We here at Consumerist are always a little happy when deceptive debt collection businesses get what’s coming to ’em from the Federal Trade Commission. But those feelings grow exponentially when we find out said company will be forking over millions of dollars to refund abused consumers. [More]
federal trade commission
Beware Of Scammers Using The Washington Mudslide To Profit Off Your Generosity
By 4.1.14
As the Washington mudslide death toll continues to rise and many people remain missing, you may feel the urge to donate to charities poised to help the victims. Donating to the cause is commendable, but unfortunately there are evil people in this world who take one person’s misfortune and use it for their personal gain. So the Federal Trade Commission is once again reminding consumers to be wary of charity scams. [More]
Organization Promising Fraud Protection Scams $20 Million From Senior Citizens
By 3.31.14
Scamming people is wrong. Scamming senior citizens is immoral, disrespectful, and a number of other adjectives. Still, there are companies in the world that prey on the elderly. The Federal Trade Commission has put a stop to one such organizations that bilked more than $20 million from seniors. [More]
8 Tips To Get The Best Bargains On Your Next Outlet Shopping Trip
By 3.21.14
Everyone loves scoring a great deal, right? Outlet malls are the perfect place to do just that. With warmer weather on the way, it’s the perfect time for a wardrobe or living room update. But how do you know you’re getting the best bargain possible? [More]
Most Debt Collector Complaints Made By Consumers Being Hounded For Money They Don’t Owe
By 3.20.14
We’re not sure how many times we’ve said it, but it’s worth repeating: Debt collectors are the worst. It’s not just that they’re often rude and occasionally violate the law. What really puts collection agencies at the bottom of the barrel is the fact that they consistently go after debt that consumers simply don’t owe. [More]
FTC Shuts Down Debt Collecting Scheme That Pretended To Be From The Government
By 3.13.14
Debt collectors have been known to intimidate, deceive and even threaten to take your children away when trying to separate you from your hard-earned cash. Just remember, it’s illegal for the collectors to threaten to arrest you, and it’s definitely illegal for them to pretend to be from the government in order to make you pay up. However, it’s those same tactics that have a New York-based company in hot water. [More]
Home Security Company To Pay $3.4 Million Over Alleged Violation of “Do Not Call” Rules
By 3.12.14
When they say do not call, they mean do not call. One Massachusetts-based home security company didn’t follow those easy instructions and is now facing a hefty fine and slap on the wrist from federal regulators. [More]
Facebook, WhatsApp Acquisition Face Privacy Hurdle After EPIC Files FTC Complaint
By 3.7.14
Mergers and acquisitions routinely face opposition and complaints. Facebook’s $19 billion deal to buy messaging system WhatsApp has been able to stay rather unopposed, until now. [More]
Scammy Precious Metal Marketers Banned From Selling Investments, Ordered To Repay Millions
By 3.5.14
Precious metals can be a great investment when handled properly by a respected and truthful organization, but that’s not always the case. On Tuesday, the Federal Trade Commission put the brakes on three precious metal marketers in Florida after they allegedly scammed nearly $9 million from consumers. [More]
FTC: Work-From-Home Coaching Services Scam Conned Millions From Consumers
By 2.24.14
Making thousands of dollars a month by working from your couch might seem like a dream come true. But don’t quit your day job just yet, because it’s most likely a scam. Fortunately, there’s now one less “work-from-home” scheme seducing consumers thanks to the Federal Trade Commission. [More]
FTC: Spammers Responsible For Millions Of ‘Free Gift Card’ Text Messages To Pay $2.5M
By 2.18.14
You did not win a free $1,000 gift card like that text message tells you. It’s a scam, and the companies behind it are now paying million of dollars in settlements. [More]
FTC Settles With Spammer Who Sent Millions Of Deceptive Texts
By 2.5.14
Junk mail and e-mail spam are annoying enough, but text message spam can be truly aggravating. Not only is it pointless, but also, depending on your phone plan, you may get charged for the privilege of having to delete scummy, scammy links. [More]
Telemarketers Must Pay $14.75 Million Judgment, Because Scamming People Is Wrong
By 2.3.14
When you’ve make a promise to no longer defraud consumers, you might want to stick to that promise. Otherwise, like two Florida businessmen, you could be on the hook for $14.75 million. [More]
California Company Settles FTC Charges Of Exposing Consumers’ Medical Transcripts Online
By 1.31.14
Personal information doesn’t get much more personal than your medical history. Ensuring your medical records are secure remains a top priorty for the Federal Trade Commission as they settled their 50th data security case on Friday. [More]
FTC: 12 Companies, Including 3 NFL Teams, Misrepresent Compliance Of Privacy Frameworks
By 1.21.14
Abiding by privacy standards is a big deal, even if those standards are voluntary. Twelve businesses, some that handle sensitive personal data about health and employment, were found to falsely claim they abided by international privacy frameworks. [More]
FTC Collects $3.5 Million From TeleCheck For Failing To Investigate Disputes Or Correct Errors
By 1.16.14
One of the nation’s largest check authorization service companies is going to be cutting a rather large check to settle charges made by the Federal Trade Commission. [More]
Medical Alert Device Robocalls Scammed $13 Million From Elderly
By 1.13.14
Unwanted robocalls are bad enough. But there’s a special place (not a good place, either) for companies that use robocalls to scam the elderly out of their savings. One Orlando-based operation, accused of scamming $13 million from senior citizens, now has a confirmed reservation in that special place. [More]
