Tag: consumer_protection
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Family Dollar to Pay $63 Million to Settle FTC and State Pricing Allegations
Family Dollar will pay $63 million to settle allegations it charged customers more at the register than the prices displayed on shelves, price tags and advertisements, the FTC and 17 states announced.
BusinessLaw EnforcementPolitics and GovernmentLegalEconomyFederal Government Family DollarFederal Trade Commissionprice transparencysettlementconsumer protectionretail pricing
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Five States Join FTC Lawsuit Against Hims and Hers Over Privacy and Billing Claims
Five states have joined the FTC's lawsuit against telehealth provider Hims and Hers, which is accused of sharing sensitive health data with ad platforms and misleading users on billing and cancellation.
HealthLaw EnforcementBusinessLegalFederal GovernmentMedical Science Federal Trade CommissionHims and Herstelehealthprivacylawsuitbilling practicesconsumer protection
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FTC Action Results in Court Issuing Temporary Restraining Order Halting Phantom Debt Collection Operation
A federal court has temporarily halted and frozen the assets of a debt collection operation accused of using false threats to collect more than $20 million in often-fictitious debts.
Law EnforcementBusinessLegalFinancial MarketsSocial Issues Federal Trade Commissionphantom debt collectiontemporary restraining orderdebt collectionconsumer protectionfalse threatsfederal court
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OCC Issues Revised Homeownership Counseling Handbook Booklet
The OCC has issued version 1.0 of its "Homeownership Counseling" booklet, replacing 2011 examination procedures and covering counseling requirements for delinquent borrowers under federal law.
BusinessPolitics and GovernmentLaw EnforcementBankingReal EstateLegalFederal Government Office of the Comptroller of the CurrencyHomeownership CounselingComptroller's HandbookHousing and Urban Development Act of 1968Bank SupervisionConsumer ProtectionMortgagesOffice of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)
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FTC and 22 States Reveal Unredacted Details in Amazon Ads Auction-Rigging Case
Newly unredacted complaint details allege Amazon manipulated search advertising auction results to meet corporate financial targets, according to the FTC and 22 states.
BusinessLaw EnforcementPolitics and GovernmentLegalComputers and InternetFederal Government Federal Trade CommissionAmazononline advertisingauction-rigginglawsuitconsumer protection
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Social Security Administration Warns Public to Stay Alert to Scams This Halloween
The Social Security Administration marks Halloween with a blog post urging people to protect themselves from scams, warning that some calls are better left unanswered.
Politics and GovernmentLaw EnforcementFederal GovernmentSocial Issues Social Security AdministrationscamsHalloweenconsumer protectionmy Social Security accountfraud prevention
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FTC Warns 25 Healthcare Plan Marketers and Lead Generators Over Deceptive Advertising
FTC staff send warning letters to 25 companies marketing healthcare plans or generating sales leads, citing enforcement actions against alleged violators as open enrollment season gets underway.
HealthBusinessPolitics and GovernmentLaw EnforcementFederal GovernmentLegalSocial Issues Federal Trade Commissionhealthcare planslead generatorsopen enrollmentwarning lettersconsumer protectiondeceptive advertising
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FTC Removes 19 Imposter Websites and Secures Over $80 Million in Consumer Redress
The FTC says it has taken down 19 websites impersonating the agency and won more than $80 million in consumer redress since its Impersonation Rule took effect in 2024.
Politics and GovernmentLaw EnforcementBusinessFederal GovernmentLegalComputers and Internet Federal Trade CommissionImpersonation Ruleimposter scamsconsumer redressconsumer protectionFTC-impersonation websites
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FTC and 20 States Sue Dollar General Over Deceptive Pricing
The FTC, joined by 20 states, has sued Dollar General, alleging the retailer routinely charged customers more at the register than the prices shown on shelves, tags and ads.
BusinessLaw EnforcementPolitics and GovernmentLegalFederal GovernmentEconomy Dollar GeneralFederal Trade Commissiondeceptive pricingconsumer protectionlawsuitretail
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New Mexico judge orders Meta to pay $25 billion in Cambridge Analytica privacy case
Judge Francis Mathew cut a potential $219.5 billion penalty after jurors found nearly 44 million violations of state consumer-protection law.
BusinessScience & TechnologyLaw EnforcementLegalComputers and InternetArtificial IntelligenceSocial Issues MetaNew MexicoCambridge Analyticaconsumer protectionfineWIREDBackchannelWIRED BackchannelWarhoundPalmer LuckeyBen LammAndurilNew Mexico privacy rulingSpaceXAirbnbThe Rundown
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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