FTC

Business News

Amazon Used a 'Secret Algorithm' to Inflate Prices by Over $1 Billion, FTC Says

The complaint claims Amazon employed the "Project Nessie" algorithm to manipulate competitors.

Business News

Social Media Fraud Is On the Rise — And Even the Most Savvy Are Getting Scammed. Here Are the Most Common.

One in four individuals who reported being scammed since 2021 said it originated on social media, amounting to $2.7 billion in losses, per the FTC.

Business News

FTC Proposes Rule to Crack Down on Fake Reviews and Deceptive Marketing Tactics

As much as 30-40% of online reviews are fake, according to a new report.

Business News

The FTC Is Suing Amazon For Allegedly Signing Up Customers For Prime Without Their Consent

The Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit against Amazon on Wednesday for the "company's knowing failure to address non-consensual subscriptions and cancellation trickery."

Business News

Microsoft to Pay $20 Million Settlement for 'Illegally' Retaining Children's Information

The Federal Trade Commission says Microsoft violated the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by collecting children who signed up for its Xbox system's information and failing to obtain parental consent.

Business News

Amazon Will Pay Over $30 Million For Alleged Privacy Violations With Amazon Ring and Alexa Devices

The Federal Trade Commission has accused Amazon of violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act Rule (COPPA Rule) in regard to its data deletion practices.

Business News

FTC Cracks Down on Student Loan Schemes That Scammed Borrowers Out of $12 Million

The two companies claimed to be affiliated with the Department of Education.

Business News

'Click to Cancel' Rule Could End the Cycle of Subscription Traps

The Federal Trade Commission proposed a new rule that intends to make it just as easy for subscribers to cancel their subscriptions as it was to sign up.

Business News

Fortnite Developer Epic Games Fined in Record-Breaking $520 Million Settlement Over Children's Privacy, 'Dark Practices'

The federal agency plans to set up a website for consumer refunds for certain unauthorized purchases on the platform in the Epic Games Store and in Fortnite.

Business News

The FTC Is Suing Microsoft to Block It From Purchasing Activision Blizzard, a Video Game Holding Company

The Federal Trade Commission said it could be negative for competition in the gaming sector.

Business News

Amazon Drivers to Receive Nearly $60 Million in Withheld Tips After Tech Giant Reaches Settlement With FTC

The FTC brought a lawsuit against Amazon and its subsidiary, Amazon Logistics, in 2021, claiming that the e-commerce company had not fully paid tips to drivers in its Amazon Flex program.

Business News

FTC: Don't Fall for COVID 'Vaccine Survey' Scams

No legitimate surveys ask for credit card or bank account details to pay for a 'free' reward.

Marketing

'Fyre' Danger! 7 Ways Influencers, Brands and Agencies Can Avoid Getting Burned for Not Disclosing Endorsements

Is your company promoting itself via influencers? Tread very, very carefully. The FTC is watching.

Fundraising

Perpetrators of Crowdfunding Fraud Can't Hide From The Law Forever

For years, crowdfunding has been a bit like the Wild West of finance. But as the industry continues to grow, state and federal authorities are catching up to abusers of the system.