The Federal Trade Commission halted the deceptive advertising claims of a company that markets prepaid phone cards by allegedly misrepresenting the number of calling minutes its cards provide, and failing to adequately disclose additional fees. The company agreed to temporarily stop making claims the FTC alleges are misleading, pending a trial in which the agency […]
Tag Archives: Consumer Protection
FTC Halts Two Operations That Deceived ConsumersLooking for Help with Their Debts
The Federal Trade Commission halted two operations that deceived consumers who were looking for help dealing with their debts, including one firm that tricked people by impersonating federal government agencies. The two firms agreed to settlements with the FTC that ban them from the business of debt relief services. As part of its continuing crackdown […]
FTC Reminds Job Seekers: Get Your Free Credit Report Before You Apply for a Job
Before you apply for a job, you should know what’s in your credit report, because employers may look at your credit history if they’re considering hiring you. The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, reminds job seekers that they can get a free copy of their credit report at annualcreditreport.com or 1-877-322-8228, so […]
FTC Alert: Federal Government Not Offering “Free” Money to Pay Your Bills
The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, wants you to know that swindlers are enticing people with this sales pitch: There is currently money available NOW right here in your area, to help pay your bills. The pitch comes via ads, websites, phone calls, text messages, and visits from salespeople. The scammers charge […]
FTC Offers Video Game Primer to Help Parents
If your kids play video games, the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, wants you to know there are resources to help you learn about the games and put limits on what your kids can access. For example, depending upon whether kids play on a game console or a phone or tablet, parental […]
FTC Returns $2.9 Million to Consumer Victims in DVD Vending Scam
The Federal Trade Commission is mailing 454 refund checks totaling more than $2.9 million to consumers who were victimized by a scam that promoted video rental machines as a business opportunity. The FTC alleged in its case against American Entertainment Distributors, Inc., that the defendants – five companies and five individuals – deceived consumers into […]
Operators of “Debt Advocacy” Firm Settle with FTC, Must Pay More than $750,000
The operators of an allegedly deceptive mortgage modification business will pay more than $750,000 in ill-gotten gains to settle Federal Trade Commission charges. The settlements also permanently ban the 11 defendants from selling any mortgage assistance relief products. The FTC’s case against the four operators of the Debt Advocacy Center and another group of seven […]
FTC Suit Halts Bogus Health Insurance Scam
The Federal Trade Commission has halted a telemarketing scam that allegedly tricked consumers who were seeking affordable health insurance into buying worthless medical discount plans. Health Care One LLC and three affiliated companies agreed to settlements that will bar them from any healthcare-related enterprise and from selling goods or services related to healthcare. The settlements […]
FTC Action Halts Alleged “Forensic Audit” Scam that Targeted Consumers in Danger of Losing Their Homes
At the request of the Federal Trade Commission, a U.S. district court has halted an operation that allegedly preyed on financially vulnerable homeowners, convincing them to pay $1,995 or more by holding out bogus promises that they could help them avoid foreclosure and renegotiate their mortgages. The order issued by the court stops the allegedly […]
Spokeo to Pay $800,000 to Settle FTC Charges Company Allegedly Marketed Information to Employers and Recruiters in Violation of FCRA
Spokeo, Inc., a data broker that compiles and sells detailed information profiles on millions of consumers, will pay $800,000 to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it marketed the profiles to companies in the human resources, background screening, and recruiting industries without taking steps to protect consumers required under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. This […]