http://www.ftc.gov/rss/text/prall.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 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST 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 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 9:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today released the agenda for its first privacy roundtable, scheduled for December 7, 2009, at the FTC Conference Center in Washington, DC. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/11/privacyrt.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 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today released an agenda for its December 1-2, 2009 workshop on the future of journalism in the Internet age. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/11/newsmedia.shtm Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST FTC Issues Compliance Guide For Its Petroleum Market Manipulation Regulations http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/11/mmr.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 15:00:00 EST The FTC is seeking public comments on a petition by Dow Chemical Company to modify a Commission consent order issued on March 31, 2009, and made final on April 9, 2009. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/11/dow.shtm Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission and U.S. Department of Justice today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on antitrust cooperation with the Russian antitrust agency, the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS), to promote greater cooperation and further strengthen the relationships between the U.S. antitrust agencies and the FAS through technical cooperation and regular communication. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/11/russiamou.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 Mon, 9 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST Debited Consumers' Accounts Without Their Consent for Patches That Didn’t Work http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/11/nextclick.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 At the request of the divestiture trustee, the FTC has extended the time Whole Foods Markets, Inc., via the trustee, will have to divest certain Wild Oats stores and the Wild Oats intellectual property, as required under a Commission order dated May 29, 2009. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/wholefoods.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 On passage of H.R. 3126, the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2009 by the House Energy and Commerce Committee http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/cfpa.shtm Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:45:00 EST Companies Must Sell Significant Human and Animal Health Care Assets http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/merck.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 13:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today announced two subpoena enforcement actions challenging tactics that delay agency investigations. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/boehringer.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 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST The FTC is seeking public comments on a petition by BASF SE for approval to divest Ciba Holding Inc.'s Indanthrone Blue (IB) and Bismuth Vanadate (BV) Pigments Businesses to Dominion Colour Corporation. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/basf.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 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:45:00 EST Senate Judiciary Committee's Passage of the Preserve Access to Affordable Generics Act (S. 369). http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/pfdvote.shtm Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:45:00 EST Preserves Competition for Animal Vaccines and Other Animal Health Products http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/pfizer.shtm Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST Media Encouraged to Call with Questions http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/adpractices.shtm Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST Regarding the Announcement that Arthur D. Levinson Has Resigned from Google's Board http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/google.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 Wed, 7 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comment on proposed amendments to the Free Annual File Disclosures Rule, also known as the "Free Credit Report Rule." http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/freecredit.shtm Wed, 7 Oct 2009 8:00:00 EST Hospital Must Sell All Clinic Assets Acquired in 2008 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/carilion.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 Tue, 6 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved a final consent order in the matter of Constellation Brands, Inc., and sent letters to the commenters of record. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/constellation.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 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 8:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comments in advance of upcoming workshops that will explore the Internet's impact on the news media, including the new avenues for innovation and the financial challenges that it has created for the industry. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/09/media.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 14:30:00 EST K+S's Purchase of Morton International Would Have Reduced Competition for the Sale and Delivery of Bulk De-Icing Road Salt http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/09/mortonsalt.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 Fri, 25 Sep 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/2009/09/nfl.shtm Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST Separate Court Orders Bar Future Do Not Call Violations http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/09/dish.shtm Tue, 22 Sep 2009 9:00:00 EST Defendant Previously Barred From Business Opportunity Pitches http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/09/neiswonger.shtm Tue, 22 Sep 2009 7:00:00 EST Antitrust Agencies Explore Possible Update to Guidelines to Account for Legal and Economic Developments http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/09/mgr.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 The Federal Trade Commission has approved a final consent order in the matter of Sears Holdings Management Corporation, following a public comment period, and authorized the staff to provide responses to the commenters of record. 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 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved a final consent order in the matter of Aspen Technology, Inc. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/aspentech.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 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST A debit card company that charged consumers a fee for a debit card they had ordered unknowingly while applying for a payday loan online, has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that the company and its principals violated federal law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/everprivate.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 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 9:30:00 EST A home mortgage lender that sent prescreened offers of credit to consumers without properly informing them of their right to opt out of receiving such offers in the future has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it violated federal law. http://ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/wholesale.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 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comment on a petition from The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) requesting approval to divest its acrylic acid and latex polymers businesses to Arkema Inc., pursuant to a March 2009 Commission consent order. http://ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/dow.