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It looks like portions of our site are being blocked! Check your browser settings or contact your network administrator.</span> <div id="header"><div class="wrap"> <header class="lf-header clearfix"> <div class="lf-logo"> <a href="../../../index.html"><img src="../../s2.wp.com/wp-content/themes/vip/consumerist2/images/logo-small.jpg" /></a> </div> <h1 class="lf-title"><a href="index.html">federal trade commission</a></h1> </div> </header> </div></div><div id="wrap"><div id="fb-root"></div> <div id="notification-area" class="black hidden"> <div class="notification-modal"></div> <div class="wrap"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a class="remove-notice" href="index.html#" id="remove-notice" rel="10293012" data-nonce="af137a6805">×</a> </div> </header> <h3 class="notice-title">Welcome to the Consumerist Archives</h3> <p>Thanks for visiting Consumerist.com. As of October 2017, Consumerist is no longer producing new content, but feel free to browse through our archives. Here you can find 12 years worth of articles on everything from how to avoid dodgy scams to writing an effective complaint letter. Check out some of our greatest hits below, explore the categories listed on the left-hand side of the page, or head to <a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CR.org</a> for ratings, reviews, and consumer news.</p> <p class="full-width"><a class="notice-cr-logo" href="https://www.consumerreports.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://cdn.consumerreports.org/etc/designs/cr/images/common/footer-logo.svg" alt="Consumer Reports" /></a></p> <div class="clear"></div> </div>  </div>  <div id="inner"><div class="wrap"><div id="content-sidebar-wrap"><div id="content" class="hfeed"> <div class="cs-archive-top"> <h2 class="cs-archive-title">federal trade commission</h2> </div> <div class="post-10292958 post type-post status-publish format-image has-post-thumbnail hentry category-crime-fraud category-legal-lawsuits category-original tag-paying-up tag-judgment tag-federal-trade-commission tag-rental-check-scheme tag-credit-check tag-craigslist-2 tag-order post_format-post-format-image entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../paying-up/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> Paying Up </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2017/10/30/operators-of-phony-rental-credit-check-scheme-must-pay-762k-to-feds/index.html" title="Operators Of Phony Rental Credit Check Scheme Must Pay $762K To Feds"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/rentsing.png?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="hildeaux" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2017/10/30/operators-of-phony-rental-credit-check-scheme-must-pay-762k-to-feds/index.html" title="Operators Of Phony Rental Credit Check Scheme Must Pay $762K To Feds" rel="bookmark">Operators Of Phony Rental Credit Check Scheme Must Pay $762K To Feds</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/ashleekielerconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Ashlee Kieler" class="author url fn" rel="author">Ashlee Kieler</a></span></span> 10.30.17</div><div class="entry-content"><p>In January, federal regulators announced they had put a stop to an <a href="../../2015/06/24/the-apartment-rental-credit-check-scam-is-alive-and-well/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">apartment rental scam</a> in which homes (that may not exist) are listed online with the sole purpose of tricking prospective renters into paying for “credit checks” that will never be done. Now, the operators of the scheme must pay $762,000 to put an end to the Federal Trade Commission’s allegations. <a href="../../2017/10/30/operators-of-phony-rental-credit-check-scheme-must-pay-762k-to-feds/index.html#more-10292958" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10292527 post type-post status-publish format-image has-post-thumbnail hentry category-crime-fraud category-original category-telecom-technology tag-impostors tag-impostor-scams tag-caller-id-spoofing tag-spoofing tag-scams tag-scammers tag-ftc tag-federal-trade-commission post_format-post-format-image entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../impostors/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> impostors </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2017/10/24/beware-scammers-spoofing-number-for-ftcs-consumer-response-center/index.html" title="Beware Scammers Spoofing Number For FTC’s Consumer Response Center"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/phonetied.jpg?