The Federal Trade Commission has given final approval to a settlement with the developer of three “stalking” apps over allegations the company and its owner failed to secure the data collected by the apps and ensure the apps were used for legitimate purposes. The apps—MobileSpy, PhoneSheriff and TeenShield—sold by Retina-X Studios, LLC allowed purchasers to […]
Category Archives: Federal Trade Commission
FTC Warns Nine VoIP Service Providers and Other Companies against ‘Assisting and Facilitating’ Illegal Coronavirus-related Telemarketing Calls
Federal Trade Commission staff sent letters to nine Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers and other companies warning them that “assisting and facilitating” illegal telemarketing or robocalls related to the coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic is against the law. Many of these calls prey upon consumers’ fear of the virus to perpetrate scams or sow […]
FTC to Resume Processing HSR Early Termination Requests on March 30
The Federal Trade Commission, in partnership with the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, will resume the practice of granting early termination of the HSR Act’s waiting periods when both agencies have determined that no enforcement action will be taken during the waiting period, the agency announced in a blog posted today. On March 13, as […]
FTC Extends Comment Deadline for Endorsement Guides Review to June 22
The Federal Trade Commission is extending by sixty days the deadline to submit comments as part of the agency’s review of its Endorsement Guides. The deadline was originally April 21, 2020; it is now June 22, 2020. The FTC announced in February that it would accept comments on a wide range of issues related to […]
FTC Returns More than $3.1 Million to Victims of Student Loan Debt Relief and Credit Repair Scheme
The Federal Trade Commission is mailing checks totaling more than $3.1 million to consumers who were victims of a student loan debt relief and credit repair scheme. Strategic Student Solutions (also doing business under other names) and its owner, Dave Green, settled FTC allegations that they charged consumers illegal upfront fees and falsely promised […]
FTC Chairman Joe Simons Outlines the Agency’s Approach to Safeguarding Consumers during the Coronavirus Pandemic
Federal Trade Commission Chairman Joe Simons issued a statement on the agency’s continuing efforts to protect consumers during the coronavirus pandemic. The FTC’s staff is working hard with other enforcement authorities and stakeholders to stop scammers and other unfair and deceptive business practices during the pandemic, Chairman Simons stated. “We will not tolerate businesses seeking […]
FTC Acts to Stop False and Unsubstantiated Claims for Wagner OEX Brake Pads
Michigan-based Federal-Mogul Motorparts LLC (Federal-Mogul) has agreed to settle a Federal Trade Commission administrative complaint alleging that it made unsubstantiated claims that its aftermarket Wagner OEX brake pads could stop a vehicle in a shorter distance in an emergency and reduce the risk of collisions, as compared to competitors’ brake pads. The proposed order resolving […]
Federal Trade Commission and Justice Department Announce Expedited Antitrust Procedure and Guidance for Coronavirus Public Health Efforts
The Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division today issued joint statement detailing an expedited antitrust procedure and providing guidance for collaborations of businesses working to protect the health and safety of Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The expedited procedure notes, for example, that health care facilities may need to work […]
Joint FTC and DOJ Letter Raises Concerns about California Assembly Bill 1541, which would Impose New Restrictions on Beer Manufacturers Who Wish to Terminate Distribution Agreement with Wholesalers
The staff of Federal Trade Commission’s Office of Policy Planning, Bureau of Economics, and Bureau of Competition, together with the staff of the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice, have submitted a letter to California State Assembly Member Jim Wood raising concerns that California Assembly Bill 1541 would harm competition along the chain of […]
FTC Sends More than $6.9 Million in Refunds to Victims of Office Supply Scam
The Federal Trade Commission is sending refunds totaling more than $6.9 million to small businesses, non-profits, and government agencies targeted by an office supply telemarketing scam that charged them for products they did not order. The FTC alleged that defendants’ victims included child care centers, schools, and police and fire departments. According to the FTC, […]