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 12:00:00 EST Two companies that fired workers and rejected job applicants based on background checks without informing them of their rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they violated federal law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/qts.shtm Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:00:00 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 10:00:00 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 9:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today issued a Final Rule that will prohibit market manipulation in the petroleum industry. http://ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/mmr.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 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comment on a petition from ConocoPhillips requesting approval to amend its propane supply agreement with NGL Supply, Inc., pursuant to a 2002 Commission consent order. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/conoco.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 Mon, 3 Aug 2009 15:30:00 EST On August 3, 2009, Apple announced that Eric E. Schmidt, Chief Executive Officer of Google, was stepping down from its board. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/08/googlestmt.shtm Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST I commend the House Energy and Commerce Committee for adopting the Protecting Consumer Access to Generic Drugs Act (H.R.1706) as an amendment to the omnibus health reform legislation. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/pay4delay.shtm Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST Following the Federal Trade Commission's approval of a lawsuit to block the transaction, Thoratec Corporation today announced that it has abandoned its proposed $282 million acquisition of HeartWare International. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/thoratecstmt.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 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST According to the Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, surviving relatives usually have no legal obligation to pay the debts of a family member who has died. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/deceasedebts.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 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 8:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has authorized a lawsuit to block Thoratec Corporation's proposed $282 million acquisition of rival medical device maker HeartWare International, Inc., charging that the transaction would substantially reduce competition in the U.S. market for left ventricular devices (LVADs), a life-sustaining treatment for patients with advanced heart failure. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/thoratec.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 Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST To assist small businesses and other entities, the Federal Trade Commission staff will redouble its efforts to educate them about compliance with the "Red Flags" Rule and ease compliance by providing additional resources and guidance to clarify whether businesses are covered by the Rule and what they must do to comply. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/redflag.shtm Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST Scam artists are trying to profit from the federal government's new program that helps consumers buy or lease a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/cash4clunkers.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 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST Consumers' Out-of-Pocket Expenses for Procedures Would Likely Increase by Nearly 900 Percent http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/carilion.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 Thu, 16 Jul 2009 9:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today told the Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation that competition and the agency's antitrust enforcement improves health care in the United States in two ways – first, by preventing or stopping anticompetitive agreements to raise prices and second, by helping to spur innovation that improves care and expands consumer access. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/healthcare.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 Wed, 8 Jul 2009 9:00:00 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 continue to vigorously enforce consumer protection laws as Congress considers the Administration's proposal to protect consumers of financial services, including the creation of a Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA). http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/cfpa.shtm Wed, 8 Jul 2009 9:00:00 EST To Date, FTC Has Refunded More Than $74 Million to Nearly 23,000 Consumer http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/famco.shtm Mon, 6 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST Aspen Tech Violated Terms of Consent Order Related to its Purchase of Hyprotech, Ltd. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/07/aspen.shtm Thu, 2 Jul 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 Jul 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 Jul 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 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today issued "Authorized Generics: An Interim Report," which presents the first set of results from a study conducted to examine the short-term and long-term effects of "authorized generics" on competition in the prescription drug marketplace. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/generics.shtm Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:15:00 EST Discovery's John C. Malone Settles Agency Charges http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/malone.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 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 8:30:00 EST In a speech today before the Center for American Progress in Washington, D.C., Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz said that an internal FTC analysis projects that stopping collusive "pay-for-delay" settlements between brand and generic pharmaceutical firms would save consumers $3.5 billion a year and also reap significant savings for the federal government, which pays approximately one-third of all prescription drug costs. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/capspeech.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 The FTC, through its claims administrator, mailed more than 400,000 checks totaling more than $12 million on Friday, June 12, 2009, 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/2009/06/jkpublications.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, 17 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today described its comprehensive efforts to combat identity theft before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/idtheft.shtm Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved a final consent order in the matter of James B. Nutter and Company. The FTC has extended until June 29, 2009, the period for submitting workshop comments in the proceeding to amend the Commission's Business Opportunity Rule, 16 CFR Part 437. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/p2pnutter.shtm Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST The FTC has obtained a $2 million summary judgment against the leader of a Canada-based scheme that defrauded U.S. businesses out of millions of dollars by billing for unauthorized listings and advertisements in non-existent business and travel directories, and for unordered and undelivered office supplies and consulting services. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/iitd.shtm Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST Six federal agencies issued a set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) today to help financial institutions, creditors, users of consumer reports, and issuers of credit cards and debit cards comply with federal regulations on identity theft and discrepancies in changes of address. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/redflags.shtm Thu, 11 Jun 2009 9:00:00 EST Hearing Concerns Release of Agency Report Summarizing Public Roundtable Findings http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/biologicdrugs.