The Federal Trade Commission has taken legal action against the operator of a deceptive crowdfunding scheme who told consumers he was raising money to develop a high-tech backpack and other products, but failed to deliver any of the products and instead used much of the funds for himself. In its complaint, the FTC alleges that […]
Category Archives: Federal Trade Commission
FTC Completes Review of Holder Rule
The Federal Trade Commission announced today that it has completed its review of the Holder Rule, which protects consumers who purchase goods and services using credit obtained through a merchant. As part of its systematic review of all its rules and guides, the FTC in November 2015 sought public comment on the Holder Rule, including […]
FTC Seeks Additional Public Comment on Proposed Changes to the Contact Lens Rule
The Federal Trade Commission today announced it is seeking additional public comment about newly proposed changes to the agency’s Contact Lens Rule. The new proposal follows an extensive review and consideration of thousands of public comments and material received by the Commission between 2015 and 2018, including surveys, studies, analyses, and information generated at an […]
FTC Returns Almost $515,000 to Consumers Who Bought Deceptively Marketed “Amniotic Stem Cell Therapy” Between 2014 and 2017
The Federal Trade Commission is mailing 270 checks totaling nearly $515,000 to consumers who paid for what the agency alleged was deceptively advertised “amniotic stem cell therapy” between 2014 and 2017. The average amount each consumer will receive is $1,907. According to the agency’s October 2018 complaint, Dr. Bryn Jarald Henderson, D.O. and the companies […]
U.S. Officials Participate in Bilateral Meetings with Officials from Japan and South Korea
Leaders of the antitrust agencies of the United States participated this past week in bilateral meetings in Tokyo, Japan and Seoul, Korea. Commissioner Christine S. Wilson of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, together with Deputy Assistant Attorneys General Roger Alford and Richard Powers of the U.S. Department of Justice, participated in high-level meetings with Chairman […]
FTC and State of Ohio Sending Refund Checks to Tech Support Scam Victims
The Federal Trade Commission, along with its co-plaintiff the state of Ohio, is sending refund checks totaling more than $92,000 to victims of a tech support scam that tricked people into believing their computers were infected with viruses and malware, and then charged them hundreds of dollars for unnecessary repairs. The refunds stem from a […]
FTC Alleges Operators of Two Commercial Websites Failed to Protect Consumers’ Data
The operators of an online rewards website and a dress-up games website have separately agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission allegations that they failed to take reasonable steps to secure consumers’ data, which allowed hackers to breach both websites. In a complaint filed by the Department of Justice on behalf of the Commission, the FTC alleged […]
FTC Charges Surescripts with Illegal Monopolization of E-Prescription Markets
The Federal Trade Commission sued the health information company Surescripts, alleging that the company employed illegal vertical and horizontal restraints in order to maintain its monopolies over two electronic prescribing, or “e-prescribing,” markets: routing and eligibility. The FTC’s complaint against Surescripts, filed in federal court on April 17, 2019, is the latest example of the […]
FTC Announces Agenda for May Forum on Small Business Financing
The Federal Trade Commission has released the agenda for its May 8 event, Strictly Business: An FTC Forum on Small Business Financing. The forum will explore trends and consumer protection issues in the small business financing marketplace, including the recent proliferation of online loans and alternative financing products. Commissioner Rohit Chopra will give opening remarks […]
FTC Approves Final Consents Settling Charges that Hockey Puck Seller, Companies Selling Recreational and Outdoor Equipment Made False ‘Made in USA’ Claims
Following public comment periods, the Federal Trade Commission has approved final consent orders in two cases in which the agency alleged that companies falsely claimed their products were made in the United States. Patriot Puck: First announced in September 2018, the FTC’s complaint against four related Farmingdale, New York-based companies doing business as Patriot Puck […]