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="Matt Reinbold" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2017/10/24/beware-scammers-spoofing-number-for-ftcs-consumer-response-center/index.html" title="Beware Scammers Spoofing Number For FTC’s Consumer Response Center" rel="bookmark">Beware Scammers Spoofing Number For FTC’s Consumer Response Center</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/marybethquirkconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Mary Beth Quirk" class="author url fn" rel="author">Mary Beth Quirk</a></span></span> 10.24.17</div><div class="entry-content"><p>The Federal Trade Commission is one of the agencies consumers are supposed to turn to when they’ve been defrauded by scam phone calls, so it — sadly — makes sense that some fraudsters have decided that the best way to con victims is to pretend they are calling from the FTC’s Consumer Response Center. <a href="../../2017/10/24/beware-scammers-spoofing-number-for-ftcs-consumer-response-center/index.html#more-10292527" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10292349 post type-post status-publish format-image has-post-thumbnail hentry category-data-privacy category-government-policy category-original category-telecom-technology tag-the-walls-have-ears tag-spy-toys tag-ftc tag-coppa tag-childrens-online-privacy-protection-act tag-federal-trade-commission tag-voice-recordings post_format-post-format-image entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../the-walls-have-ears/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> the walls have ears </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2017/10/23/what-can-voice-activated-device-makers-legally-do-with-recordings-of-kids-voices/index.html" title="What Can Voice-Activated Device Makers Legally Do With Recordings Of Kids’ Voices?"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/amazonecho.png?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="What Can Voice-Activated Device Makers Legally Do With Recordings Of Kids’ Voices?" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2017/10/23/what-can-voice-activated-device-makers-legally-do-with-recordings-of-kids-voices/index.html" title="What Can Voice-Activated Device Makers Legally Do With Recordings Of Kids’ Voices?" rel="bookmark">What Can Voice-Activated Device Makers Legally Do With Recordings Of Kids’ Voices?</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/kcoxconsumer/index.html" title="Posts by Kate Cox" class="author url fn" rel="author">Kate Cox</a></span></span> 10.23.17</div><div class="entry-content"><p>From your watch to your TV to your crockpot to your kids’ toys, the products we use in our home are increasingly voice-activated. Unlike previous generations of devices, these newer ones are listening, getting smarter, adapting to multiple users with different accents and cadences. To do that, they listen to, record, and often transmit recordings, of <i>everyone</i> in earshot of the device — including kids, whose private details are specifically protected by federal law, but who sometimes end up ordering <a href="../../2017/01/05/rogue-hungry-child-uses-alexa-to-order-160-worth-of-cookies-doll-house-without-parents-permission/index.html">hundreds of dollars worth of cookies</a>. So how can Amazon, Google, Apple, or any tech company legally make an always-on device that doesn’t violate your little one’s privacy? <a href="../../2017/10/23/what-can-voice-activated-device-makers-legally-do-with-recordings-of-kids-voices/index.html#more-10292349" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10291862 post type-post status-publish format-image has-post-thumbnail hentry category-crime-fraud category-financial-products category-original tag-paying-up tag-payday-loans tag-debt-collection tag-phantom-debt tag-fake-debts tag-federal-trade-commission tag-judgment post_format-post-format-image entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../paying-up/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> Paying Up </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2017/10/17/company-that-sold-fake-payday-loan-debts-to-collectors-must-pay-4-1m/index.html" title="Company That Sold Fake Payday Loan Debts To Collectors Must Pay $4.1M"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/payday2.png?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="(Scurzuzu)" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2017/10/17/company-that-sold-fake-payday-loan-debts-to-collectors-must-pay-4-1m/index.html" title="Company That Sold Fake Payday Loan Debts To Collectors Must Pay $4.1M" rel="bookmark">Company That Sold Fake Payday Loan Debts To Collectors Must Pay $4.1M</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/ashleekielerconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Ashlee Kieler" class="author url fn" rel="author">Ashlee Kieler</a></span></span> 10.17.17</div><div class="entry-content"><p>We’ve heard it before: A debt collection company engaged in a <a href="../../2017/06/23/debt-collector-accused-of-taking-money-from-people-who-didnt-owe-anything/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">“phantom” debt