News Releases for March 2006
March 31, 2006
- For Release: March 31, 2006
Chairman Issues Commission’s Annual Report at ABA Spring Meeting
“The FTC in 2006: Committed to Consumers and Competition”
- For Release: March 31, 2006
FTC, DOJ Issue Joint Commentary on the Horizontal Merger Guidelines
Provides Greater Transparency and Understanding of Agencies’ Use of the Guidelines
- Media Advisory: March 31, 2006
FTC Chairman Will Travel to Asia
Meetings with Officials in Japan, Korea, and China
- For Your Information : March 31, 2006
Commission Announces Workshop on Effectiveness of the Appliance Labeling Rule
The Commission has approved the publication of a Federal Register notice announcing a public workshop to be held on May 3, 2006, concerning the effectiveness of the FTC’s Appliance Labeling Rule.
- For Release: March 31, 2006
Report Issued on Improving Financial Privacy Notices for Consumers
Federal regulators today released Evolution of a Prototype Financial Privacy Notice, a report by Kleimann Communication Group summarizing consumer research commissioned by the regulators as part of their ongoing efforts to develop improved financial privacy notices.
- For Release: March 31, 2006
Chairman Issues Commission’s Annual Report at ABA Spring Meeting
“The FTC in 2006: Committed to Consumers and Competition”
March 30, 2006
- For Release: March 30, 2006
FTC Testifies on Identity Theft and Social Security Numbers
The Federal Trade Commission today told the House Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Social Security, that there are steps that government, industry, and consumers can take to help stem the tide of identity theft.
- For Release: March 30, 2006
Maintaining Competition, FTC Allows Fresenius’ $3.5 Billion Deal to Buy Rival Dialysis Provider Renal Care Group
Settlement Requires the Sale of 91 Dialysis Clinics and Interest in 12 More in 66 Areas Across the United States
- For Release: March 30, 2006
FTC, DOJ Seek Comments for Upcoming Hearings on Single-Firm Conduct
Hearings To Be Held in Washington, DC, Between June and December 2006
- For Release: March 30, 2006
FTC Chairman Testifies Before House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Agency’s FY 2007 Budget Request
Federal Trade Commission Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras today presented FTC testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Science, the Departments of State, Justice, and Commerce, and Related Agencies, requesting $223 million and 1,074 full-time employees to accomplish the agency's competition and consumer protection missions in FY 2007.
- For Release: March 30, 2006
Undercover Shop Finds Decrease in Sales of M-Rated Video Games to Children
Results from the 2005 Nationwide Undercover Shop Demonstrate Need for Continuing Improvement
March 29, 2006
- For Release: March 29, 2006
FTC Proposes Study of Competitive Impacts of Authorized Generic Drugs
The Federal Trade Commission today announced its intention to conduct a study of the use, and likely short- and long-term competitive effects, of authorized generics in the prescription drug marketplace.
March 28, 2006
- For Release: March 28, 2006
Glazer And Wales Appointed Deputy Directors of Bureau of Competition
Federal Trade Commission Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras today announced the appointments of two new deputy directors of the FTC's Bureau of Competition.
- For Release: March 28, 2006
Hospitals’ Plan for Collective Bargaining of Physicians’ Fees Likely Would Violate Federal Laws, FTC Staff Says
A proposed plan by a physician-hospital organization that would involve collective bargaining with insurers over doctor fees likely would violate federal antitrust laws, according to the FTC staff.
- For Your Information: March 28, 2006
The Cypress Group Files Petition for Approval of Meow Mix Sale; FTC Issues Final Consent Order in Healthcare Alliance of Laredo Matter
The Commission has received a petition from The Cypress Group, related to a 2001 consent order concerning Nestle Holdings, Inc. and Ralston Purina Company. ; Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved the issuance of a final consent order in the matter concerning the Healthcare Alliance of Laredo, L.C.
March 27, 2006
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For Your Information: March 27, 2006
FTC Chairman Kicks Off International Competition Workshop
Federal Trade Commission Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras today kicked off an International Competition Network workshop to discuss the implementation of the ICN's recommended practices for merger notification and review. - For Your Information: March 27, 2006
FTC, DOJ Issue Joint Commentary on the Horizontal Merger Guidelines
Provides Greater Transparency and Understanding of Agencies’ Use of the Guidelines
- For Your Information: March 27, 2006
International Consumer Protection Group Meets to Address Cross-Border Fraud
The Federal Trade Commission and members of the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) are meeting in Jeju, Korea, on March 26-28, to discuss the progress of international efforts to combat cross-border fraud and explore new international initiatives to protect consumers around the world.
