Business Blog

To turn the old adage on its head, imitation is the insincerest form of falsity. After years of fighting back against scammers who impersonate government agencies and companies, the FTC proposed a...

Small businesses are the engines that drive the American economy and capital is the fuel that propels them forward. So when fast-talking operators target small businesses with deceptive or unfair...

"I've had the blues, the reds, and the pinks. One thing’s for sure: Love stinks." Far be it from us to criticize love on Valentine’s Day, but “Love Stinks” – the 80s hit by the J. Geils Band –...

The FTC just issued its 2023 Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book jam-packed with facts about the kind of scams consumers have reported to us. Has the reported dollar amount lost to fraud gone up or...

Keep data secure. Safely dispose after use. Tell people the truth. We’re not suggesting that the principles of sound data security can be boiled down to a haiku, but there are certain basics every...

January 29th kicks off 2024’s Identity Theft Awareness Week, but consumer-conscious companies promote identity theft awareness – and prevention – 52 weeks a year. As the FTC, federal and state...

When companies sow deception, they often reap law enforcement. That’s the lesson of a $2 million civil penalty that Kubota North America Corporation will pay for allegedly violating the Made in USA...

When consumers have questions about a company’s services, they often pick up the phone and call. It’s no different when consumers must select a funeral home to handle a loved one’s final arrangements...

For consumers already underwater financially and desperate for just $50, cash advance company FloatMe’s services turned out to be more sink than swim. According to the FTC, the subscription-based...

Decades ago, the FTC described the advertising claim “free” as “a lure,” “the bait,” and “a powerful magnet,” and its appeal continues to attract consumers. Need proof? Just look at how Intuit made...

Do consumers attend a Christian church? Are they the parents of preschoolers? Would the description “wealthy and not healthy” apply to them? By tracking people’s mobile devices, Texas-based InMarket...

The FTC announced proposed revisions to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) Rule on December 20, 2023. The online portal to file public comments is now open and the FTC welcomes your...

SCENE: A crowded city or a dark street. (Cue ominous music) The camera focuses on the protagonist as they make their way to a location – maybe it’s a place of worship, a doctor’s office, or a...

Thanks to improvements in text-to-speech AI, voice cloning holds promise for consumers, but scammers often find a way to twist tech advancements for their nefarious purposes – and voice cloning is no...

Companies selling genetic testing products tout the benefits of DNA-based insights – learning more about health, lineage, family tree – so that consumers can seek medical attention, customize their...

Buying a vehicle is a major financial commitment for consumers and price is a material consideration in most people’s purchase decision. That’s why deceptive double charges, illegal junk fees, and...

Technically we can’t categorize these notable FTC staff publications of 2023 as “best sellers” because they’re available at no charge. But we can say that “best sellers” – our description of law...

According to a five-count complaint filed against Grand Canyon Education, Inc., Grand Canyon University, and Brian E. Mueller, the FTC alleges the defendants misrepresented Grand Canyon University as...

If you’ll be seeing college-age relatives over the holidays, warn them about a variation on the “job interview” scam that students looking for summer or permanent employment have reported to us. And...

Rushing to file your public comment about the FTC’s proposed Junk Fees Rule by the impending deadline? Relax. The FTC has extended the comment period to February 7, 2024.