scheme</a> in which they try to entice unsuspecting individuals into paying debts they don’t actually owe. While federal regulators have cracked down on these unscrupulous organizations in the past, they are now turning their attention to the companies providing information on these supposed debts. To that end, the Federal Trade Commission today ordered one such data company to pay $4.1 million. <a href="../../2017/10/17/company-that-sold-fake-payday-loan-debts-to-collectors-must-pay-4-1m/index.html#more-10291862" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10291743 post type-post status-publish format-image has-post-thumbnail hentry category-financial-products category-legal-lawsuits category-original tag-cracking-down-on-payday-loans tag-federal-trade-commission tag-arrest tag-jury-verdict tag-court-case tag-payday-lending tag-tribal-affiliation tag-amg-services tag-interest-rates tag-guilty-verdict tag-scott-tucker post_format-post-format-image entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../cracking-down-on-payday-loans/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> Cracking Down On Payday Loans </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2017/10/16/operator-of-payday-lending-venture-found-guilty-of-racketeering-other-charges/index.html" title="Operator Of Payday Lending Venture Found Guilty Of Racketeering, Other Charges"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/paydaystorefront.png?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="DCvision2006" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2017/10/16/operator-of-payday-lending-venture-found-guilty-of-racketeering-other-charges/index.html" title="Operator Of Payday Lending Venture Found Guilty Of Racketeering, Other Charges" rel="bookmark">Operator Of Payday Lending Venture Found Guilty Of Racketeering, Other Charges</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/ashleekielerconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Ashlee Kieler" class="author url fn" rel="author">Ashlee Kieler</a></span></span> 10.16.17</div><div class="entry-content"><p>Nearly two years after federal authorities <a href="../../2016/02/10/feds-arrest-heads-of-two-massive-online-payday-loan-operations/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">arrested </a>the man behind the company responsible for one of the <a href="../../2014/06/04/this-is-one-of-the-scammiest-payday-loans-weve-ever-seen/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">scammiest payday loans Consumerist has ever seen</a>, the man and his lawyer were convicted of racketeering related to running a $3.6 million online payday lending operation that exploited more than 4.5 million people. <a href="../../2017/10/16/operator-of-payday-lending-venture-found-guilty-of-racketeering-other-charges/index.html#more-10291743" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10291586 post type-post status-publish format-image has-post-thumbnail hentry category-education category-financial-products category-original tag-taking-em-to-court tag-student-loans tag-student-loan-borrowers tag-federal-trade-commission tag-ftc tag-operation-game-of-loans tag-debt-relief tag-scamalamadindong tag-fees post_format-post-format-image entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../taking-em-to-court/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> taking 'em to court </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2017/10/13/student-loan-debt-relief-operations-allegedly-bilked-95m-from-borrowers/index.html" title="Student Loan Debt Relief Operations Allegedly Bilked $95M From Borrowers"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/screen-shot-2017-10-13-at-12-02-07-pm.png?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="Student Loan Debt Relief Operations Allegedly Bilked $95M From Borrowers" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2017/10/13/student-loan-debt-relief-operations-allegedly-bilked-95m-from-borrowers/index.html" title="Student Loan Debt Relief Operations Allegedly Bilked $95M From Borrowers" rel="bookmark">Student Loan Debt Relief Operations Allegedly Bilked $95M From Borrowers</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/ashleekielerconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Ashlee Kieler" class="author url fn" rel="author">Ashlee Kieler</a></span></span> 10.13.17</div><div class="entry-content"><p>The federal government and 11 states have joined together to accuse 30 purported debt relief operations of using deception and false promises to swindle more than $95 million from student loan borrowers. <a href="../../2017/10/13/student-loan-debt-relief-operations-allegedly-bilked-95m-from-borrowers/index.html#more-10291586" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10291549 post