March 23, 2006
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For Release: March 23, 2006
FTC Staff: Proposed Ohio Wine Legislation Would Enhance Consumer Welfare
Comment on Senate Bill 179 Filed Yesterday With State Senator Fingerhut
- For Your Information: March 23, 2006
Be Suspicious About Wiring Money Back After Cashing a Check
FTC, National Consumers League Offer Information for Fraud Prevention Month
- For Release: March 23, 2006
FTC Slams Spammer in Pocketbook
“FreeFlixTix” Scheme Threatened Reliability of E-mail
- For Release: March 23, 2006
Curtain Falls on Two Bogus “Biz Opp” Actors
“Surplus Goods” Scam Cost Consumers Almost $31 Million
March 22, 2005
- For Release: March 22, 2006
FTC to Host Workshop on Alternative Mortgages on May 24
On May 24, the Federal Trade Commission will host a workshop, Protecting Consumers in the New Mortgage Marketplace, on consumer protection issues arising from the growth of "nontraditional" or "alternative" mortgage products in the residential mortgage marketplace.
- For Your Information: March 22, 2006
Agency Seeks Input on Agenda For Global Marketing and Technology Hearings:
The Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection invites consumers, businesspeople, technologists, law enforcement officials, academics, and other interested parties to participate in shaping the agenda for the recently announced 2006 Hearings on Global Marketing and Technology.
- For Your Information: March 22, 2006
Announced Action for March 22, 2006
Commission has approved publication of an interagency advance notice of proposed rulemaking concerning the accuracy and integrity of information furnished to consumer reporting agencies.
March 21, 2006
- For Release: March 21, 2006
‘Debt Elimination Program’ Fails to Deliver Guaranteed Lower Interest Rates
Telemarketers Also Violate Do Not Call Rule
March 20, 2006
- For Release: March 20, 2006
FTC Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Costa Rica’s Consumer Protection Body
The Federal Trade Commission and Costa Rica's consumer protection authority, the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC), have signed a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote enhanced cooperation in the fight against cross-border fraud. The signing took place in Washington, DC.
March 17, 2006
- For Your Information: March 17, 2006
Staff Files Amicus Brief in Case of Whitfield v. Radian Guaranty
The Commission has approved the filing of an amicus brief in the currently pending case Whitfield et al v. Radian Guaranty, Inc., No. 05-5017 (3d Cir.).
March 16, 2006
- For Release: March 16, 2006
FTC Testifies on Security Issues in Global Information-Based Economy
The Federal Trade Commission today told the House Committee on Small Business, Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform and Oversight that protecting consumers’ privacy rights is a top priority for the agency.
March 15, 2006
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For Release: March 15, 2006
End of the Line for Phone Bill Crammers
Defendants Collected Millions For Collect Calls That Were Not Made
March 14, 2006
- For Your Information: March 14, 2006
FTC Consent Order Protects Competition in the Market for Free-Standing Newspaper Inserts
Commission Alleged Valassis Invited News America to Collude, End Industry Price War
- For Your Information: March 14, 2006
Commission Approves Final Order in Matter of DSW Inc.
Commission approval of final consent order: Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved a final order in the matter concerning DSW Inc., and authorized the staff to respond to the commenters of record.
March 10, 2006
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For Your Information: March 10, 2006
FTC’s Bureau of Economics Files Comment with FCC on Auction of Advanced Wireless Services Licenses; Commission Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Information Requests to Alcoholic Beverage Manufacturers
The Commission has authorized the staff of the Bureau of Economics to file a comment with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding the auction of advanced wireless services licenses.; The Commission has approved the publication of a Federal Register notice regarding proposed information requests to beverage alcohol manufacturers.
March 9, 2006
- For Release: March 9, 2006
FTC Testifies on Dietary Supplements
In testimony today before the House Committee on Government Reform, Lee Peeler, Deputy Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, said, "Although many supplements offer the potential for real health benefits to consumers, unproven products and inaccurate information can pose a threat to the health and well-being of consumers and cause economic injury."
- For Release: March 9, 2006
Dietary Supplement Maker Garden of Life Settles FTC Charges
Claimed Clinical Studies Backed Primal Defense, RM-10, Living Multi, and FYI
March 8, 2006
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For Release: March 8, 2006
FTC Retains Children’s Online Privacy Protection (COPPA) Rule Without Changes
The Federal Trade Commission today announced its decision to retain, without changes, the Children's Online Privacy Protection (COPPA) Rule, which implements the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. -
For Release: March 8, 2006
Preserving Competition, FTC Requires Divestiture Before Allowing Allergan’s Acquisition of Inamed
Consent Order Requires Allergan to Divest Future Botox Rival Reloxin in $3.2 Billion Deal
March 7, 2006
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For Your Information: March 7, 2006
FTC Staff Files Comments on New Jersey’s Proposed Advertising Guideline 4; Commission Finalizes Teva/Ivax Consent Order
The Commission has authorized the staffs of the Bureau of Consumer Protection, Bureau of Economics, and Office of Policy Planning to file a letter with the New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Attorney Advertising regarding Proposed Advertising Guideline 4, which would place certain restrictions on the use by lawyers or law firms of endorsements or testimonials from clients.; Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved a final order related to Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.’s recent acquisition of Ivax Corporation.
March 1, 2006
- For Release: March 1, 2006
FTC and Canadian Consumer Protection Agencies Kick Off March as Fraud Prevention Month
FTC, Partners Launch New Cross-Border Fraud Section of OnGuard Online