In the case against the cross-border advance-fee telemarketing scheme known as Centurion Financial Benefits, a federal district court – acting at the request of the Federal Trade Commission – has entered several additional orders against participants in the scam. The FTC today announced the court has entered final orders requiring the corporate defendants and Robert […]
Category Archives: Federal Trade Commission
FTC Approves Final Consent Order in Matter of DirectRevenue LLC, et al.; FTC Approves Final Consent Order in Matter of Sony BMG Music Entertainment
Commission approval of final consent orders: Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved a final consent order in the matter concerning DirectRevenue, LLC, et al. The Commission vote approving the final consent order and authorizing the staff to issue letters to the commenters of record was 4-1, with Commissioner Jon Leibowitz voting no […]
FTC Issues Administrative Complaint Seeking to Block Whole Foods Markets Acquisition of Wild Oats Markets
The Federal Trade Commission has issued an administrative complaint challenging Whole Foods Market Inc.’s approximately $670 million acquisition of Wild Oats Markets Inc. The administrative complaint preserves the Commission’s legal option to pursue an administrative remedy following the federal district court proceeding. According to the complaint, the transaction would violate federal antitrust laws by eliminating […]
Economics Director Michael Salinger to Leave FTC
Federal Trade Commission Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras today announced that Michael A. Salinger, director of the Bureau of Economics for the past two years, will leave the FTC to return to the Boston University School of Management, where he is a Professor of Economics. The Chairman also announced that Michael R. Baye, the Bert Elwert […]
Avoiding Mortgage Payment Shock: FTC Offers New Publication for Homeowners
A new publication from the FTC has information that could help consumers save their homes and recognize and avoid foreclosure scams. The publication, “Mortgage Payments Sending You Reeling? Here’s What To Do,” explains different kinds of mortgages, what to do if you’re behind in your payments, how to avoid default and foreclosure, and how to […]
FTC Issues Staff Report on Broadband Connectivity Competition Policy
The Federal Trade Commission’s Internet Access Task Force today issued a report, “Broadband Connectivity Competition Policy,” which summarizes the Task Force’s findings in the area of broadband Internet connectivity and, in particular, so-called network neutrality regulation. Based on these findings, and FTC staff’s experience with the operation of myriad markets throughout the economy, the report […]
FTC Stops Alleged Extortion Scheme Aimed At Hispanics Nationwide
At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a federal court has stopped an operation that allegedly victimized Spanish-speaking consumers nationwide by posing as debt collectors seeking payments consumers did not owe. “Lying to consumers about debts they don’t owe and harassing and threatening them when they don’t pay are illegal business practices, period,” said […]
FTC Testifies on Protecting the Privacy of Social Security Numbers from Identity Theft
The Federal Trade Commission today told the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Social Security that to prevent thieves from obtaining consumers’ personal information, including Social Security numbers (SSNs), and using it to steal identities, government and businesses should collect only information that is necessary to meet clear legal or business needs, […]
Fraudsters Claim a Red Cross Connection in New Phishing Scam
The Federal Trade Commission is warning consumers about a scam targeting families of military members. A caller, claiming to work for the Red Cross, notifies an individual that their family member has been injured while on duty. To get immediate aid to the injured service member, the caller says, paperwork must be completed, and personal […]
South Carolina Board of Dentistry Settles Charges That it Restrained Competition in the Provision of Preventive Care by Dental Hygienists
The Federal Trade Commission today announced a consent order settling charges brought in September 2003 that the South Carolina State Board of Dentistry unlawfully restrained competition in violation of Section 5 of the FTC Act by adopting a rule that required a dentist to examine every child before a dental hygienist could provide preventive care […]