type-post status-publish format-image has-post-thumbnail hentry category-financial-products category-legal-lawsuits category-original tag-too-good-to-be-true tag-consumer-financial-protection-bureau tag-cfpb tag-federal-trade-commission tag-debt-collection tag-debt-relief tag-fdaa tag-holding-them-accountable post_format-post-format-image entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../too-good-to-be-true/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> too good to be true </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2017/10/13/sketchy-debt-relief-company-accused-of-impersonating-federal-agency/index.html" title="Sketchy Debt Relief Company Accused Of Impersonating Federal Agency"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/cfpbenvelope.png?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="Sketchy Debt Relief Company Accused Of Impersonating Federal Agency" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2017/10/13/sketchy-debt-relief-company-accused-of-impersonating-federal-agency/index.html" title="Sketchy Debt Relief Company Accused Of Impersonating Federal Agency" rel="bookmark">Sketchy Debt Relief Company Accused Of Impersonating Federal Agency</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/ashleekielerconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Ashlee Kieler" class="author url fn" rel="author">Ashlee Kieler</a></span></span> 10.13.17</div><div class="entry-content"><p>In a sweet case of karma, a debt relief operation that claimed to wipe away consumers’ debt through an affiliation with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has been sued by none other than that exact same agency. <a href="../../2017/10/13/sketchy-debt-relief-company-accused-of-impersonating-federal-agency/index.html#more-10291549" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10290364 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-original category-quality-safety category-transportation-infrastructure tag-are-there-recalls tag-carmax tag-federal-trade-commission tag-recalls tag-national-highway-traffic-safety-administration tag-sales tag-center-for-auto-safety tag-consumers-for-auto-reliability-and-safety-foundation tag-masspirg entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../are-there-recalls/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> are there recalls? </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2017/09/29/27-of-vehicles-at-carmax-have-an-open-safety-recall/index.html" title="27% Of Vehicles At Carmax Have An Open Safety Recall"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/carmaxcert.png?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="27% Of Vehicles At Carmax Have An Open Safety Recall" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2017/09/29/27-of-vehicles-at-carmax-have-an-open-safety-recall/index.html" title="27% Of Vehicles At Carmax Have An Open Safety Recall" rel="bookmark">27% Of Vehicles At Carmax Have An Open Safety Recall</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/ashleekielerconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Ashlee Kieler" class="author url fn" rel="author">Ashlee Kieler</a></span></span> 9.29.17</div><div class="entry-content"><p>Even though CarMax, the nation’s largest seller of used cars, has been <a href="../../2015/08/25/carmax-plays-used-car-recall-roulette-by-selling-potentially-dangerous-vehicles/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">called out publicly by safety advocates </a>and federal regulators, a new report claims that more than 1-in-4 vehicles being sold by CarMax is currently under an open safety recall.<br /> <a href="../../2017/09/29/27-of-vehicles-at-carmax-have-an-open-safety-recall/index.html#more-10290364" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10289903 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-advertising-marketing category-media-entertainment category-original category-retail-services tag-wheresthead tag-truth-in-advertising tag-instagram tag-facebook tag-snapchat tag-ads tag-federal-trade-commission tag-sponsored-ads entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../wheresthead/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> #wheresthead </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2017/09/26/kardashians-jenners-continue-posting-stealth-ads-despite-warnings/index.html" title="Kardashians & Jenners Continue Posting Stealth Ads, Despite Warnings"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/pjimage-29.jpg?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="Kardashians & Jenners Continue Posting Stealth Ads, Despite Warnings" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2017/09/26/kardashians-jenners-continue-posting-stealth-ads-despite-warnings/index.html" title="Kardashians & Jenners Continue Posting Stealth Ads, Despite Warnings" rel="bookmark">Kardashians & Jenners Continue Posting Stealth Ads, Despite Warnings</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/ashleekielerconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Ashlee Kieler" class="author url fn" rel="author">Ashlee Kieler</a></span></span> 9.26.17</div><div class="entry-content"><p>The federal government has repeatedly advised both advertisers and celebrities that it’s against the law for someone to advertise a product without disclosing that it’s an ad or that the celeb was compensated. Yet it looks like reality TV’s most well-known family either didn’t get that memo or is choosing to ignore it. <a href="../../2017/09/26/kardashians-jenners-continue-posting-stealth-ads-despite-warnings/index.html#more-10289903" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10289635 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-government-policy category-original category-telecom-technology tag-negative-option-fitness tag-pactapp tag-pact tag-gympact tag-apps tag-fitness-apps tag-ftc tag-federal-trade-commission tag-settlements entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../negative-option-fitness/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> negative option fitness </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2017/09/22/app-that-promised-to-pay-users-for-fitness-trapped-users-on-erroneous-payment-treadmill/index.html" title="App That Promised To Pay Users For Fitness Trapped Some On Erroneous Payment Treadmill"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/pactscreen.jpg?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="App That Promised To Pay Users For Fitness Trapped Some On Erroneous Payment Treadmill" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2017/09/22/app-that-promised-to-pay-users-for-fitness-trapped-users-on-erroneous-payment-treadmill/index.html" title="App That Promised To Pay Users For Fitness Trapped Some On Erroneous Payment Treadmill" rel="bookmark">App That Promised To Pay Users For Fitness Trapped Some On Erroneous Payment Treadmill</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/consumerlaura/index.html" title="Posts by Laura Northrup" class="author url fn" rel="author">Laura Northrup</a></span></span> 9.22.17</div><div class="entry-content"><p>The mobile app GymPact, later known as Pact, was a tool that gave users a financial incentive to exercise, eat fruits and vegetables, and to log what they ate. Only the Federal Trade Commission claims that Pact users were charged when they weren’t supposed to be, and some lost hundreds of dollars in a negative-option mess that they couldn’t cancel. <a href="../../2017/09/22/app-that-promised-to-pay-users-for-fitness-trapped-users-on-erroneous-payment-treadmill/index.html#more-10289635" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10289457 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-original category-quality-safety category-telecom-technology tag-simple-annoyance-and-inconvenience tag-d-link tag-electronics tag-gadgets tag-smart-homes tag-ftc tag-federal-trade-commission entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../simple-annoyance-and-inconvenience/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> simple annoyance and inconvenience </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2017/09/20/judge-dismisses-ftc-case-accusing-d-link-of-selling-vulnerable-devices/index.html" title="Judge Gives D-Link Partial Win In FTC Case Over Vulnerable Devices"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/dlinkgrab.png?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="Judge Gives D-Link Partial Win In FTC Case Over Vulnerable Devices" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2017/09/20/judge-dismisses-ftc-case-accusing-d-link-of-selling-vulnerable-devices/index.html" title="Judge Gives D-Link Partial Win In FTC Case Over Vulnerable Devices" rel="bookmark">Judge Gives D-Link Partial Win In FTC Case Over Vulnerable Devices</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/consumerlaura/index.html" title="Posts by Laura Northrup" class="author url fn" rel="author">Laura Northrup</a></span></span> 9.20.17</div><div class="entry-content"><p><a href="../../2017/01/05/feds-accuse-d-link-of-failing-to-properly-secure-routers-webcams/index.html">Back in January</a>, the Federal Trade Commission filed a case against D-Link, a company that makes networking equipment and connected-home devices. It alleged that D-Link deceptively marketed its products as advanced and safe when they were vulnerable to attacks that range from stealing personal information to peeping through security cameras. This week, a judge dismissed three of the counts from the FTC’s case, noting that the agency didn’t present any consumers who were actually harmed. <a href="../../2017/09/20/judge-dismisses-ftc-case-accusing-d-link-of-selling-vulnerable-devices/index.html#more-10289457" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10288995 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-advertising-marketing category-media-entertainment category-original tag-is-it-an-ad tag-federal-trade-commission tag-ftc tag-photos tag-instagram-influencer tag-ads tag-getting-paid tag-warning-letters entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../is-it-an-ad/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> is it an ad? </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2017/09/14/feds-warn-lindsay-lohan-sofia-vergara-other-instagram-celebs-to-stop-their-stealth-social-advertising/index.html" title="Feds Warn Lindsay Lohan, Sofia Vergara & Other Instagram Celebs To Stop Their Stealth Social Advertising"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/pjimage-24.jpg?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="Feds Warn Lindsay Lohan, Sofia Vergara & Other Instagram Celebs To Stop Their Stealth Social Advertising" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2017/09/14/feds-warn-lindsay-lohan-sofia-vergara-other-instagram-celebs-to-stop-their-stealth-social-advertising/index.html" title="Feds Warn Lindsay Lohan, Sofia Vergara & Other Instagram Celebs To Stop Their Stealth Social Advertising" rel="bookmark">Feds Warn Lindsay Lohan, Sofia Vergara & Other Instagram Celebs To Stop Their Stealth Social Advertising</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/ashleekielerconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Ashlee Kieler" class="author url fn" rel="author">Ashlee Kieler</a></span></span> 9.14.17</div><div class="entry-content"><p>The Federal Trade Commission has warned dozens of advertisers against using Instagram “influencers” to push their products and brands without properly disclosing that money changed hands. Now the FTC is going after the celebrities themselves, issuing warning letters to folks that range from merely online-famous to bona fide superstars. <a href="../../2017/09/14/feds-warn-lindsay-lohan-sofia-vergara-other-instagram-celebs-to-stop-their-stealth-social-advertising/index.html#more-10288995" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10288835 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-crime-fraud category-legal-lawsuits category-original tag-nothings-free tag-federal-trade-commission tag-free-trials tag-risk-free tag-is-it-really-free tag-ftc entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../nothings-free/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> nothing's free </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2017/09/13/marketers-of-risk-free-golf-kitchen-products-must-pay-2-5m-to-settle-deceptive-marketing-claims/index.html" title="Marketers Of “Risk-Free” Golf, Kitchen Products Must Pay $2.5M To Settle Deceptive Marketing Claims"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/screen-shot-2017-03-24-at-3-35-48-pm.png?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="Marketers Of “Risk-Free” Golf, Kitchen Products Must Pay $2.5M To Settle Deceptive Marketing Claims" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2017/09/13/marketers-of-risk-free-golf-kitchen-products-must-pay-2-5m-to-settle-deceptive-marketing-claims/index.html" title="Marketers Of “Risk-Free” Golf, Kitchen Products Must Pay $2.5M To Settle Deceptive Marketing Claims" rel="bookmark">Marketers Of “Risk-Free” Golf, Kitchen Products Must Pay $2.5M To Settle Deceptive Marketing Claims</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/ashleekielerconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Ashlee Kieler" class="author url fn" rel="author">Ashlee Kieler</a></span></span> 9.13.17</div><div class="entry-content"><p>Six months after federal regulators <a href="../../2017/03/24/feds-shut-down-risk-free-online-marketing-scheme-peddling-golf-kitchen-products/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">accused a group of online marketers of promoting deceptive “free” and “risk-free” trials of golf and kitchen products</a>, the companies have agreed to pay hefty fines and revamp their billing practices to settle the allegations.<br /> <a href="../../2017/09/13/marketers-of-risk-free-golf-kitchen-products-must-pay-2-5m-to-settle-deceptive-marketing-claims/index.html#more-10288835" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10287962 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-crime-fraud category-financial-products category-legal-lawsuits category-original tag-we-dont-owe-that tag-debt-collection tag-federal-trade-commission tag-complaint tag-deceptive-practices tag-ftc tag-court-order tag-claims tag-phantom-debt entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../we-dont-owe-that/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> we don't owe that </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2017/08/31/feds-shut-down-debt-collector-that-allegedly-collected-1-2m-in-unowed-debts/index.html" title="Feds Shut Down Debt Collector That Allegedly Collected $2.1M In Unowed Debts"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/money.png?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="(This Year's Love)" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2017/08/31/feds-shut-down-debt-collector-that-allegedly-collected-1-2m-in-unowed-debts/index.html" title="Feds Shut Down Debt Collector That Allegedly Collected $2.1M In Unowed Debts" rel="bookmark">Feds Shut Down Debt Collector That Allegedly Collected $2.1M In Unowed Debts</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/ashleekielerconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Ashlee Kieler" class="author url fn" rel="author">Ashlee Kieler</a></span></span> 8.31.17</div><div class="entry-content"><p>Once again, as part of its <a href="../../2017/06/23/debt-collector-accused-of-taking-money-from-people-who-didnt-owe-anything/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ongoing efforts to crack down on unscrupulous debt collectors</a>, the Federal Trade Commission has accused a North Carolina company of running a “phantom” debt collection scheme that went after people for money that they did not actually owe. <a href="../../2017/08/31/feds-shut-down-debt-collector-that-allegedly-collected-1-2m-in-unowed-debts/index.html#more-10287962" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10287806 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-data-privacy category-financial-products category-government-policy tag-federal-trade-commission tag-taxslayer tag-software tag-ftc tag-financial-privacy-rule tag-safeguards-rule tag-identity-theft entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> federal trade commission </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2017/08/29/taxslayer-settles-ftc-charges-that-lax-security-led-to-identity-theft/index.html" title="TaxSlayer Settles FTC Charges That Lax Security Led To Identity Theft"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/ftc.png?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="(afagen)" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2017/08/29/taxslayer-settles-ftc-charges-that-lax-security-led-to-identity-theft/index.html" title="TaxSlayer Settles FTC Charges That Lax Security Led To Identity Theft" rel="bookmark">TaxSlayer Settles FTC Charges That Lax Security Led To Identity Theft</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/consumerlaura/index.html" title="Posts by Laura Northrup" class="author url fn" rel="author">Laura Northrup</a></span></span> 8.29.17</div><div class="entry-content"><p>Sure, it might be convenient to do your own income tax preparation online, but it could be risky: <a href="../../2016/04/19/6-things-we-learned-about-the-irss-fight-against-fraud-and-identity-theft/index.html" target="_blank">Scammers all over the globe have exploited these risks</a>, slurping billions of dollars’ worth of ill-gotten tax refunds into their bank accounts. In order to prevent even more of this, federal regulators have settled charges TaxSlayer violated federal rules on financial privacy and security. <a href="../../2017/08/29/taxslayer-settles-ftc-charges-that-lax-security-led-to-identity-theft/index.html#more-10287806" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10286763 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-crime-fraud category-legal-lawsuits category-original tag-not-in-the-loop tag-read-it-and-weep tag-ftc tag-federal-trade-commission tag-scams tag-deceptive-debiting entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../not-in-the-loop/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> not in the loop </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2017/08/16/ftc-fake-discount-clubs-took-42m-from-people-who-never-signed-up/index.html" title="FTC: Fake Discount Clubs Took $42M From People Who Never Signed Up"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/cashmoneybills.jpg?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="aresauburn™" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2017/08/16/ftc-fake-discount-clubs-took-42m-from-people-who-never-signed-up/index.html" title="FTC: Fake Discount Clubs Took $42M From People Who Never Signed Up" rel="bookmark">FTC: Fake Discount Clubs Took $42M From People Who Never Signed Up</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/marybethquirkconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Mary Beth Quirk" class="author url fn" rel="author">Mary Beth Quirk</a></span></span> 8.16.17</div><div class="entry-content"><p>Discount clubs that give you savings on stuff you might want could be convenient, if you’re into that kind of thing. But not so much if you’ve