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 Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today released a report entitled "Follow-on Biologic Drug Competition" which examines whether the price of biologic drugs – products manufactured using living tissues and microorganisms – could be reduced by competition from so-called "follow-on biologics" (FOBs). http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/biologics.shtm Wed, 10 Jun 2009 9:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has filed a civil contempt action charging a deceptive mortgage foreclosure rescue and loan modification operation with violating a 2001 court order. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/medicalcapital.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 Tue, 9 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Commission has granted, in part, a petition by Hexion LLC and Huntsman Corporation requesting that two FTC Orders related to their proposed merger be reopened and set aside. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/hexion.shtm Tue, 9 Jun 2009 8:00:00 EST Following the Federal Trade Commission's filing of a lawsuit to block the transaction, CSL Limited announced on June 8, 2009, that it will not proceed with its proposed $3.1 billion acquisition of Talecris Biotherapeutics. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/csl.shtm Fri, 5 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved a final consent order in the matter of Reed Elsevier NV and ChoicePoint Inc. and authorized the staff to send letters to the commenters of record. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/choicepoint.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 11:00:00 EST Sears Failed to Disclose Adequately that Software Collected Consumers' Sensitive Personal Information http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/sears.shtm Thu, 4 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST Proposed Order Bars Collective Bargaining of Fees for Medical Services http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/altabates.shtm Tue, 3 Jun 2009 15:15:00 EST Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz praised the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee's Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection Subcommittee for its vote today in favor of the Protecting Consumer Access to Generic Drugs Act of 2009 (H.R. 1706), which would prohibit "pay-for-delay" patent settlements in which manufacturers of brand-name drugs pay potential generic competitors to stay out of the market. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/genericdrugs.shtm Tue, 3 Jun 2009 9:00:00 EST Congressional Action Needed to Prevent Higher Drug Costs to Consumers and Federal, State, and Local Governments http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/payfordelay.shtm Mon, 2 Jun 2009 12:30:00 EST Actions are Part of Joint U.S.-Canada Law Enforcement Sweep "Operation Mirage" http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/optmirage.shtm Mon, 2 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST The FTC has amended the complaint in the action currently pending against Voice Touch, Inc., adding Voice Foundations, LLC as a defendant. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/robocall.shtm Mon, 2 Jun 2009 9:30:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Education have issued their annual report to Congress pursuant to the College Scholarship Fraud Prevention Act, describing their continued efforts to combat scholarship and financial aid fraud. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/scholarfraud.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 Fri, 29 May 2009 11:00:00 EST In an effort to better protect financially distressed homeowners, the Federal Trade Commission has initiated a rulemaking proceeding involving foreclosure rescue and loan modification services. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/decepmortgage.shtm Thu, 28 May 2009 11:00:00 EST Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz will participate in the eighth annual International Competition Network (ICN) conference in Zurich, Switzerland, from June 3-5, 2009. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/icn.shtm Wed, 27 May 2009 17:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has authorized a lawsuit to block CSL Limited's proposed $3.1 billion acquisition of Talecris Biotherapeutics Holdings Corporation, charging that the deal would be illegal and would substantially reduce competition in the U.S. markets for four plasma-derivative protein therapies – Immune globulin (Ig), Albumin, Rho-D, and Alpha-1. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/talecris.shtm Wed, 27 May 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has charged a mortgage foreclosure "rescue" operation with falsely promising Spanish-speaking consumers who are behind on their mortgage payments that it would stop foreclosure. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/mortgagerescue.shtm Tue, 26 May 2009 11:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved a final consent order in the matter of BASF and Ciba Specialty Chemicals. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/basf.shtm Fri, 22 May 2009 16:00:00 EST Federal Trade Commission staff have filed a comment stating that the amended version of proposed Louisiana House Bill 687, if enacted, would further restrict competition to provide dental care to underserved children in the state, without providing any countervailing benefits to consumers. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/ladentistry2.shtm Thu, 21 May 2009 10:30:00 EST Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz announced the appointment of Willard K. "Will" Tom as General Counsel for the agency, and the appointment of Peter J. Levitas, Mark W. Frankena, Howard Shelanski, and Judith Bailey to senior positions in the agency's Competition and Economics Bureaus and the Office of Congressional Relations. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/appointcounsel.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 16:30:00 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 15:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has formally dismissed the complaint in the Rambus matter. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/rambus.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 The marketers of a work-at-home scam who led consumers to believe they could earn $500 or more per week processing medical bills and would receive training and access to customers have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that their deceptive claims violated federal law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/mbn.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 Mon, 11 May 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has charged a home mortgage lender and its owner with violating federal law by charging Hispanic consumers higher prices for mortgage loans than non-Hispanic white consumers – price disparities that cannot be explained by the applicants' credit characteristics or underwriting risk. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/gem.shtm Mon, 11 May 2009 11:00:00 EST Budget request and GPRA Performance Plans submission to Congress: The Commission has approved the FTC's FY 2010 Budget Overview Statement and the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) Performance Plans for FY 2009 and FY 2010. The Commission is seeking public comment on its Rule Concerning the Use of Prenotification Negative Option Plans (Negative Option Rule), 16 C.F.R. Part 425, as part of the agency's systematic review of its rules and guides. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/budget.shtm Wed, 6 May 2009 13:30:00 EST Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz announced today that Ken Glazer, Senior Deputy Director of the Bureau of Competition, plans to leave the FTC this month. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/kenglazer.shtm Wed, 6 May 2009 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today told the U.S. House Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity of the Committee on Financial Services that, with the rapid increase in mortgage delinquencies and foreclosures, the FTC has intensified its efforts to protect consumers from foreclosure rescue and loan modification scams. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/05/4closurescam.