Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces and investigates (Civil Investigative Demands) fraudulent, unfair and deceptive practices, as well as anticompetitive marketplace conduct. It possesses investigative authority pursuant to Sections 6, 9 and 20 of the FTC Act. Following an investigation, the FTC may initiate a consumer protection or antitrust enforcement action. The basic consumer protection statute enforced by the FTC is Section 5(a) of the FTC Act. Consumer protection laws are enforced by the Bureau of Consumer Protection. Antitrust laws are enforced by the Bureau of Competition.
FTC Announces Crackdown on Fraudulent Servicemember Charities
The FTC has announced a regulatory sweep of fraudulent charities that falsely claim to raise money for veterans and servicemembers. The crackdown is focused upon deceptive schemes that con consumers by falsely promising that their donations will help military members. State Attorneys General (AGs) have been, and continue to be quite active when it comes to such…
Read Article...FTC’s First Used Car Rule Compliance Sweep
The Federal Trade Commission has announced that, along with state partner agencies, it has conducted the first compliance sweep of car dealerships since the amended Used Car Rule was enacted. Under the amended the Used Car Rule, dealers must display a revised Buyers Guide window sticker on all used vehicles. The revised Buyers Guide, without…
Read Article...FTC Stops Internet Marketers’ Deceptive Free Trial Offers
The Federal Trade Commission’s has announced that it has halted the operation of a group of San Diego-based Internet marketers alleged to have deceptively advertised free trial offers and enrolled consumers in ongoing continuity plans without obtaining lawful consent. A federal court has froze assets and appointed an temporary receiver. The complaint states that the defendants market and sell a variety of products online,…
Read Article...Doing Business Online? Start With Security.
Federal Trade Commission Guidance and recent state legislation clearly set forth that reasonable and appropriate data security may depend upon the size and nature of one’s business. However, there are fundamental guidelines that apply across the board. Collection Collect only what is necessary. Never collect sensitive personal information that is not reasonably required. Not only…
Read Article...Federal Trade Commission and DOJ Enforcement
Both the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice enforce U.S. antitrust laws. However, each has certain exclusive authority. The FTC is an independent regulatory agency led by five commissioners. The Department of Justice Antitrust Division operates under the U.S. Attorney General. DOJ investigations can be conducted by the DOJ’s criminal sections. The…
Read Article...FTC Law Firm on Order Shutting Down Revenge Porn Site
Federal Trade Commission law firm Hinch Newman LLP reports that the FTC and the state of Nevada have obtained a court order permanently shutting down a revenge porn website and ordering its operators to pay more than $2M following a finding that they violated state and federal law by posting intimate photos of individuals and…
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