The Federal Trade Commission moved to protect distressed homeowners from the promoters of bogus foreclosure rescue and mortgage modification services by proposing a new rule that would forbid companies to charge up-front for these services. Instead, companies could only collect payment after providing services. “Homeowners facing foreclosure or struggling to make mortgage payments shouldn’t have […]
Tag Archives: Consumer Protection
FTC Testifies About Stepped-Up Efforts to Protect Consumers Affected by the Economic Downturn
The Federal Trade Commission today told the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation that the agency has stepped up efforts to protect consumers affected by the economic downtown, and that additional authority would make the agency even more effective. The testimony presented by FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz described the agency’s efforts to prosecute […]
Tenant Screening Agency Settles FTC Charges: Failed to Respond to Consumers Requests for Their Files or Investigate Disputes
A tenant screening agency that rejected consumers’ requests for their files and failed to recheck information on their consumer reports after they had disputed it has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it violated federal law. The settlement order requires the company to pay a $100,000 civil penalty and bars future violations. According […]
Mortgage Lender Must Hire Fair-Lending Consultant to Comply with FTC Settlement
A home mortgage lender that previously settled Federal Trade Commission charges of discriminatory lending will have to hire an outside consultant to make sure it does not illegally charge higher prices to African-American and Hispanic consumers. The mortgage lender, Gateway Funding Diversified Mortgage Services, L.P., and its general partner, Gateway Funding Inc, agreed to hire […]
FTC Tells House Subcommittee it will Help Identify Ways to Strengthen Consumer Protections in the Funeral Industry
The Federal Trade Commission today told the U.S. House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection of the Committee on Energy and Commerce that the FTC will use its expertise to help the Subcommittee address the problems highlighted by last year’s horrific events at the historic Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois. The testimony presented […]
Indoor Tanning Association Settles FTC Charges That It Deceived Consumers About Skin Cancer Risks From Tanning
The Federal Trade Commission today charged the Indoor Tanning Association with making false health and safety claims about indoor tanning. Contrary to claims in the association’s advertising, indoor tanning increases the risk of squamous cell and melanoma skin cancers, according to the FTC complaint. The association has agreed to a settlement that bars it from […]
FTC Releases Agenda for Second Roundtable on Consumer Privacy and More Information for Third Roundtable
The Federal Trade Commission today released the agenda for its second roundtable on consumer privacy issues scheduled for January 28, 2010. The second roundtable, hosted by the Berkeley Center for Law and Technology, will take place at the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law Booth Auditorium. The roundtable is the second of three public […]
FTC Seeks Public Comments on Petition of SCI Corporation International for Approval to Divest Cemetery and Related Funeral Home to Legacy Funeral Holdings; FTC Orders Buyers of Consumer Debt to Submit Information for Study of Debt Buying Industry
FTC Seeks Public Comments on Petition of SCI Corporation International for Approval to Divest Cemetery and Related Funeral Home to Legacy Funeral Holdings The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comments on a petition by SCI Corporation International for approval to divest the Davis Memorial Park cemetery and related funeral home in Las Vegas, Nevada, […]
Victims of Suntasia Telemarketing Scam Being Reimbursed $14.1 Million
Starting January 6, 2010, more than 356,000 checks will be mailed to consumers who were victimized by a fraudulent telemarketing scheme operated by Suntasia Marketing in Largo, Florida. An administrator working for the Federal Trade Commission will send approximately $14.1 million to consumers nationwide who were charged for one or more Suntasia programs, with the […]
FTC, Partners Launch Consumer Protection Week Web Site, Blog
The Federal Trade Commission has launched its Web site and blog for National Consumer Protection Week 2010, which will be held March 7-13. Consumer.gov/ncpw, encourages people to learn about their rights as consumers, and promotes free resources to help them protect their privacy, manage money and debt, avoid identity theft, understand credit and mortgages, and […]