Tag: consumer_protection
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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)
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
NYC Cracks Down on Unfair Practices, Securing Millions for Workers and Consumers
New York City's DCWP, led by Mayor Mamdani and Commissioner Levine, has recovered millions for workers and consumers through new protections against deceptive tipping, predatory dental practices, unfair labor, and hidden junk fees.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessHealthUSA New York CityDCWPConsumer ProtectionWorker ProtectionDelivery WorkersDental CareJunk Fees
-
OCC Comptroller Gould Emphasizes Financial Literacy and Digital Innovation
Comptroller Jonathan V. Gould highlighted the OCC's efforts to boost financial literacy, support responsible innovation, and provide practical consumer resources at a recent commission meeting, emphasizing digital tools and community bank partnerships.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessGeneral PoliticsFederal GovernmentEconomyBankingEducation Jonathan V. GouldOffice of the Comptroller of the CurrencyFinancial Literacy and Education Commissionfinancial literacydigital financecommunity banksconsumer protectionOffice of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC)
-
FTC Fines Elite Events $300,000 for Illegal Ticket Scheme
Elite Events and its operators will pay $300,000 in civil penalties to the FTC for illegally bypassing ticket purchase limits for high-demand events, violating the Better Online Ticket Sales Act.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessLaw EnforcementFederal GovernmentLegalEconomy FTCElite EventsBetter Online Ticket Sales ActBOTS ActTicket SalesCivil PenaltiesConsumer Protection
-
Governor Sherrill Enacts Fair Price Protection Act Against Surveillance Pricing
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill signed the Fair Price Protection Act, banning retailers from using personal data to set individualized prices for identical products. The law aims to protect shoppers from algorithmic surveillance pricing and includes a moratorium on new…
Politics and GovernmentBusinessScience & TechnologyUSAGeneral PoliticsState GovernmentsEconomyArtificial IntelligenceLegalSocial Issues Mikie SherrillFair Price Protection ActNew JerseySurveillance PricingConsumer ProtectionElectronic Shelf LabelsLegislationOffice of New Jersey Governor
-
FTC Distributes Over $672,000 to Consumers Harmed by Trend Deploy's Deceptive Marketing
The Federal Trade Commission is returning over $672,000 to 9,419 consumers who were victims of deceptive marketing by Trend Deploy's operator, Frank Romero. Recipients should cash their checks within 90 days.
BusinessPolitics and GovernmentLaw EnforcementFederal GovernmentLegalEconomy Federal Trade CommissionFTCTrend DeployFrank RomeroConsumer ProtectionDeceptive MarketingRefunds
-
Student Loan Scammer Permanently Banned by FTC
Dennise Merdjanian, a student loan forgiveness scam operator, faces a permanent ban from the debt relief industry and telemarketing. The FTC's proposed order resolves charges that her scheme defrauded consumers of over $45.9 million, aiming to protect against future financial…
Politics and GovernmentBusinessLaw EnforcementFederal GovernmentLegalEconomySocial IssuesEducation Dennise MerdjanianFederal Trade CommissionStudent Loan ForgivenessDebt Relief IndustryTelemarketingFraudConsumer Protection
-
FTC Finalizes Order Against TruHeight for Deceptive Advertising
The FTC has finalized an order against TruHeight, requiring the company and its principals to pay $750,000. The order also bars them from making false health claims and using fake or incentivized consumer reviews for their supplements.
BusinessLaw EnforcementPolitics and GovernmentFederal GovernmentLegalEconomyEducation TruHeightFTCDeceptive AdvertisingHealth SupplementsConsumer ProtectionVanilla Chip LLCSettlement
-
California Governor Newsom Pressures Lenders, Insurers Over Delayed Fire Insurance Payouts
Governor Newsom warns lenders and insurers against delaying or denying insurance payouts to LA fire survivors, emphasizing state enforcement and clarifying damage assessment rules amid ongoing rebuilding challenges.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessDisastersGeneral PoliticsState GovernmentsEconomyFinancial MarketsLegalEducation Governor NewsomLos Angeles firesInsurance claimsMortgage lendersConsumer protectionWildfire recoveryCaliforniaCalifornia Governors Office