All About Lawsuits™ » Antitrust – Fraud

FTC Action Temporarily Halts Operation that Allegedly Used Fake News Sites to Make Deceptive Claims about Acai Berry Weight-Loss Products

admin — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:25:25 +0000

As part of its ongoing crackdown on deceptive health claims, the Federal Trade Commission has filed a complaint jointly with the State of Connecticut, seeking to permanently stop a Connecticut-based operation that allegedly used fake news websites to promote their products, made deceptive weight-loss claims, and told consumers they could receive free trials of acai berry and “colon cleanse” products, and only have to pay the nominal cost of shipping and handling.

Taiwan Aftermarket Auto Lights Manufacturer and its Chairman Indicted for Participating in Price-Fixing Conspiracy

admin — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:25:24 +0000

A federal grand jury in San Francisco returned a superseding indictment yesterday against a Taiwan aftermarket auto lights manufacturer, its U.S.-based subsidiary distributor and its chairman for participating in an international conspiracy to fix the prices of aftermarket auto lights, the Department of Justice announced. Related posts:Italian Subsidiary of U.S.-Based Company Agrees to Plead Guilty [...] Related posts:

Former Executive of Peruvian Airline Pleads Guilty to Fixing Fuel Surcharge Rates on Air Cargo Shipments Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

admin — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:25:24 +0000

A former executive of a Peruvian airline pleaded guilty today for his role in a conspiracy to fix surcharges on air cargo shipments from the United States to South and Central America following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Department of Justice announced. Related posts:Former Airline Executive Pleads Guilty in Schemes to Defraud Illinois-Based Ryan International [...] Related posts:

FTC Issues The FY 2011 National Do Not Call Registry Data Book; Nearly 210 Million Phone Numbers on Do Not Call List

admin — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:24:46 +0000

The Federal Trade Commission today issued the National Do Not Call Registry Data Book for Fiscal Year 2011. The FTC’s National Do Not Call Registry provides consumers with an easy way to stop unwanted telemarketing calls. Related posts:FTC Issues Performance and Accountability Report for Fiscal Year 2011 Commission Approves FY 2011 Budget Request and GPRA [...] Related posts:

Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice Meet With Chinese Ministry of Commerce on Merger Enforcement Matters

admin — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:24:45 +0000

Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz and Acting Assistant Attorney General Sharis Pozen of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division today met with a delegation from China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) to discuss antitrust merger enforcement. Related posts:Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission Meet with Chinese Ministry of Commerce on Merger Enforcement Matters Statement [...] Related posts:

FTC Sending Refunds to Victims of Debt Management Services Company That Violated Prior Court Order

admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 06:24:19 +0000

Checks Being Mailed This Week to Consumers Nationwide Related posts:FTC Sends Refunds to Consumers Defrauded by Counterfeit Check and Prize Scam FTC Sends Out More Redress Checks to Victims of the J.K. Publications Credit Card Fraud FTC to Distribute $3 Million in Refunds to Consumers Who Bought Bogus Health Products FTC Returns $1.6 Million to [...] Related posts:

FTC to Host Media Call-in to Field Questions About Privacy Settlement

admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 06:24:19 +0000

Telephone press conference for media members only Related posts:TODAY: We Can’t Wait: Transportation Secretary LaHood and EPA Administrator Jackson to Discuss Historic Proposed Fuel Economy Standards/ National program for light duty vehicles will save consumers $1.7 trillion at the pump, $8,000 per vehicle by 2025 (HQ) TOMORROW: Administrator Jackson, Secretary LaHood to Hold Press Conference [...] Related posts:

Facebook Settles FTC Charges That It Deceived Consumers By Failing To Keep Privacy Promises

admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 06:24:19 +0000

The social networking service Facebook has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it deceived consumers by telling them they could keep their information on Facebook private, and then repeatedly allowing it to be shared and made public. Related posts:Operator of Social Networking Website for Kids Settles FTC Charges Site Collected Kids’ Personal Information [...] Related posts:

FTC Seeks Second Round of Public Comments for Follow-up Study of Alcohol Industry’s Voluntary Guidelines for Reducing Advertising and Marketing to Underage Audiences

admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 06:24:19 +0000

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comments on a proposal to require information from alcoholic beverage manufacturers for a follow-up study of the self-regulatory efforts of the alcoholic beverage industry. Related posts:FTC Approves Final Settlement Orders Regarding Boulder Valley IPA and M. Catherine Higgins; Commission Submits Comments on Measuring the Performance of Electric Regional [...] Related posts:

Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission Meet with Chinese Ministry of Commerce on Merger Enforcement Matters

admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 06:24:18 +0000

Acting Assistant Attorney General Sharis Pozen of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Jon Leibowitz today met with a delegation from China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) to discuss antitrust merger enforcement. Related posts:FTC and States Attorneys General to Announce Major Identity Theft Initiative Statement of Jon Leibowitz, Nomination for [...] Related posts:

