April 2019

Violating Made in USA order lands filtration seller in hot water

By: Lesley Fair | Apr 17, 2019 11:51AM

When a company settles a case with the FTC, it’s not just water under the bridge. An FTC administrative order includes provisions designed to prevent similar deceptive or unfair practices in the future – and violations of those orders may result in civil penalties. The FTC just announced a proposed settlement with Georgia-based iSpring Water Systems for violating a 2017 order related to the company’s Made in USA claims.

Continue Reading Violating Made in USA order lands filtration seller in hot water

The Avant settlement: New financial platforms, established consumer protections

By: Lesley Fair | Apr 15, 2019 2:53PM

“There is nothing new under the sun.” It’s from the Book of Ecclesiastes and who are we to disagree? So even when innovative products enter the market – for example, new platforms offering financial services – fundamental consumer protection principles remain constant. And as the FTC’s $3.85 million settlement with Avant, LLC, demonstrates, that includes representations and practices related to online lending.

Continue Reading The Avant settlement: New financial platforms, established consumer protections

Bogus celebrity testimonials and phony formats: DON’TS for advertisers and affiliates

By: Lesley Fair | Apr 10, 2019 1:58PM

“Viagra for the brain.” It’s a slogan designed to attract the attention of consumers concerned about cognition. Then there was a massive online ad campaign of “news” websites featuring supposed testimonials from people like Bill Gates and the now-late Dr. Stephen Hawking. It’s no wonder people forked over millions for supplements that went by names like Geniux, Xcel, EVO, and Ion-Z.

Continue Reading Bogus celebrity testimonials and phony formats: DON’TS for advertisers and affiliates

FTC’s Approach to Consumer Privacy: Watch the webcast live

By: Lesley Fair | Apr 9, 2019 8:44AM

We do our best to keep the puffery in check. So when we say an event features a star-studded line-up of panelists, we think we can substantiate that claim. The FTC’s ongoing Hearings on Competition and Consumer Protection in the 21st Century have brought luminaries together to discuss the impact on the FTC’s mission of broad-based changes in the economy, evolving business practices, and tech developments.

Continue Reading FTC’s Approach to Consumer Privacy: Watch the webcast live

FTC workshop looks into loot boxes

By: Lesley Fair | Apr 8, 2019 11:14AM

Gamers call them loot boxes – in-game rewards players can buy that contain a random assortment of virtual items. The loot may help players advance in an online game or allow them to customize their avatars. The rewards may be virtual, but they’ve become a very real revenue stream for game developers.

Continue Reading FTC workshop looks into loot boxes

Warning letters re-”mined” diamond sellers to describe products accurately

By: Lesley Fair | Apr 2, 2019 11:09AM

Remember the old Superman movie where the Man of Steel squeezed carbon in his hand to create a diamond? That’s not how it’s done, but these days not everything sparkly comes from a mine. In addition to mined diamonds, consumers can choose simulated diamonds or diamonds created in a laboratory. What matters to consumers – and the FTC – is that companies accurately describe what they’re selling.

Continue Reading Warning letters re-”mined” diamond sellers to describe products accurately