never signed up for the service in the first place — and end up getting charged for it nonetheless. <a href="../../2017/08/16/ftc-fake-discount-clubs-took-42m-from-people-who-never-signed-up/index.html#more-10286763" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10286557 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-data-privacy category-legal-lawsuits category-original category-telecom-technology tag-where-are-the-protections tag-uber tag-settlement tag-privacy tag-ride-hailing tag-federal-trade-commission tag-data tag-complaint entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../where-are-the-protections/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> where are the protections? </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2017/08/15/uber-settles-federal-allegations-it-deceived-customers-about-privacy-data-security/index.html" title="Uber Settles Federal Allegations It Deceived Customers About Privacy & Data Security"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/30396484822_7250321469_k-e1507655774769.jpg?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="Elliott Brown" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2017/08/15/uber-settles-federal-allegations-it-deceived-customers-about-privacy-data-security/index.html" title="Uber Settles Federal Allegations It Deceived Customers About Privacy & Data Security" rel="bookmark">Uber Settles Federal Allegations It Deceived Customers About Privacy & Data Security</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/ashleekielerconsumerist/index.html" title="Posts by Ashlee Kieler" class="author url fn" rel="author">Ashlee Kieler</a></span></span> 8.15.17</div><div class="entry-content"><p>Uber has reached a deal with the Federal Trade Commission to settle the <a href="../../2017/06/14/report-feds-investigating-uber-over-privacy-violations/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">government’s investigation </a>into the ride-hailing service’s allegedly questionable privacy practices.<br /> <a href="../../2017/08/15/uber-settles-federal-allegations-it-deceived-customers-about-privacy-data-security/index.html#more-10286557" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="post-10286538 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-competition-innovation category-government-policy category-original tag-fairness-to-contact-lens-consumers-act tag-optometry tag-contact-lens-rule tag-fclca tag-ftc tag-orrin-hatch tag-richard-blumenthal tag-us-senate tag-federal-trade-commission entry longform-archive-entry"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="tag-wrap"> <a href="../fairness-to-contact-lens-consumers-act/index.html" class="post-tag" rel="tag"> fairness to contact lens consumers act </a> </div> <div class="clear"></div> </header>  <a href="../../2017/08/15/senators-ask-ftc-to-finalize-the-contact-lens-rule-already/index.html" title="Senators Ask FTC To Finalize The Contact Lens Rule Already"><img src="../../consumermediallc.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/contact_lens.jpg?w=300&h=225&crop=1" alt="dave lewis 88" class="Thumbnail thumbnail longform-thumb alignleft post-image" /></a><h2 class="entry-title"><a href="../../2017/08/15/senators-ask-ftc-to-finalize-the-contact-lens-rule-already/index.html" title="Senators Ask FTC To Finalize The Contact Lens Rule Already" rel="bookmark">Senators Ask FTC To Finalize The Contact Lens Rule Already</a></h2> <div class="post-info">By <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="../../author/consumerlaura/index.html" title="Posts by Laura Northrup" class="author url fn" rel="author">Laura Northrup</a></span></span> 8.15.17</div><div class="entry-content"><p>Readers who wear glasses or contact lenses may be surprised to learn that <a href="../../2016/04/07/remember-your-eye-doctor-should-give-you-your-prescriptions-after-your-exam/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">their doctor is supposed to give them a copy of their prescription without being asked</a>, but it’s true. This is especially important for contact lens wearers, whose right to shop around and buy their lenses from any authorized vendor they like is protected by the Federal Trade Commission. Proposed rules would hold doctors even more accountable, requiring them to report to the FTC that they gave patients copies of their prescriptions. <a href="../../2017/08/15/senators-ask-ftc-to-finalize-the-contact-lens-rule-already/index.html#more-10286538" class="more-link">[More]</a></p> </div></div><div class="navigation"><div class="pagination-next alignright"><a href="page/2/index.html" >Next Page»</a></div></div></div></div><script type='text/javascript'> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-10697639-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 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