FTC Requires Three Internet Marketers to Stop Selling "Circle" Cosmetic Contact Lenses without Prescriptions as Part of Settlement

admin — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:23:11 +0000

Three Internet marketers of cosmetic, “circle” contact lenses have agreed to resolve Federal Trade Commission charges by entering into settlements that will put a stop to their alleged illegal practice of selling lenses to consumers without prescriptions. Related posts:FTC Halts Massive Cramming Operation that Illegally Billed Thousands; Alleges Scam Took in $19 Million over Five [...] Related posts:

FTC Staff: Maine Dental Board’s Proposed Rules Could Undermine Pilot Project to Expand Access to Dental Care in Underserved Areas

admin — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:14:58 +0000

Federal Trade Commission staff, in comments to the Maine Board of Dental Examiners, stated that dental hygienist rules proposed by the Board, designed to implement a pilot project to test expanded access to dental care in underserved areas of Maine, contain restrictions that could undermine the project’s purpose and deny consumers the benefits of competition among providers of dental health services.

FTC Charges Telemarketers with Enabling Illegal Robocalling

admin — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:12:21 +0000

Allegedly Provided Technology for Clients to Violate the Do Not Call Registry, Mask Caller ID Related posts:Last Remaining Defendants in "Hope Now" Scheme Settle FTC Charges; Order Puts Them Out of the Mortgage Relief Business Department of Justice Supports The Associated Press’s Proposed Digital News Registry TODAY: Conference Call with EPA Senior Officials on Proposed [...] Related posts:

FTC Adds Defendant in Case Against Allegedly Bogus Precious Metals Dealers

admin — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:12:20 +0000

The Federal Trade Commission has named an additional defendant as part of its case against a telemarketing operation that allegedly conned senior citizens into buying precious metals on credit without clearly disclosing significant costs and risks, including the likelihood that consumers would have to pay more money or lose their investment. Related posts:FTC Amends Free [...] Related posts:

FTC Adds New Protections for Consumers Seeking to Work from Home

admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:10:48 +0000

The Federal Trade Commission has approved changes to its Business Opportunity Rule that will ensure that consumers have the information they need when considering buying a work-at-home program or any other business opportunity. The changes simplify the disclosures that business opportunity sellers must provide to prospective buyers. The simplified disclosures will help prospective purchasers assess the risks of buying a business opportunity, while minimizing compliance burdens on businesses.

FTC Sends Refunds to Consumers Defrauded by Counterfeit Check and Prize Scam

admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:10:47 +0000

The Federal Trade Commission is mailing hundreds of refund checks to consumers who were defrauded by an operation that allegedly sent them counterfeit cashier’s checks and made false promises of large cash prizes. Related posts:FTC Returns Refunds to Small Businesses and Non-Profits Defrauded in Cross-Border Business Directory Scams FTC to Distribute $3 Million in Refunds [...] Related posts:

FTC Announces Agenda, Panelists for Facial Recognition Workshop

admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:03:44 +0000

Researchers, industry representatives, consumer advocates, and privacy professionals will take part in the upcoming workshop, “Face Facts: A Forum on Facial Recognition Technology” to be held December 8, 2011 at the FTC Conference Center at 601 New Jersey Ave. N.W. in Washington, D.C. Related posts:FTC Releases Agenda for Final Roundtable on Consumer Privacy FTC to [...] Related posts:

Nation’s Largest Pool Products Distributor Settles FTC Charges of Anticompetitive Tactics

admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:03:44 +0000

Settlement Prohibits Pool Corporation from Using Threats and Coercion to Stop Manufacturers From Selling Products to Competitors Related posts:Federal Judge Grants Permanent Injunction Against Brooklyn Sleep Products and Francisco Chavez FTC Warns 78 Retailers, Including Wal-Mart, Target, and Kmart, to Stop Labeling and Advertising Rayon Textile Products as "Bamboo" Justice Department Requires KeySpan to Disgorge [...] Related posts:

FTC Challenges OSF Healthcare System Proposed Acquisition of Rockford Health System as Anticompetitive

admin — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 23:47:45 +0000

Alleges Acquisition Will Increase Health Care Costs for Consumers, Businesses Related posts:FTC Staff Says Proposed New York Legislation Likely to Lead to Higher Health Care Costs and Decreased Access to Health Care Services for Consumers FTC Approves Final Order Settling Charges that Cardinal Health’s Acquisition of Biotech’s Nuclear Pharmacies Was Anticompetitive Massachusetts Health Care Reform [...] Related posts:

FTC Seeks Public Comment on Energy Labels for Home Heating and Cooling Equipment

admin — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 23:47:44 +0000

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comment on new energy labeling requirements for residential furnaces, central air conditioners, and heat pumps, to help consumers and businesses install equipment appropriate for their location under the Department of Energy’s new regional efficiency standards. Related posts:EPA Seeks Public Comment on the 15th Annual U.S. Greenhouse Gas Inventory [...] Related posts:

