http://www.ftc.gov/rss/text/prbcp.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 Fri, 6 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST 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 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 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 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 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 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST Media Encouraged to Call with Questions http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/adpractices.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 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 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 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 13:00:00 EST Callers with Prize News Don't Work for the FTC http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/09/govtscams.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 FTC Approves Final Consent Order Requiring Sears to Disclose the Installation of Tracking Software Placed on Consumers' Computers 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 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 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 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 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 11:00:00 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 11:00:00 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Thu, 2 Jun 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 Jun 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 Jun 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 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 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 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, 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 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 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 10:00:00 EST Sears Failed to Disclose Adequately that Software Collected Consumers' Sensitive Personal Information http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/06/sears.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 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 15:30:00 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 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 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 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 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 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 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST TThe 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 Thu, 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 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 Thu, 9 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST Order Includes $1 Million Judgment Against Operators http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/04/cashcorner.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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission today released the list of top consumer complaints received by the agency in 2008 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/2008cmpts.shtm Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission issued a report today recommending that the debt collection legal system be reformed and modernized to reflect changes in consumer debt, the debt collection industry, and technology. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/fdcpa.shtm Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST In a case filed by the Federal Trade Commission and the State of Nevada, a federal court has ordered a halt to certain practices by seven U.S.-based companies and an individual operating as part of an international Internet payday lending operation. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/cash2day.shtm Fri, 20 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST The Commission has approved the publication of a notice in the Federal Register rescinding the agency's enforcement policy for advertising of books, also known as the Mirror Image Doctrine (MID). Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved a final consent order in the matter of West Penn Multi-List, Inc. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/fyi0219.shtm Fri, 20 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST Forum Examines Advertising Literacy http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/aditup.shtm Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST CVS Caremark has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it failed to take reasonable and appropriate security measures to protect the sensitive financial and medical information of its customers and employees, in violation of federal law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/cvs.shtm Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST Defendants Assisted in Nine Cross-Border Telemarketing Scams Targeting U.S. Consumers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/gmg.shtm Fri, 13 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST Event Takes Place March 1-7, 2009 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/ncpw.shtm Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST Federal Trade Commission staff today issued a report describing its ongoing examination of online behavioral advertising and setting forth revisions to proposed principles to govern self-regulatory efforts in this area. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/behavad.shtm Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST In a case that affects consumers throughout the nation, the Federal Trade Commission has charged a mortgage foreclosure "rescue" company with falsely claiming that it will stop foreclosure or fully refund consumers' money. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/nfr.shtm Tue, 10 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST The Commission has approved an amended complaint in the matter currently pending against defendants Publishers Business Services, Inc., and Ed Dantuma Enterprises, Inc., also d/b/a Publishers Direct Services and Publishers Business Services. Hexion LLC and Huntsman Corporation (Respondents) have petitioned the Commission to reopen and set aside two orders related to their proposed merger because they have terminated their planned merger and withdrawn their premerger notification filings http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/pbshexion.shtm Tue, 10 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST Major prepaid calling card companies have agreed to pay $2.25 million as part of a settlement to resolve Federal Trade Commission charges that they made false claims to consumers about the number of minutes of talk time their prepaid calling cards would provide. