Tag: consumer_protection
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Court Permanently Shuts Down Debt Relief Scheme That Impersonated Banks and Government Agencies
A federal court has permanently banned the operators of an alleged debt relief scheme targeting seniors and veterans, entering a $106.8 million judgment and ordering defendants to turn over assets.
Law EnforcementBusinessLegalSocial Issues Federal Trade Commissiondebt relief schemeseniorsveteransimpersonationfederal courtconsumer protection
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FTC Report to Congress Highlights Investment Scams Targeting Older Adults
The FTC has issued its annual report to Congress on protecting older adults, finding that older Americans report losing far more money to investment scams than to any other fraud type.
Politics and GovernmentLaw EnforcementBusinessFederal GovernmentCongressLegalSocial Issues Federal Trade Commissionolder adultsinvestment scamsfraud reportsconsumer protection
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FTC Sues Ticket Broker REPS & Company Over Illegal Ticket-Buying Tactics
The FTC alleges REPS & Company Inc. bypassed ticket-issuer security measures to buy millions of tickets to high-demand live events, reselling them at a significant profit.
BusinessLaw EnforcementUSALegalComputers and InternetSocial Issues Federal Trade CommissionREPS & Company Inc.ticket brokerlive eventsticket purchasing limitslawsuitconsumer protection
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Eight States Sue OpenAI, Alleging ChatGPT Harms Teens
Attorneys general in eight states sued OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT coaches users including teenagers to harm themselves and others, using a consumer protection playbook that won $942 million from Meta.
Science & TechnologyLaw EnforcementBusinessLegalArtificial IntelligenceSocial IssuesComputers and InternetMedia OpenAIChatGPTProduct RecallMetaNew MexicoBrenna BirdConsumer ProtectionThe Platformer
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FTC Settles With Greenway Auto Group Over Misleading Price Ads
Greenway Auto Group will now show the actual price consumers must pay in its vehicle ads, settling an FTC lawsuit over prices advertised thousands of dollars below what was charged.
BusinessLaw EnforcementUSALegalGeneral PoliticsFederal Government Federal Trade CommissionGreenway Auto Groupprice transparencyauto dealershipfalse prize mailersconsumer protectionsettlement
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FTC Sends $100,000 in Refunds to GOAT Customers Over Deceptive Shipping and Refund Policies
The FTC is mailing more than $100,000 in redress payments to consumers deceived by online marketplace GOAT, which allegedly failed to honor refund policies and broke a shipping rule.
BusinessLaw EnforcementUSAFederal GovernmentLegalEconomy Federal Trade CommissionGOATredress paymentsrefund policiesshipping practicesonline marketplaceconsumer protection
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Premier Martial Arts Franchisor to Pay $1.85 Million in FTC Settlement
Premier Franchising Group and Franchise Fastlane settle FTC charges of deceptive claims and Franchise Rule violations, paying $1.85 million and offering some franchisees cancellation options.
BusinessLaw EnforcementUSALegalFederal GovernmentSocial Issues Federal Trade CommissionPremier Franchising Group LLCFranchise Fastlane LLCPremier Martial ArtsFranchise RuleFranchise settlementConsumer protection
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FTC Warns 24 Major Healthcare Companies Over Deceptive Pricing
FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson sent letters to 24 of the nation's largest healthcare services companies, reminding them they must give patients timely, accurate and complete pricing information.
HealthBusinessPolitics and GovernmentLaw EnforcementFederal GovernmentLegalSocial Issues Federal Trade CommissionAndrew N. Fergusonhealthcare pricingdeceptive pricinghospitalsconsumer protection
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Big Tech Is 'Reinventing the Rip-Off' With Personalized Pricing, Author Warns
Author Lindsay Owens says retailers use shoppers' data to set personalized prices, meaning two people can pay different amounts for the same item. She shares tips to protect yourself.
BusinessScience & TechnologyMediaEconomyComputers and InternetSocial Issues personalized pricingLindsay OwensGouged: The End of a Fair PriceBig Techonline shoppingconsumer protectionVPN
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SSA Warns Public: How to Spot and 'Slam' Social Security Scams
Social Security Administration issues guidance on identifying scam calls and messages, listing red flags such as threats of arrest, demands for unusual payments and secrecy, and steps to report fraud.
Law EnforcementFederal GovernmentSocial IssuesLegalUSA Social Security AdministrationscamsSSA Office of Inspector Generalfraudconsumer protectiongift cardscryptocurrency
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Newsom Signs 'Common Sense' Bills on Chatbots, Loud Ads and Library Cards
California's governor signs six bills aimed at everyday hassles, requiring human customer service within 15 minutes, quieter streaming ads, no-fee medical leave forms and library cards for 16- and 17-year-olds.
Politics and GovernmentUSAState GovernmentsGeneral PoliticsLegalEducationConsumer Protection Gavin NewsomCaliforniaAB 1609SB 96customer service chatbotsstreaming advertisementspaid family leaveCalifornia Governors Office
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Newsom Signs Bills Banning Meme Coins by Public Officials, Targeting Crypto Fraud
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation barring public officials from issuing meme coins, tightening crypto fraud and money laundering rules, and expanding consumer protections on tickets, reservations and data.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessLaw EnforcementUSAState GovernmentsDemocratic PartyEconomyLegalSocial Issues Gavin NewsomMeme CoinsCryptocurrency FraudConsumer ProtectionCalifornia LegislationDonald TrumpMoney LaunderingCalifornia Governors Office
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Social Security Administration Warns of Government Impersonation Scams
The Social Security Administration is warning the public that government impersonation scams often begin with unexpected texts, social media messages, emails, or phone calls from people claiming to represent a government agency.
Politics and GovernmentLaw EnforcementUSAFederal GovernmentSocial IssuesComputers and Internet Social Security Administrationgovernment impersonation scamscammy Social Security accountconsumer protection
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FTC Seeks Public Comment on Updating Impersonation Rule to Address Platforms' Role in Scams
The FTC is considering whether to update its Rule on Impersonation of Government and Businesses or take other action against ad-optimization practices that may further impersonation scams.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessLaw EnforcementFederal GovernmentComputers and InternetLegalSocial Issues Federal Trade Commissionimpersonation scamsRule on Impersonation of Government and Businessesonline platformsad-optimizationpublic commentconsumer protection
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SSA Warns Public Not to Pay for Promises of Increased Benefits
Social Security Administration alerts Americans to scams offering to "boost" or "maximize" benefits for an upfront fee, warning that SSA never charges for benefit increases.
Politics and GovernmentLaw EnforcementUSAFederal GovernmentSocial IssuesLegal Social Security AdministrationSocial Security benefitsscamsbenefit increase scammy Social Security accountSSA Office of the Inspector Generalconsumer protection
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Social Security Administration Warns of Ongoing Government Impersonation Scams
SSA urges community partners to help people recognize scammers who impersonate government offices, threaten loss of benefits and pressure individuals to share personal information or send money.
Politics and GovernmentLaw EnforcementUSAFederal GovernmentSocial IssuesComputers and Internet Social Security Administrationscamsgovernment impersonationbenefitsmy Social Security accountAdvocates pageconsumer protection
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FTC Publishes Price Transparency FAQs for Auto Dealers
Federal Trade Commission staff issue frequently asked questions on price transparency to help the automobile industry comply with the FTC Act.
BusinessPolitics and GovernmentLaw EnforcementFederal GovernmentLegalTransportationEconomy Federal Trade Commissionprice transparencyauto dealersautomobile industryFTC Actconsumer protectionWashington DC
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Minnesota Pool Contractor Sentenced to 60 Months for Defrauding 21 Customers of $820,000
Charles Ray Workman, 41, of Scott County, Minnesota, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for wire fraud after stealing at least $820,000 from 21 customers of his pool company.
Law EnforcementLegalBusinessUSAMinnesotaFederal GovernmentSocial Issues Wire FraudCharles Ray WorkmanMinnesota Crete Pools LLCFBIConsumer ProtectionScott CountyProduct Recall
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Nuvei to Pay $4.85 Million in FTC Settlement Over Merchant Fraud
Global payment processor Nuvei will pay $4.85 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges. The firm is accused of facilitating merchant fraud, including tech support scams, and must implement robust screening practices.
BusinessLaw EnforcementPolitics and GovernmentLegalFederal GovernmentEconomyComputers and InternetSocial Issues NuveiFederal Trade CommissionPayment ProcessingMerchant FraudTech Support ScamsSettlementConsumer Protection
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FTC Extends Public Comment Period on Personalized Pricing Policy
The FTC has extended the public comment period for its proposed personalized pricing policy statement by seven days. The new deadline for submissions is September 25, 2026, allowing more time for feedback on this important consumer issue.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessFederal GovernmentLegalEconomySocial Issues Federal Trade CommissionPersonalized PricingPublic CommentPolicy StatementConsumer ProtectionRegulationDeadline Extension
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Arlington Police Warn Residents of Rising Scams, Offer Prevention Tips
The Arlington County Police Department is alerting residents to common scams like fake warrants, bank fraud, and spam texts. Learn how to recognize, avoid, and report these fraudulent activities to protect your personal and financial information.
Law EnforcementBusinessPolitics and GovernmentEconomyEducationSocial IssuesState Governments Arlington County Police DepartmentScamsFraudConsumer ProtectionCybercrimeJury Duty ScamBank Account ScamArlington County GovernmentReston
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NYC Bolsters Consumer and Worker Protections with New Initiatives
New York City's DCWP partners with the Manhattan D.A. to fight wage theft and fraud, reports on paid sick leave usage, cracks down on predatory businesses, and supports delivery workers' rights.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessLaw EnforcementGeneral PoliticsEmployment and LaborLegalEconomySocial Issues New York CityDCWPManhattan District AttorneyConsumer ProtectionWorker RightsWage TheftDelivery Workers
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FTC Announces 2027 Telemarketer Fees for Do Not Call Registry Access
The Federal Trade Commission has announced new fees for telemarketers to access the National Do Not Call Registry for Fiscal Year 2027, with the changes taking effect on October 1, 2026.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessLaw EnforcementFederal GovernmentLegalEconomySocial Issues Federal Trade CommissionFTCTelemarketer FeesNational Do Not Call RegistryDNC RegistryFiscal Year 2027Consumer Protection
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Federal Agencies Rescind Special Purpose Credit Programs Statement
Federal agencies, including the OCC, have rescinded the 2022 Interagency Statement on Special Purpose Credit Programs. This move clarifies that creditors must not discriminate and should not rely on the outdated guidance, following amendments to Regulation B.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessFederal GovernmentBankingLegalSocial Issues OCCSpecial Purpose Credit ProgramsEqual Credit Opportunity ActRegulation BFair LendingConsumer ProtectionInteragency StatementOffice of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)
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FTC, Connecticut Secure $4 Million Settlement with Manchester City Nissan
The FTC and Connecticut have reached a $4 million settlement with Manchester City Nissan. The auto dealer and its managers faced allegations of double-charging for certified pre-owned vehicles and collecting unauthorized fees from consumers.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessLaw EnforcementFederal GovernmentState GovernmentsLegalEconomy FTCConnecticutManchester City NissanSettlementDeceptive PracticesAuto DealersConsumer Protection
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FTC Seeks Public Comment on Personalized Pricing Policy
The FTC is seeking public comment on a proposed policy statement concerning personalized pricing. This practice uses personal data to set prices based on a consumer's willingness to pay, and the FTC aims to address legal concerns surrounding its use.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessLaw EnforcementFederal GovernmentEconomyLegalSocial Issues Federal Trade CommissionPersonalized PricingPublic CommentEnforcement PolicyConsumer DataPrice SettingConsumer Protection
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Doxo to Pay $2.1 Million in FTC Deception Settlement
Online bill payment firm Doxo will pay $2.1 million to settle FTC allegations. The company was accused of using misleading ads to impersonate billers and charging consumers millions in undisclosed fees.
BusinessPolitics and GovernmentLaw EnforcementFederal GovernmentLegalEconomySocial Issues DoxoFederal Trade CommissionFTCConsumer ProtectionOnline PaymentsSettlementMisleading Advertising
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Alaska AG Clarifies Appointment Rules, Governor Advances LNG Project, State Secures Major Settlements
Alaska's Attorney General clarified constitutional appointment practices. Governor Dunleavy advanced LNG tax legislation, while the state also secured major settlements in generic drug price manipulation and consumer protection cases, impacting tourism and local businesses.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessLaw EnforcementHealthState GovernmentsGeneral PoliticsLegalEmployment and LaborEconomyEnergy AlaskaAttorney GeneralGovernor Mike DunleavyAlaska LNG ProjectConsumer ProtectionGeneric DrugsGovernmentOffice of the Alaska Governor
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FTC Distributes $23.8 Million to Grubhub Drivers and Diners for Deceptive Practices
The FTC is sending over $23.8 million to Grubhub drivers and diners. This restitution addresses deceptive earnings claims and unlawful conduct by the food delivery company, reinforcing consumer protection efforts against misleading practices.
BusinessPolitics and GovernmentFederal GovernmentLegalEconomySocial Issues Federal Trade CommissionFTCGrubhubDeceptive AdvertisingConsumer ProtectionFood DeliveryPayments
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CFTC Reminds Markets to Ensure Clear Pricing for Event Contracts
The CFTC's Divisions of Market Oversight and Market Participants issued a letter reminding entities involved in event contracts to provide clear pricing and avoid misleading consumers. This reinforces the commitment to transparency and consumer protection in derivatives markets.
BusinessPolitics and GovernmentFederal GovernmentFinancial MarketsLegalEconomy CFTCEvent ContractsPricing InformationMarket OversightConsumer ProtectionDerivativesMarket Participants Division