Millennials are 25 percent more likely to report that they have lost money to fraud than consumers aged 40 and over, according to a new Federal Trade Commission analysis of consumer complaint data. The FTC’s latest Consumer Protection Data Spotlight shows that millennials—those ages 20-39—are twice as likely to report losing money to online shopping […]
Category Archives: Federal Trade Commission
FTC Releases Agenda for Workshop on Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act Rule
The Federal Trade Commission released the agenda for an October 7, 2019 workshop that will examine the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) Rule in light of evolving business practices and new technology in the online marketplace. The FTC is holding the workshop as part of its review of, and request for public comments regarding, […]
FTC to Announce Major Consumer Protection Law Enforcement Action in Dallas Wednesday
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will announce a major consumer protection law enforcement action at 10:30 a.m. Central Time on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019, at the FTC’s Southwest Regional Office in Dallas. Members of the media may attend in person or listen via teleconference (details below). The press conference will also be streamed live via […]
FTC Sends More Than $5.4 Million to People Who Paid for Worthless Student Loan Debt Relief
The Federal Trade Commission is sending more than $5.4 million to nearly 40,000 people who lost money to a student loan debt relief scam. The defendants behind the scam were required to turn over money under a 2018 settlement with the FTC. The defendants’ Los Angeles-based companies used the following names: Alliance Document Preparation, LLC; […]
FTC Seeks Public Comment on Ways to Improve Current Requirements For Negative Option Marketing
Today the Federal Trade Commission announced it is seeking public comment on ways to improve its existing regulations for negative option marketing. Negative option marketing is a common form of marketing whereby the absence of affirmative consumer action constitutes consent to be charged for goods or services. Such marketing is widely used, and can provide […]
FTC Sues Owner of Online Dating Service Match.com for Using Fake Love Interest Ads To Trick Consumers into Paying for a Match.com Subscription
The Federal Trade Commission sued online dating service Match Group, Inc. (Match), the owner of Match.com, Tinder, OKCupid, PlentyOfFish, and other dating sites, alleging that the company used fake love interest advertisements to trick hundreds of thousands of consumers into purchasing paid subscriptions on Match.com. The agency also alleges that Match has unfairly exposed consumers […]
FTC Testifies before House Appropriations Subcommittee On the Agency’s Work to Protect Consumers and Promote Competition
In testimony before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, the Federal Trade Commission described its work to protect consumers and promote competition through vigorous enforcement, education, advocacy, and policy work, and by anticipating and responding to changes in the marketplace. Testifying on behalf of the Commission, FTC Chairman Joseph Simons and […]
FTC to Hold Workshop Tomorrow on Made in USA Advertising and Marketing Claims
WHAT: The Federal Trade Commission will host a workshop to consider “Made in USA” and other types of U.S.-origin claims made by domestic and foreign sellers, consumer perception of such claims, the need for any changes to the FTC’s existing guidance, and other relevant issues. WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 26, 8:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. EDT WHERE: Constitution […]
FTC Testifies before Senate Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights on Competition in Digital Technology Markets
In testimony before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, the Federal Trade Commission addressed how U.S. antitrust laws apply to acquisitions of nascent or potential competitors by digital platforms. The testimony noted that many sectors of the economy have experienced significant disruption, which has resulted from the widespread use of […]
FTC Flags Potentially Unlawful TV Ads for Prescription Drug Lawsuits
The Federal Trade Commission staff has sent letters to seven legal practitioners and lead generators expressing concerns that some television advertisements that solicit clients for personal injury lawsuits against drug manufacturers may be deceptive or unfair under the FTC Act. The FTC is not publicly identifying who received the letters. The letters state that some […]