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 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has approved an alternative procedure for the production of customer information in connection with the FTC study on the effect of credit-based insurance scores on the availability and affordability of homeowners insurance. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/facta.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 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today announced the agendas for the next two in its series of public workshops on resale price maintenance (RPM). http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/rpm.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 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission staff has issued a report based upon a public town hall meeting the FTC hosted in May 2008 to explore consumer protection issues arising in the mobile commerce marketplace. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/mobilerpt.shtm Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST The 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 Fri, 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 The Federal Trade Commission today issued a Revised Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (RNPRM) seeking public comment on a revised proposed rule that would prohibit market manipulation in the petroleum industry. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/rnprm.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 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Competition has advised TriState Health Partners, Inc. (TriState), a physician-hospital organization based in Hagerstown, Maryland, that staff has no present intention to recommend that the Commission challenge the organization's proposed clinical integration program, which would include joint contracting by its members with health plans and self-insured employers. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/tristate.shtm Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved a final consent order in the matter of National Association of Music Merchants, Inc. (NAMM). http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/namm.shtm Fri, 10 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved a final consent order in the matter of Lubrizol Corporation and Lockhart Company. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/lubrizol.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 Wed, 8 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST Event Will Take Place May 4 and 5, 2009 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/iphearing.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 Fri, 3 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has brought to a halt two peddlers of bogus cancer curesthat were targeted during Operation False Cures, a law enforcement sweep announced last fall. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/2cancercures.shtm Fri, 3 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST Federal Trade Commission staff filed a comment stating that provisions of New York State Senate Bill 58 would likely have the unintended consequence of increasing prices that New York consumers and health plans pay for prescription drugs. The Commission has approved a final consent order in the matter of Dow Chemical Company and Rohm and Haas Company. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/nyrohmhaas.shtm Thu, 2 Apr 2009 1:00:00 EST BASF Required to Sell Assets Related to Two High Performance Pigments http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/basf.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 12:30:00 EST Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz announced today that David P. Wales, Acting Director of the Bureau of Competition for the past nine months, will leave the FTC in May. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/dwales.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 11:00:00 EST Drug maker Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMS) will pay $2.1 million - the largest fine allowed by law - for failing to inform the Federal Trade Commission of agreements reached with Apotex, Inc., regarding potential generic competition to its blockbuster drug Plavix. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/bmsplavix.shtm Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST Congressional Action Necessary to Prevent Higher Pharmaceutical Costs to Consumers and Federal, State, and Local Governments http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/payfordelay.shtm Tue, 31 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today told the U.S. House Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government of the Committee on Appropriations that the FTC has intensified its efforts to protect consumers in financial services markets, and that changes in the law and additional resources would enhance the agency's effectiveness. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/houseapp.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 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 continue protecting consumers from predatory lending and other illegal practices through all stages of the credit life-cycle, from advertising of credit through collection of debt. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/financialhouse.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 According to the staff of the Federal Trade Commission, legislation pending before the Minnesota legislature that seeks to exempt certain activities by Minnesota health care cooperatives from federal and state antitrust law likely would raise health care costs and reduce insurance coverage for Minnesota consumers. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/minnesotahc.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 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST In a statement presented today to the United States Commission on Civil Rights, the Federal Trade Commission described its efforts to protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, and discriminatory practices in the mortgage lending market. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/crcommission.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 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today announced the fourth in a series of public hearings exploring the evolving market for intellectual property. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/iphearing.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 Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved a final consent order in the matter of Getinge AB and Datascope Corp. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/getinge.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 The United States District Court for the District of Columbia announced its decision today granting the Federal Trade Commission's request for a preliminary injunction enjoining CCC Information Services Inc.'s merger with Mitchell International Inc. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/cccmitchell.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 Fri, 6 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST Whole Foods Required to Sell 32 Wild Oats Stores, Intellectual Property, and Related Assets in 17 Markets http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/wholefoods.shtm Fri, 6 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST Marketers of dietary supplements and health-related devices have agreed to pay $3 million in consumer redress to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they deceptively claimed their products treated or prevented a wide variety of serious diseases and medical conditions. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/roex.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 FTC is warning consumers that they could get stung by an economic stimulus scam. The scams come in different forms. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/stimulusscam.shtm Wed, 4 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST Defendants Targeted Consumers with Poor or No Credit http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/groupone.shtm Wed, 4 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST Commission Order Prohibits NAMM From Facilitating Collusive Strategies Among its Members http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/03/namm.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