/govtscams.shtm Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST An international Internet payday lending operation will pay $1 million to settle Federal Trade Commission and State of Nevada charges that it failed to disclose key loan terms and used unlawful debt collection tactics. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/09/cash.shtm Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comments on a proposal to collect information from food and beverage companies and quick-service restaurants on promotional activities, nutrition information, and expenditures for products marketed to children and adolescents. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/09/food.shtm Thu, 17 Sep 2009 8:45:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today announced two new law enforcement actions in a continuing crackdown on mortgage foreclosure rescue and loan modification scams, bringing to 22 the number of these cases the Commission has filed since the housing crisis began. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/09/loanmods.shtm Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will host a series of day-long public roundtable discussions to explore the privacy challenges posed by the vast array of 21st century technology and business practices that collect and use consumer data. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/09/privacyrt.shtm Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers to use caution when donating to charities that claim to help victims of the devastating California wildfires. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/09/fire.shtm Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today launched the 2009 "We Don't Serve Teens" public education campaign to help prevent teenagers from getting easy access to alcohol, and to promote compliance with the legal drinking age of 21. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/09/serveteens.shtm Thu, 10 Sep 2009 9:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will host a two-day public event on consumer protection issues in litigation and arbitration proceedings to collect on consumer debt. This will be the second in a series of three FTC roundtable discussions on these topics. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/09/debtcollect.shtm Thu, 10 Sep 2009 9:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today told the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs that the agency is working to protect consumers from fraudulent schemes claiming to dispense guaranteed grants from the economic stimulus program, and from other frauds exploiting consumers who are struggling due to the economic downturn. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/09/stimulus.shtm Wed, 9 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST FTC Approves Final Consent Order Requiring Sears to Disclose the Installation of Tracking Software Placed on Consumers' Computers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/09/sears.shtm Tue, 8 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST Just in time for back-to-school and cold season, national retailer CVS Pharmacy, Inc. will stop making misleading claims that its "AirShield" dietary supplements can prevent colds, fight germs, and boost immune systems. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/09/cvs.shtm Fri, 4 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today filed comments in response to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Notice of Inquiry regarding development of a National Broadband Plan that will seek to ensure that every American has access to broadband capability. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/09/fccnbp.shtm Tue, 1 Sep 2009 9:00:00 EST New Rule Prohibiting Unwanted Robocalls Takes Effect Today http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/09/twi.shtm Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST Telemarketers Must Obtain Prior Written Approval from Consumers Who Want to Receive Such Calls http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/robocalls.shtm Thu, 27 Aug 2009 9:00:00 EST A federal district court has ordered the marketers of two dietary supplements - "Supreme Greens" and "Coral Calcium" - who claimed the products would cure ailments ranging from cancer and Parkinson's disease to heart disease and autoimmune diseases to pay nearly $70 million for deceiving consumers about the products' effectiveness and safety. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/dmc.shtm Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST A retailer of rayon towels will be barred from making false claims that mislead consumers into thinking that its products are "biodegradable," under a proposed settlement with the Federal Trade Commission. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/dyna.shtm Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST Court Orders Bar All Illegal Telemarketing Activities http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/telephony.shtm Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST As the hurricane season gets underway, it's time to tap into your inner scout and "be prepared." Your preparation for weather extremes or other natural disasters of course involves securing your windows, roof, or basement, but it also requires you to organize your financial papers. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/hurricane.shtm Mon, 24 Aug 2009 9:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has put a stop to a deceptive foreclosure "rescue" operation that charged homeowners $1,200 based on the false promise that it could save them from losing their homes. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/homesavers.shtm Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST 'Guaranteed' Jobs Never Materialized http://ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/hotline.shtm Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST The FTC has announced new fees starting on October 1, 2009, for telemarketers accessing phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry. http://ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/donotcall.shtm Mon, 17 Aug 2009 9:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today announced December 1 and 2, 2009, as the dates on which it will begin a series of workshops titled "From Town Criers to Bloggers: How Will Journalism Survive the Internet Age?" http://ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/news2009.shtm Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST The amount spent on cigarette advertising and promotion by the five largest cigarette companies in the United States declined from $13.11 billion in 2005 to $12.49 billion in 2006, according to a report released today by the Federal Trade Commission. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/tobacco.shtm Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST Bamboo-based Textiles, Actually Made of Rayon, Are Not Antimicrobial, Made in an Environmentally Friendly Manner, or Biodegradable http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/bamboo.shtm Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST An Administrative Law Judge has upheld Federal Trade Commission staff charges against a company and its officer for making deceptive claims that shark cartilage and herbal formulations prevent, treat, and cure cancer, and heal the effects of chemotherapy and radiation. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/danielco.shtm Fri, 7 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST The Commission has reopened the public comment period for the review of its Rule Concerning the Use of Prenotification Negative Option Plans at the request of an organization and state and local governments seeking additional time. http://ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/nor.shtm Fri, 7 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST For a long time, layaway plans have provided an alternative to paying cash or using credit. The retailer holds merchandise in reserve until the consumer pays for it in full. http://ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/layaway.shtm Thu, 6 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST In the wake of a Federal Trade Commission complaint against a company that deceptively sold electronics to hundreds of British consumers, the company has agreed to stop its allegedly illegal tactics until the case is decided in federal court. http://ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/bestpriced.shtm Thu, 6 Aug 2009 8:00:00 EST Today is the final day of a public event the Federal Trade Commission and the Searle Center on Law, Regulation, and Economic Growth at Northwestern University School of Law are hosting on consumer protection issues in debt collection proceedings. http://ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/debtcollect2.shtm Wed, 5 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST Consumers Got Fewer Calling Minutes Than Advertised, Were Charged Hidden Fees, Agency Says http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/diamond.shtm Wed, 5 Aug 2009 8:00:00 EST Today and tomorrow, the Federal Trade Commission and the Searle Center on Law, Regulation, and Economic Growth at Northwestern University School of Law are hosting a public event on consumer protection issues in debt collection proceedings. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/debtcollect.shtm Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved a final consent order in the matter of Kellogg Company and authorized the staff to provide responses to the commenters of record. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/kellogg.shtm Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST In an ongoing effort to better protect financially distressed consumers, the Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comment on proposed rules to combat deceptive and abusive telemarketing of debt relief services - services that purportedly can reduce consumers' credit card and other unsecured debt. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/tsr.shtm Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST Defendants Found in Contempt for Continuing Deceptive Practices http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/odysseus.shtm Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST Court Order Imposes Five-Year Ban on Telemarketing to Consumers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/globalmgt.shtm Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST The FTC is seeking public comments on its Private Vocational and Distance Education Schools Guides, commonly known as the Vocational Schools Guides, as part of its systematic review of agency guides and regulations. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/schools.shtm Mon, 27 Jul 2009 9:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today told the U.S. House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection of the Committee on Energy and Commerce that the FTC will work with the Subcommittee and others to explore ways to deploy the FTC's experience and resources in connection with the recent grievous events at the historic Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois, and in addressing consumer protection concerns regarding cemeteries. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/funeral.shtm Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST Court Halts Operators' Deceptive Pitches for Grant Writing Book and Services http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/gwi.shtm Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST On July 15, 2009, the Federal Trade Commission sent refund checks to consumers who allegedly had been defrauded in the case of FTC v. Integrity Financial Enterprises, LLC. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/integrity.shtm Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission testified today before the U.S. Senate on its efforts to combat deceptive advertising in the face of rapid changes in health care, technology, and online marketing strategies. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/advertising.shtm Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST The Commission has reopened the public comment period for the review of the "Cooling Off Rule" - formally known as the Trade Regulation Rule Concerning Cooling-Off Period for Sales Made at Homes or at Certain Other Locations - for an additional 60 days, through September 25, 2009. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/coolingoff.shtm Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST A manufacturer of magnifiers and other desktop and portable vision aids has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it falsely claimed its products were "Made in the U.S.A." http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/evs.shtm Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved final consent orders in the matters of Kmart Corporation and Tender Corporation. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/kmart.shtm Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST FTC Leads "Operation Loan Lies" to Stop Fraud and Help Distressed Homeowners http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/loanlies.shtm Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST "Operation Loan Lies" Aims to Help People At Risk of Losing Their Homes http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/loanliesma1.shtm Tue, 14 Jul 2009 9:30:00 EST Scammers who duped consumers into paying a total of more than $30 million for bogus business opportunities have settled Federal Trade Commission charges that their deceptive claims violated federal law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/worldtraders.shtm Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST FTC Charges Rite Aid's Cold-and-Flu Remedy Supplier with False and Deceptive Advertising in Ongoing Case http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/riteaide.shtm Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST A U.S. district court has ordered newly named defendants to stop making deceptive claims that they are affiliated with free federal government programs, such as Making Home Affordable. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/homeafford.shtm Thu, 9 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a U.S. district court judge has imposed a telemarketing ban on a Canadian operation that targeted U.S. consumers with false claims that it could reduce their credit card interest rates. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/spm.shtm Thu, 9 Jul 2009 9:00:00 EST TALX Corporation, a subsidiary of Equifax Inc., has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it violated federal law by failing to provide certain disclosures to users of their consumer reports and to entities that provide information for consumer reports. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/talx.shtm Thu, 2 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST Case Against International Spam Operation is First Using US SAFE WEB Act http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/spear.shtm Thu, 2 Jun 2009 9:30:00 EST The operators of a debt collection company that used false threats and other unlawful tactics to collect consumers' debts have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they violated federal law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/oxford.shtm Wed, 1 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today announced final rules and guidelines that will promote the accuracy and integrity of information provided to credit reporting agencies (commonly called "credit bureaus") and allow consumers to dispute inaccurate information about them directly with furnishers, the financial institutions and other entities that furnish the information to the credit reporting agencies. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/facta.shtm Wed, 1 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST New Public Education Video Helps Consumers Steer Clear of Business Opportunity Fraud http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/shortchange.shtm Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST 'Operation Short Change' Seeks to Protect Vulnerable Consumers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/shortchange1.shtm Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST Settles charges that it delivered fewer calling minutes than advertised, charged consumers hidden fees, and charged for calls that never connected http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/cta.shtm Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST 'Operation Short Change' Seeks to Protect Vulnerable Consumers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/shortchange.shtm Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST The FTC filed an amended complaint adding several new defendants in the action currently pending against Federal Loan Modification Law Center, LLP, and six related defendants. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/fedloanmod.shtm Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST U.S., Jamaican Authorities Target Sweepstakes, Foreign Lottery Fraud http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/jamaica.shtm Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST Two defendants in a case involving a massive "scareware" scheme will settle Federal Trade Commission charges of deceptive advertising and forfeit more than $100,000 in assets that were frozen last year at the Commission's request. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/winsoftware.shtm Thu, 25 Jun 2009 9:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission and the Searle Center on Law, Regulation, and Economic Growth at Northwestern University School of Law will host a two-day public event on consumer protection issues in debt collection proceedings against individual consumers. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/chicagoround.shtm Thu, 25 Jun 2009 9:00:00 EST A federal court has ordered a credit repair operation and its principals to stop making false claims and requiring advance payment for credit repair services. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/acegroup.shtm Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved a final consent order in the matter of CVS Caremark Corporation and authorized the staff to provide responses to the commenters of record. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/cvs.shtm Mon, 22 Jun 2009 9:00:00 EST At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a federal court has halted a bogus mortgage foreclosure prevention operation that misrepresented both the "loss mitigation" services it offered and the earnings potential of the business opportunity it sold. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/freedom.shtm Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST FTC Issues New Consumer Alert http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/churches.shtm Thu, 18 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST A federal court has ordered a payment processor that debited consumers' bank accounts without their authorization to pay $1,779,000 in consumer redress and to end the illegal practice. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/interbill.shtm Thu, 18 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST Letter References Behavioral Advertising Report Issued in February http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/behavadvert.shtm Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST A major U.S. alcohol supplier has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that its advertising for the caffeinated alcohol drink Wide Eye was deceptive, unsubstantiated, and in violation of federal law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/consbrands.shtm Tue, 9 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST Agency Testifies About Efforts to Ensure Truthfulness of Environmental Marketing Claims http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/kmart.shtm Fri, 5 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST E-card Warns of Internet Phishing Scams http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/fathersday.shtm Thu, 4 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST A rogue Internet Service Provider that recruits, knowingly hosts, and actively participates in the distribution of spam, child pornography, and other harmful electronic content has been shut down by a district court judge at the request of the Federal Trade Commission. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/3fn.shtm Thu, 4 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST Sears Failed to Disclose Adequately that Software Collected Consumers' Sensitive Personal Information http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/sears.shtm Wed, 29 May 2009 12:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has joined the U.S. Department of Justice in filing an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court in the matter of American Needle, Inc. v. National Football League, No. 08-661 (U.S. S. Ct.). http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/nflwf.shtm Wed, 29 May 2009 12:00:00 EST With summer on the way, hotter days and vacation road trips are coming up fast. Because the costs of cooling your home and filling up your car can add up, the Federal Trade Commission is offering tips to save you money. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/gasprices.shtm Wed, 20 May 2009 11:00:00 EST Agency Joined by 49 States in Bringing 76 Actions Against Fraudulent Solicitors Nationwide http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/charityfraud.shtm Tue, 19 May 2009 13:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today announced it will hold a series of workshops titled "Can News Media Survive the Internet Age? Competition, Consumer Protection, and First Amendment Perspectives." The first workshop will be held on September 15, 2009. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/news2009.shtm Mon, 18 May 2009 15:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission, together with dozens of state law enforcement officials, will announce "Operation False Charity," a crackdown on fraudulent telemarketers who falsely claim to be soliciting money on behalf of police, firefighters, and veterans charities, at a press conference at FTC Headquarters Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at 11 a.m. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/phonycharity.shtm Mon, 18 May 2009 15:30:00 EST At the Federal Trade Commission's request, a federal district court issued an order to stop an Internet-based operation that pretends to operate "MakingHomeAffordable.gov," the official Web site of the federal Making Home Affordable program for free mortgage loan assistance. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/mortgageads.shtm Mon, 18 May 2009 10:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission and the Searle Center on Law, Regulation, and Economic Growth at Northwestern University School of Law will host a two-day public event, "Protecting Consumers in Debt Collection Litigation and Arbitration: A Roundtable Discussion," in Chicago, Illinois, on August 5 and 6, 2009 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/debtcollection.shtm Fri, 15 May 2009 15:00:00 EST Today Judge John F. Grady of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois issued a temporary restraining order stopping telemarketing company Voice Touch, Inc., its principals James and Maureen Dunne, its business partner Network Foundations LLC, and Network Foundations principal Damian Kohlfeld from making any further calls in violation of the Do Not Call Registry and other provisions of the Telemarketing Sales Rule and the FTC Act. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/robocalls2.shtm Thu, 14 May 2009 13:00:00 EST Companies Charged With Making Hundreds of Millions of Deceptive Calls to Consumers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/robocalls.shtm Thu, 14 May 2009 12:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will hold a telephone press availability on Thursday, May 14, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. EST to announce federal lawsuits filed today challenging an operation that made hundreds of millions of robocalls to promote an operation that sold bogus auto warranties. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/robocall.shtm Thu, 14 May 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has warned Web site operators who made claims that their products can prevent, treat, or cure the Influenza A/H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu, that they must have scientific proof to support their claims. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/swineflu2.shtm Wed, 13 May 2009 14:00:00 EST Consumers in search of an apartment or house to rent often rely on online rental listings in order to find the right place, especially if they're looking in another city or state. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/rentalscam.shtm Wed, 13 May 2009 10:00:00 EST To help entities that have a low risk of identity theft - such as businesses that know their customers personally - the Federal Trade Commission has created a template that guides such businesses and organizations in developing written identity theft prevention programs to comply with the Red Flags Rule. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/redflags.shtm Tue, 12 May 2009 13:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today told the U.S. House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection of the Committee on Energy and Commerce that, in response to the current economic crisis, the FTC has substantially increased its law enforcement efforts to protect consumers of financial services. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/debitproact.shtm Tue, 12 May 2009 11:00:00 EST Commission Approval of Final Consent Order: Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved a final consent order in the matter of Native Essence Herb Company. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/2cancercures.shtm Tue, 5 May 2009 14:00:00 EST Announces Settlement of Case Against Mortgage Lender That Allegedly Failed to Safeguard Consumer Information http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/peer2peer.shtm Mon, 4 May 2009 10:30:00 EST Two individuals who lured homeowners into high-cost, short-term loans secured by an additional mortgage on their homes have settled FTC charges that they violated federal law - and a previous court order against them. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/rescue.shtm Mon, 4 May 2009 9:00:00 EST FTC Staff Advises Louisiana Legislature That Bill Would Restrict Competition to Provide Dental Care to the State's Underserved Children http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/ladentistry.shtm Fri, 1 May 2009 11:00:00 EST Offending Web Sites and Illegal Activity Targeted for Action http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/swineflu.shtm Fri, 1 May 2009 11:00:00 EST The FTC has submitted a comment to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) concerning FERC's competitive assessments of partial acquisitions of electric power providers, including by private equity firms holding investments in competing electric power providers (Docket No. PL09-3-000). http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/ferc.shtm Fri, 1 May 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comment on a petition from America Online, Inc. and CompuServe Interactive Services, Inc. to reopen and modify a January 2004 final FTC Order concerning the two companies. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/aol.shtm Fri, 1 May 2009 11:00:00 EST Mom has given out lots of good advice over the years. On Mother's Day, let her know you're looking out for her, too. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/fyimothersday.shtm Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission will delay enforcement of the new "Red Flags Rule" until August 1, 2009, to give creditors and financial institutions more time to develop and implement written identity theft prevention programs. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/redflagsrule.shtm Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today adopted as final the interim rules amending Parts 3 and 4 of the agency's Rules of Practice that were announced last December, and also further amended several rules and eliminated one. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/part3.shtm Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a federal court has imposed a judgment of $18.9 million against operators of an "Internet kiosk" business opportunity scam, clearing the way for the FTC to distribute more than $2 million to the victims of their illegal Ponzi scheme. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/nsd.shtm Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has charged the suppliers of supposed Hoodia gordonii, also known as hoodia, with deceptive advertising for claiming that using their product would lead to weight loss and appetite suppression. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/nutraceuticals.shtm Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission's case against the marketers of Xenadrine EFX, a purported weight-loss product, has ended, with the final defendant in the case settling charges of false and unsubstantiated advertising. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/xenadrine.shtm Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST The Commission has reopened the public comment period for the regulatory review of the Used Motor Vehicle Trade Regulation Rule (Used Car Rule) through June 10, 2009. The Commission has approved an amended complaint that adds a new defendant and charges in the action currently pending against Group One Networks, Inc. The Commission has proposed amendments to the agency's Guide Concerning Fuel Economy Advertising for New Automobiles (the Fuel Economy Guide) (16 C.F.R. Part 259). In a comment jointly filed with the Supreme Court of Hawaii, the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) advised that a proposed rule concerning the practice of law could unduly restrict the activities of non-lawyers in Hawaii. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/fyi0904.shtm Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST TThe Federal Trade Commission will hold a day-long public workshop on June 1, 2009 in Washington, DC, to explore proposed changes to the FTC's Business Opportunity Rule. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/bizopp.shtm Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST Kellogg Company, the world's leading producer of cereal, has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that advertising claims touting a breakfast of Frosted Mini-Wheats as "clinically shown to improve kids' attentiveness by nearly 20%" were false and violated federal law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/kellogg.shtm Thu, 17 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST The Commission has approved a Federal Register notice seeking public comments on the costs and benefits of the agency's Cooling-Off Rule, as part of its systematic review of its rules and guides.; Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved a final consent order in the matter of American Telecom Services, Inc. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/coolingoff.shtm Thu, 16 Apr 2009 1:30:00 EST DIRECTV to Pay $2.31 Million for Violating Telemarketing Sales Rule; Comcast to Pay $900,000 for Calling Consumers Who Asked Not to be Called Again http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/directv.shtm Thu, 16 Apr 2009 1:00:00 EST Carrying a credit card balance can be expensive for consumers, especially for those who make only minimum monthly payments. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/nonbankcc.shtm Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today announced that it has approved a Federal Register notice seeking public comment on a proposed rule that would require entities to notify consumers when the security of their electronic health information is breached. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/healthbreach.shtm Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission announced today a Federal Register notice describing quantitative consumer testing of a model privacy form developed as part of a Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLB) interagency notice project. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/glbnotice.shtm Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz has appointed six senior staff members with extensive experience in the private sector, in the public interest community, in academia, and in government. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/seniorstaff.shtm Thu, 9 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST Order Includes $1 Million Judgment Against Operators http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/cashcorner.shtm Tue, 7 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST Event Emphasizes Securing Personal Information, Complying with Red Flags Rule http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/datasec.shtm Mon, 6 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST FTC, State Enforcers Sue Scammers, Warn Others; Announce Education Campaign Designed to Reach Borrowers Directly http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/hud.shtm Mon, 6 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST Civil Enforcement Cases, State Enforcement Actions, Alert to Financial Institutions Among New Efforts to Protect American Homeowners Seeking Relief http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/loanfraud.shtm Thu, 2 Apr 2009 10:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has launched a Web site to help entities covered by the Red Flags Rule design and implement identity theft prevention programs. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/redflags.shtm Wed, 1 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST Defendants Claimed to be Calling on Behalf of a Major Retailer or Credit Card Company http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/suretouch.shtm Tue, 31 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST Provides Advice on Debt, Employment, and Avoiding Scams http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/moneymatters.shtm Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST In Tough Economic Times, FTC Focused on Financial Services, Health Care, Energy, Privacy, Technology http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/annualrpt.shtm Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST Four State Attorney Generals Join Commission's Case Against Satellite TV Firm http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/echostar.shtm Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST Two Firms Falsely Claimed to be Affiliated with Non-Profit HOPE NOW Alliance http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/newhope.shtm Fri, 20 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST The FTC has approved the publication of a Federal Register notice amending Commission Rule 7(c) of the Rules and Regulations under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act, commonly known as the Textile Rules, to establish a new generic fiber subclass name and definition. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/genericfiber.shtm Thu, 19 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST QVC, Inc., a TV home shopping channel and one of the world's largest multimedia retailers, has agreed to pay $7.5 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it made false and unsubstantiated claims about three types of dietary supplements in violation of an FTC order, and about an anti-cellulite skin cream in violation of the FTC Act. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/infomercials.shtm Thu, 19 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST Federal investigators working undercover in seven states during 2008 found significant violations of the Funeral Rule at 26 of 104 funeral homes visited. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/funeral2008.shtm Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has charged seven related companies with violating federal law by falsely promising to remove negative information from consumers' credit reports, even information that is accurate and current, and by charging an up-front fee and failing to provide written disclosures. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/unitedcredit.shtm Wed, 11 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST A company that sold telephones and telephone services through retailers nationwide has been barred from failing to provide the rebates it promised to consumers in a timely manner. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/ats.shtm Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST Despite the musical claims of some TV commercials, the only authorized source to get your free annual credit report under federal law is AnnualCreditReport.com. Click here to view videos. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/freecredit.shtm Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST The FTC has approved an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) under the Appliance Labeling Rule for publication in the Federal Register. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/anpr.shtm Mon, 9 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST APEC, OECD are Co-Sponsors; Event to be held March 16-17, 2009 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/personaldata.shtm Mon, 9 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST To reinforce the message that the only authorized source for free annual credit reports under federal law is AnnualCreditReport.com, the Federal Trade Commission is offering two new videos http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/videoma.shtm Thu, 5 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST A consumer reporting agency that failed to properly screen prospective customers and, as a result, sold at least 318 credit reports to identity thieves, has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it violated federal law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/rrs.shtm Thu, 5 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST Sellers Greatly Exaggerated Their Products' Effectiveness http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/rvalue.shtm Thu, 5 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST Event Emphasizes Securing Personal Information, Complying with Red Flags Rule http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/datasec.shtm Thu, 5 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today outlined the biggest challenges facing consumer protection agencies in the used car market in testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/autotest.shtm Wed, 4 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has posted on its Web site a calculator that gives consumers an estimate of how long it will take them to pay off their credit card balance. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/ccc.shtm Tue, 3 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST President Barack Obama designated Jon Leibowitz as Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission by a White House Order dated March 2, 2009. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/chairman.shtm Tue, 3 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST To help parents better understand their childrens' online privacy rights, the Federal Trade Commission has developed a new article, Protecting Kids' Privacy. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/kidssafety.shtm Mon, 2 Mar 2009 14:30:00 EST PRESS CONFERENCE to unveil bogus Web sites and other scams claiming they can help individual consumers qualify for a share of stimulus package money. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/stimulusscam.shtm Mon, 2 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST Virtual worlds - online "places" where people use graphic characters known as avatars to represent themselves - can expose children and teenagers to inappropriate activity or violence. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/virtualkids.shtm Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today released the list of top consumer complaints received by the agency in 2008 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/2008cmpts.shtm Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission issued a report today recommending that the debt collection legal system be reformed and modernized to reflect changes in consumer debt, the debt collection industry, and technology. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/fdcpa.shtm Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST In a case filed by the Federal Trade Commission and the State of Nevada, a federal court has ordered a halt to certain practices by seven U.S.-based companies and an individual operating as part of an international Internet payday lending operation. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/cash2day.shtm Fri, 20 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST The Commission has approved the publication of a notice in the Federal Register rescinding the agency's enforcement policy for advertising of books, also known as the Mirror Image Doctrine (MID). Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved a final consent order in the matter of West Penn Multi-List, Inc. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/fyi0219.shtm Fri, 20 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST Forum Examines Advertising Literacy http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/aditup.shtm Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST CVS Caremark has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it failed to take reasonable and appropriate security measures to protect the sensitive financial and medical information of its customers and employees, in violation of federal law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/cvs.shtm Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST Defendants Assisted in Nine Cross-Border Telemarketing Scams Targeting U.S. Consumers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/gmg.shtm Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST Event Takes Place March 1-7, 2009 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/ncpw.shtm Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST Federal Trade Commission staff today issued a report describing its ongoing examination of online behavioral advertising and setting forth revisions to proposed principles to govern self-regulatory efforts in this area. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/behavad.shtm Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST In a case that affects consumers throughout the nation, the Federal Trade Commission has charged a mortgage foreclosure "rescue" company with falsely claiming that it will stop foreclosure or fully refund consumers' money. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/nfr.shtm Tue, 10 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST The Commission has approved an amended complaint in the matter currently pending against defendants Publishers Business Services, Inc., and Ed Dantuma Enterprises, Inc., also d/b/a Publishers Direct Services and Publishers Business Services. Hexion LLC and Huntsman Corporation (Respondents) have petitioned the Commission to reopen and set aside two orders related to their proposed merger because they have terminated their planned merger and withdrawn their premerger notification filings http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/pbshexion.shtm Tue, 10 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST Major prepaid calling card companies have agreed to pay $2.25 million as part of a settlement to resolve Federal Trade Commission charges that they made false claims to consumers about the number of minutes of talk time their prepaid calling cards would provide. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/alternatel.shtm Mon, 9 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a United States District Court has ordered a permanent halt to the illegal operations of an Internet-based check creation and delivery service and ordered the operators to give up all the money they made from the illegal operation. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/jab.shtm Mon, 9 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST New FTC Staff Report Offers Guidance on Online 'Negative Option' Marketing http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/jab.shtm Thu, 5 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST An online seller of computer supplies and other consumer electronics has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it violated federal law by failing to provide reasonable security to protect sensitive customer data. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/compgeeks.shtm Mon, 2 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST Ads Appeared in Major Magazines Promising to Turn Any Car Into a Hybrid http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/dutchman.shtm Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST Federal Trade Commission Chairman William E. Kovacic announced today that Mary Beth Richards, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection, will leave the agency to return to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and that Mary K. Engle, currently Associate Director in the Bureau's Division of Advertising Practices, will serve as Acting Deputy Director. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/richards.shtm Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has charged the marketers of Kinoki Foot Pads with deceptive advertising, including claims that use of the foot pads would remove toxins from the body; treat high blood pressure, depression, and a host of other medical conditions; and lead to weight loss. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/xacta.shtm Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST Two Groups of Travel Companies Called Numbers on the National Registry http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/westgate.shtm Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST FTC Extends Comment and Submission Periods Related to Digital Rights Management Town Hall to February 9, 2009; FTC Issues Annual Financial Acts Enforcement Report to Federal Reserve http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/frbdrm.shtm Mon, 26 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission obtained a $250,000 settlement against a participant in a vending machine scheme, concluding its case against the defendants in this operation, all of whom were charged in 2002 as part of the Project Busted Opportunity law enforcement sweep. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/westbrook.shtm Fri, 23 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST Almost $28 Million Returned to 86,000 Consumers Harmed by Mortgage Servicing Practices http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/emc.shtm Thu, 22 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission staff will host a workshop on March 12, 2009 to gather input for its advertising literacy initiative, which will educate and empower tweens to be better informed consumers of information. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/literacy.shtm Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has charged a mortgage broker with discarding consumers' tax returns, credit reports, and other sensitive personal and financial information in an unsecured dumpster, in violation of federal law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/navone.shtm Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST A federal district court has ordered the marketers of three dietary supplements to pay more than $15 million for deceiving consumers about the products' safety and effectiveness. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/nug.shtm Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST A federal judge has ordered infomercial marketer Kevin Trudeau to pay more than $37 million for violating a 2004 stipulated order by misrepresenting the content of his book, "The Weight Loss Cure 'They' Don't Want You to Know About." http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/trudeau.shtm Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST Marketers who made false and deceptive claims that a device would cause consumers to lose weight by applying electronic stimulation to their abdominal muscles have agreed to pay $7 million to settle an action brought by the Federal Trade Commission to obtain consumer redress. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/telebrands.shtm Tue, 13 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST APEC, OECD are Co-Sponsors; Event to be held March 16-17, 2009 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/datasec.shtm Tue, 13 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST Massive Telemarketing Scheme Affected Nearly One Million Consumers Nationwide; Wachovia Bank to Provide An Additional $33 Million to Suntasia Victims http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/suntasia.shtm Tue, 13 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST Checks Sent to More Than 740,000 Telemarketing Fraud Victims http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/wachovia.shtm Tue, 13 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST Eileen Harrington Named Acting Director http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/parnes.shtm Tue, 13 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST Terms of Proposed Settlement are Among Strongest Ever in an FTC Rebate Case http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/mds.shtm Tue, 8 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST Three mortgage loan advertisers that allegedly deceptively touted low monthly payments and low rates without fully disclosing loan terms have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that their ads violated federal law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/anm.shtm Thu, 8 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST A mortgage foreclosure rescue service that claimed that, for a $1,200 fee, they would stop foreclosure and save consumers' homes, has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it violated federal law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/mfs.shtm Tue, 23 Dec 2008 13:00:00 EST Commission Seeks Further Comments on Changes to the Adjudicative Proceedings Process http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/part3.shtm Tue, 23 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST Event Takes Place Wednesday, March 25, 2009, in Seattle http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/drm.shtm Tue, 23 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST The FTC has approved the filing of a comment with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PA PUC) concerning the PA PUC's implementation plan for its Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/papuc.shtm Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST Said Money Donated Would Benefit the Handicapped and Disabled http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/hdwksp.shtm Tue, 16 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved a final consent order in the matter of Premier Capital Lending, Inc. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/pcl.shtm Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has approved the publication of a Federal Register notice announcing that the ceiling on allowable charges under Section 612(f) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) will increase from $10.50 to $11.00, effective January 1, 2009. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/fcra.shtm Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST Computers are a popular gift during the holiday season. People with a new computer often wonder about the best way to get rid of the old one. OnGuardOnline.gov, the computer safety Web site managed by the Federal Trade Commission, has some tips to make this task easier - and more secure. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/computer.shtm Thu, 11 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST Company Will Pay $1 Million Civil Penalty http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/sonymusic.shtm Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST Advance-Fee Telemarketer Prohibited from Misrepresenting Material Facts to Consumers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/telephoney.shtm Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a U.S. district court has issued a temporary halt to a massive "scareware" scheme, which falsely claimed that scans had detected viruses, spyware, and illegal pornography on consumers' computers. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/winsoftware.shtm Fri, 5 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST APEC, OECD are Co-Sponsors; Event to be held March 16-17, 2009 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/datasec.shtm Thu, 4 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST An operation that lured consumers with promises that they could earn big money as trained and certified "mystery shoppers" has agreed to pay $850,000 to settle charges of deceptive marketing and contempt. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/mysteryshop.shtm Thu, 4 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST Court Order Also Prohibits Violations of Do Not Call Registry Rules http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/fusion.shtm Wed, 3 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST A Utah-based operation that lured online customers with free samples of a purported weight-loss supplement in a scheme to obtain their credit or debit card information has agreed to pay $150,000 to settle Federal Trade Commission charges of deceptive and unfair marketing, and of violations of federal regulations governing the electronic transfer of funds. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/ultralife.shtm Mon, 1 Dec 2008 9:30:00 EST Effective today, any telemarketing call that delivers a prerecorded message must include a quick and easy way to opt-out of receiving future calls. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/tsramendments.shtm Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has rescinded guidance issued in 1966 that generally permitted statements concerning tar and nicotine yields if they were based on the Cambridge Filter Method, sometimes called the FTC method. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/11/cigarettetesting.shtm Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST Complaints are on the rise about a scam that preys on a grandparent's love, according to the Federal Trade Commission. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/11/grandparent.shtm Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission and the State of Nevada have charged 10 related Internet payday lenders and their principals, based mainly in the United Kingdom, with violating federal and state law by not disclosing key loan terms to U.S. consumers and using abusive and deceptive collection tactics. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/11/cashtoday.shtm Thu, 6 Nov 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The marketers of dietary supplements that purportedly prevented and treated diabetes have settled Federal Trade Commission charges that they engaged in deceptive advertising practices. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/11/glucorell.shtm Thu, 6 Nov 2008 10:00:00 +0000 Data Breach Compromised Privacy of Hundreds of Consumers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/11/pcl.shtm Wed, 5 Nov 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission today denied requests that the Commission extend the time within which public comments can be filed on proposed revisions to Parts 3 and 4 of the agency's Rules of Practice governing administrative litigation before the Commission. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/11/part3.shtm Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:00:00 +0000 www.ftc.gov/YouAreHere Teaches Key Concepts http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/10/ftcsite4kids.shtm Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:30:00 +0000 Commission Approves Final Consent Orders with Bioque Technologies, Inc., Holly A. Bacon d/b/a Cleansing Time Pro, and Daryl C. Jenks d/b/a Premium Essiac Tea 4less http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/10/bioque.shtm Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Halloween season spells big business for the cosmetic contact lens industry, as consumers shop for just the right lenses to play the part of a mummy or vampire, or to change the color of their eyes for the evening. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/10/contactlens.shtm Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission and the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Dedman School of Law will host a half-day public workshop in Dallas on Thursday, Nov 13, 2008, on how businesses can better secure personal information and protect the privacy of consumers and employees. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/10/datasec.shtm Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:00:00 +0000 In their latest effort to defraud the public, con artists claiming to work for the Federal Trade Commission are calling consumers and claiming that they have won a lottery or sweepstakes. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/10/lotteryscam.shtm Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:00:00 +0000 Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology is hosting a Town Hall meeting on medical identity theft at the Federal Trade Commission's satellite building in Washington, DC. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/10/medid.shtm Mon, 14 Oct 2008 13:00:00 +0000 A U.S. district court has ordered a halt to the operations of a vast international spam network that peddled prescription drugs and bogus male-enhancement products. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/10/herbalkings.shtm Mon, 14 Oct 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Event to be Held at Fordham University School of Law on Oct 24, 2008 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/10/ftcat100ny.shtm Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:00:00 +0000 Event to be Held at Boston University School of Management on Oct 14, 2008 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/10/ftcat100.shtm Thu, 9 Oct 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Online scammers are taking advantage of tough economic times. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/10/bankphishing.shtm Wed, 8 Oct 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission announced today that Joel Winston, Associate Director for Privacy and Identity Protection in the agency's Bureau of Consumer Protection, has received the 2008 Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Executive. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/10/jwinston.shtm Tue, 7 Oct 2008 10:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission will host a free two-day Fraud Forum on February 25 and 26, 2009, in Washington, DC. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/10/fraud.shtm Fri, 22 Sep 2008 10:00:00 +0000 Settlement is First Resulting from Cases Brought in 'Operation Tele-PHONEY' Sweep http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/09/tsrdnc.shtm Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission Launches Public Education Campaign http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/09/cancercures2.shtm Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission Launches Public Education Campaign http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/09/cancercures.shtm Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:30:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission charged two credit repair marketers with violating federal law by collecting advance payment for credit repair services and falsely promising to remove derogatory information from consumers' credit reports - even if the information is accurate and not obsolete. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/09/lhcr.shtm Fri, 5 Sep 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of final consent orders - Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved the issuance of a final consent order in the matter concerning We Give Loans, Inc., and Aliyah Associates LLC, d/b/a AmericanAdvance.com. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/09/wegiveloans.shtm Thu, 4 Sep 2008 13:30:00 +0000 Event to be Held at Northwestern University School of Law on Sep 25, 2008 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/09/ftcat100.shtm Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Events to be Held in Washington, DC, This Fall; Public Comments Solicited http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/08/hcissues.shtm Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:30:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission has charged the marketer of a work-at-home business opportunity with violating federal law by falsely promising Spanish-speaking consumers substantial income for stuffing envelopes. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/08/workathome.shtm Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Two brothers have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they misled consumers with false earnings claims for work-at-home schemes involving free government grants, mystery shopping, online surveys, and data entry. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/08/mmsecret.shtm Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:00:00 +0000 TThe Federal Trade Commission will host a "Transatlantic RFID Workshop on Consumer Privacy and Data Security" on Sep 23, 2008, to explore emerging applications of radio frequency identification technology and their implications for consumer protection policy. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/08/transatlantic.shtm Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:00:00 +0000 Claudia Bourne Farrell Named Acting Director; Peter Kaplan Named Deputy Director http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/08/opachanges.shtm Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:45:00 +0000 Rule Will Halt Prerecorded Sales Calls Unless the Seller Obtains Consumer's Permission http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/08/tsr.shtm Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of amended complaint - The Commission has authorized the staff to file an amended complaint in the ongoing litigation against Select Personnel Management, Inc., d/b/a Select Management Solutions, and its principal James Stewart and Flow International Corporation and OMAX Corporation. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/08/smsomax.shtm Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of amended complaints - The Commission has authorized the staff to file an amended complaint in the ongoing litigation against Data Business Solutions Inc., also doing business as Internet Listing Service Corp., ILS Corp., ILSCORP.NET, Domain Listing Service Corp., DLS Corp., and DLSCORP.NET, and its principals Ari Balabanian, Isaac Benlolo, and Kirk Mulveney. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/08/ilsmedpro.shtm Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:30:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission will announce a multi-million dollar consumer redress settlement against the maker of a well known natural remedy. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/08/naturalhealth.shtm Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:30:00 +0000 The marketers of a line of dietary supplements have agreed to pay $2.5 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that claims about their oregano oil and capsules were false and unsubstantiated in violation of federal law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/08/naherb.shtm Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Have you received an unsolicited e-mail or phone call from someone who claims to represent your local election board or civic group and asks for your Social Security or credit card number to confirm your eligibility or registration to vote? http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/08/voter.shtm Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission has created an information line for customers who purchased debt-consolidation services from Express Consolidation, Inc., Randall L. Leshin, and Debt Management Counseling Center (also known as Randall L. Leshin, P.A.). http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/leshin.shtm Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission today announced the results of a study on food marketing to children and adolescents. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/foodmkting.shtm Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission will release a report examining industry expenditures in marketing food and beverages to children and adolescents. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/foodmark.shtm Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of Federal Register notice - The Commission has approved a Federal Register notice announcing a one-month extension of the public comment period related to its proposal to rescind guidance concerning the current cigarette testing method. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/cigarette2.shtm Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:00:00 +0000 First Public Meeting Scheduled for Jul 29-30, 2008, in Washington, DC http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/ftcat100.shtm Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission and the California Office of Privacy Protection will co-host a half-day public workshop in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Aug 13, 2008, on how businesses can secure personal information and protect the privacy of consumers and employees. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/datasec.shtm Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000 TCommission denial of petition from jewelry industry trade associations - The Commission has denied a petition submitted by the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) and 10 other jewelry industry trade associations requesting that the FTC amend the Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries (Guides), 16 C.F.R. Part 23. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/jvc.shtm Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:30:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission and the Technology Law and Public Policy Clinic at the University of Washington School of Law will co-host a day-long Town Hall meeting on the campus of the University of Washington to examine emerging uses of contactless payment devices and their implications, including security and privacy implications, for consumer protection policy. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/contactless.shtm Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:30:00 +0000 Defendants in an operation that sold bogus weight loss supplements through illegal spam e-mail have settled Federal Trade Commission charges that their operation violated federal laws. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/spearsys.shtm Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission today released a staff report on a Roundtable Discussion on Phishing Education that it hosted in Apr. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/phishing.shtm Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission staff will host a workshop on Sep 25, 2008, to explore growth in the for-profit debt settlement industry and to examine its impact on consumers and businesses. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/debtsettlement.shtm Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of Federal Register notice - The Commission has approved the publication of an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) in the Federal Register to initiate a proceeding to evaluate labeling requirements for "lamps," more commonly known as light bulbs. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/lightbulb.shtm Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Workshop is Third in Agency's Review of its Environmental Marketing Guides http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/greenguidesma.shtm Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of report to Congress - The Commission has approved the issuance of a report to Congress regarding the Do Not Call Registry for Fiscal Year 2007. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/dncfyi.shtm Wed, 9 Jul 2008 10:00:00 +0000 In testimony on behavioral advertising, the Federal Trade Commission today told the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation that "the issues surrounding this practice are complex ... the business models are diverse and constantly evolving, and ... behavioral advertising may provide benefits to consumers even as it raises concerns about consumer privacy." http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/behavorialad.shtm Tue, 8 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000 FTC Urges Caution When Considering 'Boot Camps' http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/residentialfyi.shtm Tue, 8 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Financial institutions and creditors are now required to develop and implement written identity theft prevention programs under the new "Red Flags Rules." http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/redflagsfyi.shtm Tue, 1 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000 An operator who used deceptive earnings promises to recruit consumers for a multi-level marketing operation that was a pyramid scheme has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that the operation was illegal and violated federal law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/elliott.shtm Tue, 1 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of Federal Register notice- Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved the publication of a notice in the Federal Register amending the Appliance Labeling Rule with regard to the labeling requirements for metal halide lamp fixtures. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/halidelamps.shtm Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:00:00 +0000 Study Finds High Levels of Compliance with Voluntary Placement Standard http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/alcoholrpt.shtm Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Two payday loan lead generators have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that their Internet advertising stated payday loan costs and repayment periods without disclosing annual percentage rate (APR) information as federal law requires. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/wegiveloans.shtm Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Putting a new twist on an old scam, con artists are posing as government officials when they tell consumers they have won a sweepstakes prize. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/govtfyi.shtm Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of joint amicus brief filing - The Commission has approved the filing of an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the matter of Altria v. Good et al., No. 07-562 (U.S. S. Ct.). http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/amicusfyi.shtm Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:30:00 +0000 No Substitute for the Agency's Own Sustained Efforts to Get Things Right http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/ftc100.shtm Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission and the California Office of Privacy Protection will co-host a half-day public workshop in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Aug 13, 2008, on how businesses can secure personal information and protect the privacy of consumers and employees. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/datasecwksp.shtm Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of Federal Register notice - The Commission has approved publication of a Federal Register notice announcing final amendments to the agency's Fuel Rating Rule. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/fuelfyi.shtm Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission is urging consumers to be cautious of potential charity scams in connection with the recent floods and tornadoes that have caused damage in the Midwest. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/midwestfyi.shtm Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission extension of public rebuttal comment period: The Commission has approved the extension of the public rebuttal comment period related to the Revised Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (RNPR) in connection with the Business Opportunity Rule. Commission approval of final consent order: Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved a final consent order in the matter of Agrium, Inc. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/agriumfyi.shtm Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission today told the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation that "legislation authorizing the Commission to seek civil penalties in spyware cases could add a potent remedy to those otherwise available to the Commission." http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/spyware.shtm Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Defendants who allegedly offered "free" software CDs that weren't free, and billed unsuspecting consumers for a software continuity program they didn't know they were enrolled in, have agreed to settle FTC charges that their practices violated federal law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/manay.shtm Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Father's Day Card Warns of Internet Scams http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/fdphishfyi.shtm Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:30:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission today announced the filing of a lawsuit charging CompuCredit Corporation and its wholly-owned debt collection subsidiary, Jefferson Capital Systems, LLC, with deceptive marketing practices in selling credit cards to consumers in the subprime market. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/compucredit.shtm Tue, 10 Jun 2008 10:30:00 +0000 Because summer is a time when teen drunk-driving deaths peak and teens are at high risk of starting to drink, the Federal Trade Commission is urging adults around the nation to say "Let's Make it a Safe Summer. Don't Serve Alcohol to Teens." http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/dontserve.shtm Tue, 10 Jun 2008 9:30:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission will announce a law enforcement action today, charging a credit card marketer and a debt collection company with using deceptive marketing practices and abusive debt collection tactics affecting consumers in the subprime market. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/ccma.shtm Fri, 6 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of final consent orders - Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved the issuance of final consent orders in the matters of CashPro d/b/a MakePaydayToday.com, American Cash Market, Inc., and Anderson Payday Loans. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/payday.shtm Fri, 6 Jun 2008 10:00:00 +0000 Will Examine Industry Trend Toward For-Profit Consumer Debt Relief Services http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/debt.shtm Thu, 5 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Two defendants have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges for allegedly victimizing Spanish-speaking consumers nationwide by posing as debt collectors seeking money the consumers did not owe. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/tonomusic.shtm Thu, 5 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission today announced that it has successfully secured the proceeds of repeat offender Richard Neiswonger's $100,000 performance bond. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/platte.shtm Wed, 4 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Under a federal court order entered on May 29, a home-buying consulting business that offers credit repair and home-buying consulting services will pay $10,000 to settle Federal Trade Commission charges, including illegally charging an advance fee for credit repair and falsely claiming that it can remove negative information from consumers' credit reports, even if the information is accurate and timely. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/hbn.shtm Wed, 4 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 As hurricane season swings into high gear, you may be more than ready with fully charged batteries, evacuation plans for loved ones and pets, refilled prescriptions, and other precautions. Perhaps you've considered how to deal with the possibility of storm surges, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/hurricane.shtm Wed, 4 Jun 2008 10:30:00 +0000 A U.S. district court has ordered a halt to the illegal operations of a defendant who crammed unauthorized charges for Web site services onto the phone bills of hundreds of thousands of small businesses and non-profit organizations. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/websource.shtm Wed, 4 Jun 2008 9:00:00 +0000 Dennis J. Saccurato and his businesses, Sparta Chem, Inc. and Compu-Kleen Inc. of Elmwood Park, have agreed to a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission in which, among other things, they admit that they are in contempt for violating a court order barring them from making fraudulent representations to induce sales of cleaning supplies and shipping and billing for supplies that businesses didn't order. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/sparta.shtm Tue, 3 Jun 2008 13:00:00 +0000 Third Public Workshop in Series Scheduled for Jul 15, 2008, in Washington, DC http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/greenguides.shtm Mon, 2 Jun 2008 10:00:00 +0000 At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a U. S. District Court has ordered a temporary halt to the deceptive advertising claims used to promote prepaid phone cards marketed by Alternatel, Inc.; G.F.G. Enterprises, LLC, also d/b/a Mystic Prepaid; Voice Prepaid, Inc.; Voice Distributors, Inc.; Telecom Express, Inc.; and their principals, pending trial. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/alternatel.shtm Fri, 30 May 2008 13:30:00 +0000 Commission approval of Federal Register notice - Following a public comment period, the Commission has voted to retain the agency's Guides for Select Leather and Imitation Leather Products, commonly known as the Leather Guides, in their current form. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/leathergds.shtm Fri, 30 May 2008 12:00:00 +0000 If you've ever locked yourself out of your car or home, you know what a hassle it can be. Your first thought is to get someone to help. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/locksmith.shtm Wed, 28 May 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission has put a permanent halt to an operation that allegedly obtained consumers' confidential phone records without their knowledge or consent and sold them to third parties. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/arg.shtm Thu, 22 May 2008 14:30:00 +0000 FTC Provides Tips for Saving Money at the Gas Pump and Cooling Your Home http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/gasfyi.shtm Thu, 22 May 2008 10:00:00 +0000 A home-buying consulting business that offers credit repair and home-buying consulting services has agreed to settle with the Federal Trade Commission for alleged federal law violations, including illegally charging an advance fee for credit repair and falsely claiming that they can remove negative information from consumers' credit reports, even if the information is accurate and timely. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/hbcn.shtm Wed, 21 May 2008 10:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission today provided Congress with an update on the progress of its study on the use of credit-based insurance scores in homeowners insurance. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/creditbased.shtm Tue, 20 May 2008 10:30:00 +0000 More Than 180 Actions Brought by Commission and Its Law Enforcement Partners http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/telephoney.shtm Fri, 16 May 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Includes Actions Brought by More than 30 U.S. and Canadian Agencies Targeting Telemarketing Fraud http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/telephoneyma.shtm Thu, 15 May 2008 14:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Economics will host a conference on May 29 to highlight and assess the role of consumer information in the current mortgage crisis from an economic perspective. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/mortgage.shtm Thu, 15 May 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The marketers of a debit and credit card processing services operation have agreed to judgments of more than $26 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they deceived small businesses throughout the country. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/mpi.shtm Wed, 14 May 2008 15:00:00 +0000 Federal Trade Commission Chairman William E. Kovacic and Commissioner Jon Leibowitz today testified before the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government Committee on Appropriations on the FTC's behalf, requesting $256.2 million and 1,102 full-time equivalents (FTE) to accomplish the agency's competition and consumer protection missions in fiscal year (FY) 2009. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/fy09.shtm Tue, 13 May 2008 10:00:00 +0000 At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a federal judge has ordered two persons to pay more than $49 million for their role in a Canada-based scheme that duped American businesses into paying for business directories and listings they did not order. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/datacom.shtm Mon, 12 May 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission and the Technology Law and Public Policy clinic at the University of Washington Law School will host a one-day Town Hall meeting to explore emerging uses of contactless payment devices and their implications for consumer protection policy. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/payonthego.shtm Mon, 12 May 2008 10:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission has approved four new rule provisions under the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003 (CAN-SPAM or the Act). http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/canspam.shtm Fri, 9 May 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission is urging consumers to be cautious of potential charity scams in connection with the devastating cyclone in Myanmar.  http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/charity.shtm Thu, 8 May 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Reserve Board today announced proposed regulations that generally would require a creditor to provide a consumer with a risk-based pricing notice when, based in whole or in part on the consumer's credit report, the creditor offers or provides credit to the consumer on terms less favorable than the terms it offers or provides to other consumers. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/factfyi.shtm Thu, 8 May 2008 10:00:00 +0000 Results Show Need for Continued Improvement by Movie, Music, and Some Game Retailers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/secretshop.shtm Thu, 8 May 2008 10:00:00 +0000 Defendants Misled Consumers About Debt Management Program, Violated Provisions of the National Do Not Call Registry http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/express.shtm Wed, 7 May 2008 11:30:00 +0000 An operation that offered "free trials" of its herbal products, including smoking cessation patches, has agreed to halt its allegedly deceptive practices, pending trial. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/nextclick3.shtm Tue, 6 May 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Issuance of letter regarding motion divestiture time period extension - The Commission has approved issuance of a letter responding to a motion by Service Corporation International (SCI) in which SCI sought to extend the time allowed to divest several assets obtained through its 2006 acquisition of Alderwoods. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/scifyi.shtm Mon, 5 May 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Each year, millions of students seek help in financing their college education, and some fall prey to scholarship and financial aid scams that "guarantee" money for college in exchange for a fee. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/scholarfraud.shtm Fri, 2 May 2008 10:00:00 +0000 Two-day Town Hall meeting to explore the evolving mobile commerce marketplace and its implications for consumer protection policy. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/mobilemarket.shtm Thu, 1 May 2008 10:00:00 +0000 Canadian Defendants Fraudulently Pitched Advance-Fee Credit Cards and "Free" Gifts http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/pacliberty.shtm Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:00:00 +0000 Green Lights and Red Flags- Rules of the Road for Advertisers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/dallas.shtm Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0000 Get energy-smart this Earth Day with the Federal Trade Commission's new publication, EnergyGuidance: Appliance Shopping With the EnergyGuide Label. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/energyguide.shtm Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Ex-wife of Ringleader Was One of Only Two Remaining Defendants in Case http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/industrialtrade.shtm Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The last "Debt-Set" defendant has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges for his role in an operation that allegedly violated federal law by falsely claiming that it could reduce consumers' credit card interest rates or the amount of their credit card debt. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/walmartscam.shtm Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of public comment period extension - By a vote of 4-0, the Commission has approved an extension of the public comment period related to the recently proposed amendment to the platinum section of the FTC's Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries, commonly known as the Jewelry Guides. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/jewelryfyi.shtm Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Get energy-smart this Earth Day with the Federal Trade Commission's new publication, EnergyGuidance: Appliance Shopping With the EnergyGuide Label. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/energyguide.shtm Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of final consent order - Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved the issuance of a final consent order in the matter of Life is good, Inc., and Life is good Retail (collectively LIG). http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/ligfyi.shtm Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:00:00 +0000 At the request of Florida Governor Charlie Crist, the Federal Trade Commission has submitted written testimony on health care competition, Florida's certificate of need (CON) laws, and Florida Senate Bill 2326 (S.B. 2326) to the Florida Governor and State Senate. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/florida.shtm Wed, 16 Apr 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission has approved the filing of a staff comment to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System regarding the Federal Reserve Board's proposed rule to restrict certain mortgage practices under the Truth in Lending Act and the Home Ownership Equity Protection Act. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/frb.shtm Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:00:00 +0000 The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has upheld a district court ruling requiring marketers of Seasilver, an alleged phony cure-all, to pay almost $120 million for failing to comply with an earlier order requiring them to pay $3 million in consumer redress. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/seasilver.shtm Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of final consent order - Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved the issuance of a final consent order in the matter concerning the Connecticut Chiropractic Association (CCA), the Connecticut Chiropractic Council (CCC), and Robert L. Hirtle (CCA's legal counsel). http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/ccafyi.shtm Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Lifestyle Vending, Inc., and its owners, Michael Eisenberg and Maryann McCulloh, have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they misled consumers into paying thousands of dollars for a vending machine business venture without substantiating their claims about its earning potential. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/lsvending.shtm Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:30:00 +0000 Three individuals have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges for their role in a massive scam that billed more than $34 million in unauthorized collect call charges to millions of consumers throughout the country. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/cram.shtm Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Charles P. Farrugia, a defendant in a Federal Trade Commission lawsuit against a fraudulent telemarketing scheme based in Canada, has agreed to settle FTC charges for his role in allegedly scamming American businesses into paying for business directories and listings they didn't order. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/xborder.shtm Mon, 7 Apr 2008 10:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of Federal Register notice: The Commission has approved the publication of a Federal Register notice reopening the public comment period on a petition submitted to the FTC pursuant to the Textile Rules and Regulations Under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act (Textile Rules). http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/text.shtm Thu, 3 Apr 2008 10:30:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission has released three 60-second videos to help alert consumers to phishing scams. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/vids.shtm Tue, 1 Apr 2008 10:00:00 +0000 Green Lights and Red Flags: Rules of the Road for Advertisers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/glrf.shtm