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/alternatel.shtm Mon, 9 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a United States District Court has ordered a permanent halt to the illegal operations of an Internet-based check creation and delivery service and ordered the operators to give up all the money they made from the illegal operation. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/jab.shtm Mon, 9 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST New FTC Staff Report Offers Guidance on Online 'Negative Option' Marketing http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/jab.shtm Thu, 5 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST An online seller of computer supplies and other consumer electronics has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it violated federal law by failing to provide reasonable security to protect sensitive customer data. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/compgeeks.shtm Mon, 2 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST Ads Appeared in Major Magazines Promising to Turn Any Car Into a Hybrid http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/02/dutchman.shtm Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST Federal Trade Commission Chairman William E. Kovacic announced today that Mary Beth Richards, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection, will leave the agency to return to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and that Mary K. Engle, currently Associate Director in the Bureau's Division of Advertising Practices, will serve as Acting Deputy Director. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/richards.shtm Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has charged the marketers of Kinoki Foot Pads with deceptive advertising, including claims that use of the foot pads would remove toxins from the body; treat high blood pressure, depression, and a host of other medical conditions; and lead to weight loss. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/xacta.shtm Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST Two Groups of Travel Companies Called Numbers on the National Registry http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/westgate.shtm Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST FTC Extends Comment and Submission Periods Related to Digital Rights Management Town Hall to February 9, 2009; FTC Issues Annual Financial Acts Enforcement Report to Federal Reserve http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/frbdrm.shtm Mon, 26 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission obtained a $250,000 settlement against a participant in a vending machine scheme, concluding its case against the defendants in this operation, all of whom were charged in 2002 as part of the Project Busted Opportunity law enforcement sweep. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/westbrook.shtm Fri, 23 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST Almost $28 Million Returned to 86,000 Consumers Harmed by Mortgage Servicing Practices http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/emc.shtm Thu, 22 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission staff will host a workshop on March 12, 2009 to gather input for its advertising literacy initiative, which will educate and empower tweens to be better informed consumers of information. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/literacy.shtm Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has charged a mortgage broker with discarding consumers' tax returns, credit reports, and other sensitive personal and financial information in an unsecured dumpster, in violation of federal law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/navone.shtm Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST A federal district court has ordered the marketers of three dietary supplements to pay more than $15 million for deceiving consumers about the products' safety and effectiveness. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/nug.shtm Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST A federal judge has ordered infomercial marketer Kevin Trudeau to pay more than $37 million for violating a 2004 stipulated order by misrepresenting the content of his book, "The Weight Loss Cure 'They' Don't Want You to Know About." http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/trudeau.shtm Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST Marketers who made false and deceptive claims that a device would cause consumers to lose weight by applying electronic stimulation to their abdominal muscles have agreed to pay $7 million to settle an action brought by the Federal Trade Commission to obtain consumer redress. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/telebrands.shtm Tue, 13 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST APEC, OECD are Co-Sponsors; Event to be held March 16-17, 2009 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/datasec.shtm Tue, 13 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST Massive Telemarketing Scheme Affected Nearly One Million Consumers Nationwide; Wachovia Bank to Provide An Additional $33 Million to Suntasia Victims http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/suntasia.shtm Tue, 13 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST Checks Sent to More Than 740,000 Telemarketing Fraud Victims http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/wachovia.shtm Tue, 13 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST Eileen Harrington Named Acting Director http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/parnes.shtm Tue, 13 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST Terms of Proposed Settlement are Among Strongest Ever in an FTC Rebate Case http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/mds.shtm Tue, 8 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST Three mortgage loan advertisers that allegedly deceptively touted low monthly payments and low rates without fully disclosing loan terms have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that their ads violated federal law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/anm.shtm Thu, 8 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST A mortgage foreclosure rescue service that claimed that, for a $1,200 fee, they would stop foreclosure and save consumers' homes, has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it violated federal law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/01/mfs.shtm Tue, 23 Dec 2008 13:00:00 EST Commission Seeks Further Comments on Changes to the Adjudicative Proceedings Process http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/part3.shtm Tue, 23 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST Event Takes Place Wednesday, March 25, 2009, in Seattle http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/drm.shtm Tue, 23 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST The FTC has approved the filing of a comment with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PA PUC) concerning the PA PUC's implementation plan for its Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/papuc.shtm Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST Said Money Donated Would Benefit the Handicapped and Disabled http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/hdwksp.shtm Tue, 16 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved a final consent order in the matter of Premier Capital Lending, Inc. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/pcl.shtm Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has approved the publication of a Federal Register notice announcing that the ceiling on allowable charges under Section 612(f) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) will increase from $10.50 to $11.00, effective January 1, 2009. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/fcra.shtm Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST Computers are a popular gift during the holiday season. People with a new computer often wonder about the best way to get rid of the old one. OnGuardOnline.gov, the computer safety Web site managed by the Federal Trade Commission, has some tips to make this task easier – and more secure. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/computer.shtm Thu, 11 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST Company Will Pay $1 Million Civil Penalty http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/sonymusic.shtm Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST Advance-Fee Telemarketer Prohibited from Misrepresenting Material Facts to Consumers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/telephoney.shtm Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a U.S. district court has issued a temporary halt to a massive "scareware" scheme, which falsely claimed that scans had detected viruses, spyware, and illegal pornography on consumers' computers. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/winsoftware.shtm Fri, 5 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST APEC, OECD are Co-Sponsors; Event to be held March 16-17, 2009 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/datasec.shtm Thu, 4 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST An operation that lured consumers with promises that they could earn big money as trained and certified "mystery shoppers" has agreed to pay $850,000 to settle charges of deceptive marketing and contempt. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/mysteryshop.shtm Thu, 4 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST Court Order Also Prohibits Violations of Do Not Call Registry Rules http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/fusion.shtm Wed, 3 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST A Utah-based operation that lured online customers with free samples of a purported weight-loss supplement in a scheme to obtain their credit or debit card information has agreed to pay $150,000 to settle Federal Trade Commission charges of deceptive and unfair marketing, and of violations of federal regulations governing the electronic transfer of funds. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/ultralife.shtm Mon, 1 Dec 2008 9:30:00 EST Effective today, any telemarketing call that delivers a prerecorded message must include a quick and easy way to opt-out of receiving future calls. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/12/tsramendments.shtm Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST The Federal Trade Commission has rescinded guidance issued in 1966 that generally permitted statements concerning tar and nicotine yields if they were based on the Cambridge Filter Method, sometimes called the FTC method. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/11/cigarettetesting.shtm Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST Complaints are on the rise about a scam that preys on a grandparent's love, according to the Federal Trade Commission. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/11/grandparent.shtm Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission and the State of Nevada have charged 10 related Internet payday lenders and their principals, based mainly in the United Kingdom, with violating federal and state law by not disclosing key loan terms to U.S. consumers and using abusive and deceptive collection tactics. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/11/cashtoday.shtm Thu, 6 Nov 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The marketers of dietary supplements that purportedly prevented and treated diabetes have settled Federal Trade Commission charges that they engaged in deceptive advertising practices. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/11/glucorell.shtm Thu, 6 Nov 2008 10:00:00 +0000 Data Breach Compromised Privacy of Hundreds of Consumers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/11/pcl.shtm Wed, 5 Nov 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission today denied requests that the Commission extend the time within which public comments can be filed on proposed revisions to Parts 3 and 4 of the agency's Rules of Practice governing administrative litigation before the Commission. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/11/part3.shtm Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:00:00 +0000 www.ftc.gov/YouAreHere Teaches Key Concepts http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/10/ftcsite4kids.shtm Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:30:00 +0000 Commission Approves Final Consent Orders with Bioque Technologies, Inc., Holly A. Bacon d/b/a Cleansing Time Pro, and Daryl C. Jenks d/b/a Premium Essiac Tea 4less http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/10/bioque.shtm Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Halloween season spells big business for the cosmetic contact lens industry, as consumers shop for just the right lenses to play the part of a mummy or vampire, or to change the color of their eyes for the evening. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/10/contactlens.shtm Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission and the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Dedman School of Law will host a half-day public workshop in Dallas on Thursday, Nov 13, 2008, on how businesses can better secure personal information and protect the privacy of consumers and employees. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/10/datasec.shtm Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:00:00 +0000 In their latest effort to defraud the public, con artists claiming to work for the Federal Trade Commission are calling consumers and claiming that they have won a lottery or sweepstakes. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/10/lotteryscam.shtm Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:00:00 +0000 Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology is hosting a Town Hall meeting on medical identity theft at the Federal Trade Commission's satellite building in Washington, DC. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/10/medid.shtm Mon, 14 Oct 2008 13:00:00 +0000 A U.S. district court has ordered a halt to the operations of a vast international spam network that peddled prescription drugs and bogus male-enhancement products. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/10/herbalkings.shtm Mon, 14 Oct 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Event to be Held at Fordham University School of Law on Oct 24, 2008 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/10/ftcat100ny.shtm Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:00:00 +0000 Event to be Held at Boston University School of Management on Oct 14, 2008 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/10/ftcat100.shtm Thu, 9 Oct 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Online scammers are taking advantage of tough economic times. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/10/bankphishing.shtm Wed, 8 Oct 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission announced today that Joel Winston, Associate Director for Privacy and Identity Protection in the agency's Bureau of Consumer Protection, has received the 2008 Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Executive. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/10/jwinston.shtm Tue, 7 Oct 2008 10:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission will host a free two-day Fraud Forum on February 25 and 26, 2009, in Washington, DC. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/10/fraud.shtm Fri, 22 Sep 2008 10:00:00 +0000 Settlement is First Resulting from Cases Brought in 'Operation Tele-PHONEY' Sweep http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/09/tsrdnc.shtm Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission Launches Public Education Campaign http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/09/cancercures2.shtm Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission Launches Public Education Campaign http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/09/cancercures.shtm Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:30:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission charged two credit repair marketers with violating federal law by collecting advance payment for credit repair services and falsely promising to remove derogatory information from consumers' credit reports - even if the information is accurate and not obsolete. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/09/lhcr.shtm Fri, 5 Sep 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of final consent orders - Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved the issuance of a final consent order in the matter concerning We Give Loans, Inc., and Aliyah Associates LLC, d/b/a AmericanAdvance.com. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/09/wegiveloans.shtm Thu, 4 Sep 2008 13:30:00 +0000 Event to be Held at Northwestern University School of Law on Sep 25, 2008 http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/09/ftcat100.shtm Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Events to be Held in Washington, DC, This Fall; Public Comments Solicited http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/08/hcissues.shtm Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:30:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission has charged the marketer of a work-at-home business opportunity with violating federal law by falsely promising Spanish-speaking consumers substantial income for stuffing envelopes. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/08/workathome.shtm Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Two brothers have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they misled consumers with false earnings claims for work-at-home schemes involving free government grants, mystery shopping, online surveys, and data entry. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/08/mmsecret.shtm Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:00:00 +0000 TThe Federal Trade Commission will host a "Transatlantic RFID Workshop on Consumer Privacy and Data Security" on Sep 23, 2008, to explore emerging applications of radio frequency identification technology and their implications for consumer protection policy. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/08/transatlantic.shtm Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:00:00 +0000 Claudia Bourne Farrell Named Acting Director; Peter Kaplan Named Deputy Director http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/08/opachanges.shtm Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:45:00 +0000 Rule Will Halt Prerecorded Sales Calls Unless the Seller Obtains Consumer's Permission http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/08/tsr.shtm Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of amended complaint - The Commission has authorized the staff to file an amended complaint in the ongoing litigation against Select Personnel Management, Inc., d/b/a Select Management Solutions, and its principal James Stewart and Flow International Corporation and OMAX Corporation. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/08/smsomax.shtm Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of amended complaints - The Commission has authorized the staff to file an amended complaint in the ongoing litigation against Data Business Solutions Inc., also doing business as Internet Listing Service Corp., ILS Corp., ILSCORP.NET, Domain Listing Service Corp., DLS Corp., and DLSCORP.NET, and its principals Ari Balabanian, Isaac Benlolo, and Kirk Mulveney. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/08/ilsmedpro.shtm Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:30:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission will announce a multi-million dollar consumer redress settlement against the maker of a well known natural remedy. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/08/naturalhealth.shtm Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:30:00 +0000 The marketers of a line of dietary supplements have agreed to pay $2.5 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that claims about their oregano oil and capsules were false and unsubstantiated in violation of federal law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/08/naherb.shtm Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Have you received an unsolicited e-mail or phone call from someone who claims to represent your local election board or civic group and asks for your Social Security or credit card number to confirm your eligibility or registration to vote? http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/08/voter.shtm Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission has created an information line for customers who purchased debt-consolidation services from Express Consolidation, Inc., Randall L. Leshin, and Debt Management Counseling Center (also known as Randall L. Leshin, P.A.). http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/leshin.shtm Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission today announced the results of a study on food marketing to children and adolescents. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/foodmkting.shtm Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission will release a report examining industry expenditures in marketing food and beverages to children and adolescents. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/foodmark.shtm Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of Federal Register notice – The Commission has approved a Federal Register notice announcing a one-month extension of the public comment period related to its proposal to rescind guidance concerning the current cigarette testing method. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/cigarette2.shtm Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:00:00 +0000 First Public Meeting Scheduled for Jul 29-30, 2008, in Washington, DC http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/ftcat100.shtm Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission and the California Office of Privacy Protection will co-host a half-day public workshop in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Aug 13, 2008, on how businesses can secure personal information and protect the privacy of consumers and employees. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/datasec.shtm Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000 TCommission denial of petition from jewelry industry trade associations - The Commission has denied a petition submitted by the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC) and 10 other jewelry industry trade associations requesting that the FTC amend the Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries (Guides), 16 C.F.R. Part 23. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/jvc.shtm Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:30:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission and the Technology Law and Public Policy Clinic at the University of Washington School of Law will co-host a day-long Town Hall meeting on the campus of the University of Washington to examine emerging uses of contactless payment devices and their implications, including security and privacy implications, for consumer protection policy. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/contactless.shtm Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:30:00 +0000 Defendants in an operation that sold bogus weight loss supplements through illegal spam e-mail have settled Federal Trade Commission charges that their operation violated federal laws. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/spearsys.shtm Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission today released a staff report on a Roundtable Discussion on Phishing Education that it hosted in Apr. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/phishing.shtm Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission staff will host a workshop on Sep 25, 2008, to explore growth in the for-profit debt settlement industry and to examine its impact on consumers and businesses. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/debtsettlement.shtm Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of Federal Register notice – The Commission has approved the publication of an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) in the Federal Register to initiate a proceeding to evaluate labeling requirements for "lamps," more commonly known as light bulbs. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/lightbulb.shtm Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Workshop is Third in Agency's Review of its Environmental Marketing Guides http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/greenguidesma.shtm Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of report to Congress - The Commission has approved the issuance of a report to Congress regarding the Do Not Call Registry for Fiscal Year 2007. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/dncfyi.shtm Wed, 9 Jul 2008 10:00:00 +0000 In testimony on behavioral advertising, the Federal Trade Commission today told the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation that "the issues surrounding this practice are complex ... the business models are diverse and constantly evolving, and ... behavioral advertising may provide benefits to consumers even as it raises concerns about consumer privacy." http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/behavorialad.shtm Tue, 8 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000 FTC Urges Caution When Considering 'Boot Camps' http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/residentialfyi.shtm Tue, 8 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Financial institutions and creditors are now required to develop and implement written identity theft prevention programs under the new "Red Flags Rules." http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/redflagsfyi.shtm Tue, 1 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000 An operator who used deceptive earnings promises to recruit consumers for a multi-level marketing operation that was a pyramid scheme has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that the operation was illegal and violated federal law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/elliott.shtm Tue, 1 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of Federal Register notice- Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved the publication of a notice in the Federal Register amending the Appliance Labeling Rule with regard to the labeling requirements for metal halide lamp fixtures. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/07/halidelamps.shtm Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:00:00 +0000 Study Finds High Levels of Compliance with Voluntary Placement Standard http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/alcoholrpt.shtm Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Two payday loan lead generators have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that their Internet advertising stated payday loan costs and repayment periods without disclosing annual percentage rate (APR) information as federal law requires. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/wegiveloans.shtm Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Putting a new twist on an old scam, con artists are posing as government officials when they tell consumers they have won a sweepstakes prize. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/govtfyi.shtm Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of joint amicus brief filing – The Commission has approved the filing of an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the matter of Altria v. Good et al., No. 07-562 (U.S. S. Ct.). http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/amicusfyi.shtm Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:30:00 +0000 No Substitute for the Agency's Own Sustained Efforts to Get Things Right http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/ftc100.shtm Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission and the California Office of Privacy Protection will co-host a half-day public workshop in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Aug 13, 2008, on how businesses can secure personal information and protect the privacy of consumers and employees. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/datasecwksp.shtm Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of Federal Register notice - The Commission has approved publication of a Federal Register notice announcing final amendments to the agency's Fuel Rating Rule. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/fuelfyi.shtm Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission is urging consumers to be cautious of potential charity scams in connection with the recent floods and tornadoes that have caused damage in the Midwest. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/midwestfyi.shtm Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission extension of public rebuttal comment period: The Commission has approved the extension of the public rebuttal comment period related to the Revised Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (RNPR) in connection with the Business Opportunity Rule. Commission approval of final consent order: Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved a final consent order in the matter of Agrium, Inc. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/agriumfyi.shtm Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission today told the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation that "legislation authorizing the Commission to seek civil penalties in spyware cases could add a potent remedy to those otherwise available to the Commission." http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/spyware.shtm Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Defendants who allegedly offered "free" software CDs that weren't free, and billed unsuspecting consumers for a software continuity program they didn't know they were enrolled in, have agreed to settle FTC charges that their practices violated federal law. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/manay.shtm Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Father's Day Card Warns of Internet Scams http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/fdphishfyi.shtm Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:30:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission today announced the filing of a lawsuit charging CompuCredit Corporation and its wholly-owned debt collection subsidiary, Jefferson Capital Systems, LLC, with deceptive marketing practices in selling credit cards to consumers in the subprime market. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/compucredit.shtm Tue, 10 Jun 2008 10:30:00 +0000 Because summer is a time when teen drunk-driving deaths peak and teens are at high risk of starting to drink, the Federal Trade Commission is urging adults around the nation to say "Let's Make it a Safe Summer. Don't Serve Alcohol to Teens." http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/dontserve.shtm Tue, 10 Jun 2008 9:30:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission will announce a law enforcement action today, charging a credit card marketer and a debt collection company with using deceptive marketing practices and abusive debt collection tactics affecting consumers in the subprime market. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/ccma.shtm Fri, 6 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of final consent orders - Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved the issuance of final consent orders in the matters of CashPro d/b/a MakePaydayToday.com, American Cash Market, Inc., and Anderson Payday Loans. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/payday.shtm Fri, 6 Jun 2008 10:00:00 +0000 Will Examine Industry Trend Toward For-Profit Consumer Debt Relief Services http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/debt.shtm Thu, 5 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Two defendants have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges for allegedly victimizing Spanish-speaking consumers nationwide by posing as debt collectors seeking money the consumers did not owe. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/tonomusic.shtm Thu, 5 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission today announced that it has successfully secured the proceeds of repeat offender Richard Neiswonger's $100,000 performance bond. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/platte.shtm Wed, 4 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Under a federal court order entered on May 29, a home-buying consulting business that offers credit repair and home-buying consulting services will pay $10,000 to settle Federal Trade Commission charges, including illegally charging an advance fee for credit repair and falsely claiming that it can remove negative information from consumers' credit reports, even if the information is accurate and timely. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/hbn.shtm Wed, 4 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000 As hurricane season swings into high gear, you may be more than ready with fully charged batteries, evacuation plans for loved ones and pets, refilled prescriptions, and other precautions. Perhaps you've considered how to deal with the possibility of storm surges, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/hurricane.shtm Wed, 4 Jun 2008 10:30:00 +0000 A U.S. district court has ordered a halt to the illegal operations of a defendant who crammed unauthorized charges for Web site services onto the phone bills of hundreds of thousands of small businesses and non-profit organizations. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/websource.shtm Wed, 4 Jun 2008 9:00:00 +0000 Dennis J. Saccurato and his businesses, Sparta Chem, Inc. and Compu-Kleen Inc. of Elmwood Park, have agreed to a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission in which, among other things, they admit that they are in contempt for violating a court order barring them from making fraudulent representations to induce sales of cleaning supplies and shipping and billing for supplies that businesses didn't order. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/sparta.shtm Tue, 3 Jun 2008 13:00:00 +0000 Third Public Workshop in Series Scheduled for Jul 15, 2008, in Washington, DC http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/greenguides.shtm Mon, 2 Jun 2008 10:00:00 +0000 At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a U. S. District Court has ordered a temporary halt to the deceptive advertising claims used to promote prepaid phone cards marketed by Alternatel, Inc.; G.F.G. Enterprises, LLC, also d/b/a Mystic Prepaid; Voice Prepaid, Inc.; Voice Distributors, Inc.; Telecom Express, Inc.; and their principals, pending trial. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/06/alternatel.shtm Fri, 30 May 2008 13:30:00 +0000 Commission approval of Federal Register notice - Following a public comment period, the Commission has voted to retain the agency's Guides for Select Leather and Imitation Leather Products, commonly known as the Leather Guides, in their current form. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/leathergds.shtm Fri, 30 May 2008 12:00:00 +0000 If you've ever locked yourself out of your car or home, you know what a hassle it can be. Your first thought is to get someone to help. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/locksmith.shtm Wed, 28 May 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission has put a permanent halt to an operation that allegedly obtained consumers' confidential phone records without their knowledge or consent and sold them to third parties. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/arg.shtm Thu, 22 May 2008 14:30:00 +0000 FTC Provides Tips for Saving Money at the Gas Pump and Cooling Your Home http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/gasfyi.shtm Thu, 22 May 2008 10:00:00 +0000 A home-buying consulting business that offers credit repair and home-buying consulting services has agreed to settle with the Federal Trade Commission for alleged federal law violations, including illegally charging an advance fee for credit repair and falsely claiming that they can remove negative information from consumers' credit reports, even if the information is accurate and timely. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/hbcn.shtm Wed, 21 May 2008 10:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission today provided Congress with an update on the progress of its study on the use of credit-based insurance scores in homeowners insurance. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/creditbased.shtm Tue, 20 May 2008 10:30:00 +0000 More Than 180 Actions Brought by Commission and Its Law Enforcement Partners http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/telephoney.shtm Fri, 16 May 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Includes Actions Brought by More than 30 U.S. and Canadian Agencies Targeting Telemarketing Fraud http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/telephoneyma.shtm Thu, 15 May 2008 14:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Economics will host a conference on May 29 to highlight and assess the role of consumer information in the current mortgage crisis from an economic perspective. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/mortgage.shtm Thu, 15 May 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The marketers of a debit and credit card processing services operation have agreed to judgments of more than $26 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they deceived small businesses throughout the country. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/mpi.shtm Wed, 14 May 2008 15:00:00 +0000 Federal Trade Commission Chairman William E. Kovacic and Commissioner Jon Leibowitz today testified before the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government Committee on Appropriations on the FTC's behalf, requesting $256.2 million and 1,102 full-time equivalents (FTE) to accomplish the agency's competition and consumer protection missions in fiscal year (FY) 2009. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/fy09.shtm Tue, 13 May 2008 10:00:00 +0000 At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a federal judge has ordered two persons to pay more than $49 million for their role in a Canada-based scheme that duped American businesses into paying for business directories and listings they did not order. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/datacom.shtm Mon, 12 May 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission and the Technology Law and Public Policy clinic at the University of Washington Law School will host a one-day Town Hall meeting to explore emerging uses of contactless payment devices and their implications for consumer protection policy. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/payonthego.shtm Mon, 12 May 2008 10:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission has approved four new rule provisions under the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003 (CAN-SPAM or the Act). http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/canspam.shtm Fri, 9 May 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission is urging consumers to be cautious of potential charity scams in connection with the devastating cyclone in Myanmar.  http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/charity.shtm Thu, 8 May 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Reserve Board today announced proposed regulations that generally would require a creditor to provide a consumer with a risk-based pricing notice when, based in whole or in part on the consumer's credit report, the creditor offers or provides credit to the consumer on terms less favorable than the terms it offers or provides to other consumers. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/factfyi.shtm Thu, 8 May 2008 10:00:00 +0000 Results Show Need for Continued Improvement by Movie, Music, and Some Game Retailers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/secretshop.shtm Thu, 8 May 2008 10:00:00 +0000 Defendants Misled Consumers About Debt Management Program, Violated Provisions of the National Do Not Call Registry http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/express.shtm Wed, 7 May 2008 11:30:00 +0000 An operation that offered "free trials" of its herbal products, including smoking cessation patches, has agreed to halt its allegedly deceptive practices, pending trial. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/nextclick3.shtm Tue, 6 May 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Issuance of letter regarding motion divestiture time period extension - The Commission has approved issuance of a letter responding to a motion by Service Corporation International (SCI) in which SCI sought to extend the time allowed to divest several assets obtained through its 2006 acquisition of Alderwoods. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/scifyi.shtm Mon, 5 May 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Each year, millions of students seek help in financing their college education, and some fall prey to scholarship and financial aid scams that "guarantee" money for college in exchange for a fee. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/scholarfraud.shtm Fri, 2 May 2008 10:00:00 +0000 Two-day Town Hall meeting to explore the evolving mobile commerce marketplace and its implications for consumer protection policy. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/mobilemarket.shtm Thu, 1 May 2008 10:00:00 +0000 Canadian Defendants Fraudulently Pitched Advance-Fee Credit Cards and "Free" Gifts http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/05/pacliberty.shtm Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:00:00 +0000 Green Lights and Red Flags- Rules of the Road for Advertisers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/dallas.shtm Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0000 Get energy-smart this Earth Day with the Federal Trade Commission's new publication, EnergyGuidance: Appliance Shopping With the EnergyGuide Label. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/energyguide.shtm Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Ex-wife of Ringleader Was One of Only Two Remaining Defendants in Case http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/industrialtrade.shtm Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The last "Debt-Set" defendant has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges for his role in an operation that allegedly violated federal law by falsely claiming that it could reduce consumers' credit card interest rates or the amount of their credit card debt. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/walmartscam.shtm Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of public comment period extension - By a vote of 4-0, the Commission has approved an extension of the public comment period related to the recently proposed amendment to the platinum section of the FTC's Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries, commonly known as the Jewelry Guides. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/jewelryfyi.shtm Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Get energy-smart this Earth Day with the Federal Trade Commission's new publication, EnergyGuidance: Appliance Shopping With the EnergyGuide Label. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/energyguide.shtm Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of final consent order - Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved the issuance of a final consent order in the matter of Life is good, Inc., and Life is good Retail (collectively LIG). http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/ligfyi.shtm Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:00:00 +0000 At the request of Florida Governor Charlie Crist, the Federal Trade Commission has submitted written testimony on health care competition, Florida's certificate of need (CON) laws, and Florida Senate Bill 2326 (S.B. 2326) to the Florida Governor and State Senate. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/florida.shtm Wed, 16 Apr 2008 11:00:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission has approved the filing of a staff comment to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System regarding the Federal Reserve Board's proposed rule to restrict certain mortgage practices under the Truth in Lending Act and the Home Ownership Equity Protection Act. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/frb.shtm Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:00:00 +0000 The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has upheld a district court ruling requiring marketers of Seasilver, an alleged phony cure-all, to pay almost $120 million for failing to comply with an earlier order requiring them to pay $3 million in consumer redress. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/seasilver.shtm Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of final consent order - Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved the issuance of a final consent order in the matter concerning the Connecticut Chiropractic Association (CCA), the Connecticut Chiropractic Council (CCC), and Robert L. Hirtle (CCA's legal counsel). http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/ccafyi.shtm Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Lifestyle Vending, Inc., and its owners, Michael Eisenberg and Maryann McCulloh, have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they misled consumers into paying thousands of dollars for a vending machine business venture without substantiating their claims about its earning potential. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/lsvending.shtm Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:30:00 +0000 Three individuals have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges for their role in a massive scam that billed more than $34 million in unauthorized collect call charges to millions of consumers throughout the country. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/cram.shtm Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:00:00 +0000 Charles P. Farrugia, a defendant in a Federal Trade Commission lawsuit against a fraudulent telemarketing scheme based in Canada, has agreed to settle FTC charges for his role in allegedly scamming American businesses into paying for business directories and listings they didn't order. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/xborder.shtm Mon, 7 Apr 2008 10:00:00 +0000 Commission approval of Federal Register notice: The Commission has approved the publication of a Federal Register notice reopening the public comment period on a petition submitted to the FTC pursuant to the Textile Rules and Regulations Under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act (Textile Rules). http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/text.shtm Thu, 3 Apr 2008 10:30:00 +0000 The Federal Trade Commission has released three 60-second videos to help alert consumers to phishing scams. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/vids.shtm Tue, 1 Apr 2008 10:00:00 +0000 Green Lights and Red Flags: Rules of the Road for Advertisers http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/04/glrf.shtm