FTC Extends Deadline for Comments on Proposed Amendments to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule Until December 23

admin — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 23:47:44 +0000

The Federal Trade Commission has extended until December 23, 2011, the deadline for the public to submit comments on proposed amendments to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule, which gives parents control over what personal information websites and online services may collect from children under 13. Related posts:Operator of Social Networking Website for Kids Settles [...] Related posts:

FTC Issues Performance and Accountability Report for Fiscal Year 2011

admin — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:45:47 +0000

The Federal Trade Commission has issued its Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 Performance and Accountability Report. The report shows American taxpayers how the FTC has managed its resources, highlights major accomplishments in fulfilling the FTC’s two core goals of protecting consumers and promoting competition, and outlines plans for addressing future challenges. Related posts:Commission Approves FY 2011 [...] Related posts:

FTC Seeks Public Comments on Trustee’s Proposal in Tops Markets Matter to Sell Former Penn Traffic Supermarket in Bath, New York to Save-A-Lot

admin — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:45:47 +0000

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comments on an application filed by the Divestiture Trustee in the Tops Markets matter seeking approval to sell one former Penn Traffic supermarket to Moran Foods, Inc., d/b/a Save-A-Lot, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of SuperValu. Related posts:FTC Seeks Public Comments on Trustee’s Proposal for Sale of Portland, [...] Related posts:

Florida-Based Sea Star Line LLC Agrees to Plead Guilty and its Former President is Indicted for Price Fixing on Coastal Freight Services Between the Continental United States and Puerto Rico

admin — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:45:46 +0000

Sea Star Line LLC has agreed today to plead guilty and to pay a $14.2 million criminal fine for its role in a conspiracy to fix prices in the coastal water freight transportation industry, the Department of Justice announced. Related posts:Japanese Freight Forwarding Company Agrees to Plead Guilty to Criminal Price-Fixing Charge Danfoss Group Subsidiary [...] Related posts:

FTC Approves BASF’s Application to Extend Manufacturing Agreement Related to 2009 Acquisition of Ciba; FTC Approves ConocoPhillips’ Application to Modify Final Commission Order and to Amend Licensing Agreements with Holly Corp.

admin — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:45:29 +0000

The Federal Trade Commission has approved an application by global chemical company BASF SE to extend a manufacturing agreement, entered into in compliance with a 2009 settlement order, which imposed certain requirements on BASF’s acquisition of rival Ciba Holding, Inc.
The Federal Trade Commission has approved an application by ConocoPhillips to reopen and modify a final FTC order that settled the agency’s competition concerns arising from Conoco Inc.’s 2002 merger with Phillips Petroleum Company.

FTC to Hold Third Roundtable to Address Consumer Issues in Motor Vehicle Sales, Financing and Leasing

admin — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:43:40 +0000

On Thursday, the Federal Trade Commission will host the third in a series of roundtables around the country to gather information on consumers’ experiences in the leasing of motor vehicles at dealerships. The roundtable also will address what has been learned about auto sales, financing and leasing at all of the roundtables; what consumer and business education initiatives would be useful; and any practices that may harm consumers significantly or that are widespread. The event will be held November 17, 2011, in the FTC’s Conference Center, 601 New Jersey Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.

FTC to Hold Public Hearing on Fur Products Name Guide

admin — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:43:40 +0000

The Federal Trade Commission will hold a public hearing on December 6, 2011, to obtain input on whether to amend the agency’s Name Guide that lists the common animal names that are allowed on fur labels. The hearing is part of a review of the Name Guide required by Congress under the Truth in Fur Labeling Act of 2010 and the Federal Trade Commission’s systematic review of all current FTC rules and guides.

Last Remaining Defendants in "Hope Now" Scheme Settle FTC Charges; Order Puts Them Out of the Mortgage Relief Business

admin — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:43:40 +0000

The Federal Trade Commission has obtained a settlement against the remaining defendants in an allegedly fraudulent mortgage modification scheme that will permanently ban them from the mortgage assistance business and force them to return ill-gotten gains to consumers. Related posts:FTC Proposes Rule That Would Bar Mortgage Relief Companies From Charging Up-Front Fees FTC Provides Comments [...] Related posts:

Statement of Jon Leibowitz, Nomination for a Second Term as Commissioner, Federal Trade Commission

admin — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:43:39 +0000

Hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz delivered the following statement at a hearing today before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation to consider his nomination for a second term on the Commission Related posts:Statement of FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz at his Reappointment [...] Related posts:

Statement of FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz at his Reappointment Hearing before the Senate Commerce Committee

admin — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 23:42:05 +0000

Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz delivered the following statement at a hearing today before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation to consider his nomination for a second term on the Commission Related posts:Statement of Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz on Ending “Pay-for-Delay” Drug Settlements, Praises Inclusion in President’s Health Care Proposal [...] Related posts: