FTC

AARP Urges Vigilance Against Romance Scams This Valentine's Day

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 1, 2024

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Romance scams are more prevalent than ever, and they target individuals of all backgrounds and ages.

Key Points: 
  • HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Romance scams are more prevalent than ever, and they target individuals of all backgrounds and ages.
  • Since being scammed online for $39,000, Kleinert has made it her mission to educate older Americans about romance scams.
  • "We need to change attitudes about romance scams, and it needs to be made more public," says Kleinert.
  • The FTC says that 70,000 people reported romance scams in 2022 alone with total losses of $1.3 billion.

The ABCs of Financial Crime: Consumer Education is the First Line of Defense

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 30, 2024

NEW YORK, Jan. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Criminals have been challenging the banking and digital payments space for decades. As the financial services industry began offering safeguards like EMV chips, 3Dsecure, and biometrics, at Early Warning we've seen criminals pivot to new strategies, leveraging their technology know-how and preying on the weakest link of all -- human nature.

Key Points: 
  • Thanks to social media and many other channels, it is now easier than ever to tailor crimes to appeal to consumer emotions.
  • In 'pay yourself' scams, a criminal sends a text or call impersonating your bank or credit union.
  • Our Zelle® consumer education efforts started over five years ago with a partnership promoting financial literacy with high school students.
  • Over the years, our efforts evolved to include additional partnerships to reach broader audiences and expand resources on our website within the Financial Education Center.

FTC proposes enhanced protections for kids online. Where do you stand?

Retrieved on: 
Sunday, February 4, 2024

FTC proposes enhanced protections for kids online. Where do you stand? The FTC wants your comments about the enhanced protections it has in mind.

Key Points: 

FTC proposes enhanced protections for kids online. Where do you stand?

  • The FTC wants your comments about the enhanced protections it has in mind.
  • After the FTC announced it was considering revisions to the COPPA Rule, we received more than 175,000 comments.
  • You’ll want to read the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the details, but here is a brief recap of some of the provisions the FTC is considering:







Shopping for Funeral Services: Watch today’s webcast

Retrieved on: 
Sunday, February 4, 2024

Today – September 7, 2023 – the FTC is hosting a public workshop to consider proposed changes to the Funeral Rule.

Key Points: 
  • Today – September 7, 2023 – the FTC is hosting a public workshop to consider proposed changes to the Funeral Rule.
  • The event is open to the public, but if you can’t be there in person, watch Shopping for Funeral Services via the webcast, which will begin moments before the 9:30 AM Eastern Time start.
  • If you do, you must create a user name, or we will not post your comment.
  • Please pass the bill to require funeral homes to post their prices online, including hidden fees.

Keeping Your Privacy Enhancing Technology (PET) Promises

Retrieved on: 
Sunday, February 4, 2024

Keeping Your Privacy Enhancing Technology (PET) PromisesA look into multi-party computation and oblivious proxiesFor example, browsers are removing third party cookie functionality and mobile operating systems are integrating more transparency and user controls over data collection.

Key Points: 

Keeping Your Privacy Enhancing Technology (PET) Promises

A look into multi-party computation and oblivious proxies

  • For example, browsers are removing third party cookie functionality and mobile operating systems are integrating more transparency and user controls over data collection.
  • On the other end of the spectrum, there are technologies which allow a company to offer products and services without ever having access to a user’s data.
  • It can allow performing calculations across related but different data sets held across multiple organizations, without sharing the underlying data.
  • Similarly, oblivious proxies divide data up between two entities.
  • Using an oblivious proxy, the app can encrypt a user’s vote so it’s only readable by the ice cream shop, then send it to a trustworthy third party.

Don’t End Up in the PETs Cemetery

How an “expect the unexpected” emergency plan can help protect your business

Retrieved on: 
Sunday, February 4, 2024

How an “expect the unexpected” emergency plan can help protect your businessCoastal companies could plan for hurricane season and northern businesses could expect a blizzard or two every winter.

Key Points: 

How an “expect the unexpected” emergency plan can help protect your business

  • Coastal companies could plan for hurricane season and northern businesses could expect a blizzard or two every winter.
  • Federal agencies – and offices in your home state – have compiled checklists and resources to help you customize a preparedness plan.
  • Here are just a few points to consider as you’re updating your company’s emergency plan.

FTC Sues to Block Novant Health’s Acquisition of Two Hospitals from Community Health Systems

Retrieved on: 
Sunday, February 4, 2024

The Federal Trade Commission today sued to block Novant Health, Inc.’s $320 million acquisition of two North Carolina hospitals from Community Health Systems, Inc. (“CHS”).

Key Points: 
  • The Federal Trade Commission today sued to block Novant Health, Inc.’s $320 million acquisition of two North Carolina hospitals from Community Health Systems, Inc. (“CHS”).
  • Novant is one of the largest hospital systems in the southeastern United States including in North Carolina.
  • The FTC alleges the proposed acquisition would likely increase annual health care costs by several million dollars.
  • For the latest news and resources, follow the FTC on social media, subscribe to press releases and read our blog.

FTC Launches Inquiry into Generative AI Investments and Partnerships

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, February 3, 2024

The agency’s 6(b) inquiry will scrutinize corporate partnerships and investments with AI providers to build a better internal understanding of these relationships and their impact on the competitive landscape.

Key Points: 
  • The agency’s 6(b) inquiry will scrutinize corporate partnerships and investments with AI providers to build a better internal understanding of these relationships and their impact on the competitive landscape.
  • Companies are deploying a range of strategies in developing and using AI, including pursuing partnerships and direct investments with AI developers to get access to key technologies and inputs needed for AI development.
  • The FTC’s inquiry will help the agency deepen enforcers understanding of the investments and partnerships formed between generative AI developers and cloud service providers.
  • - Competition for AI inputs and resources, including the competitive dynamics regarding key products and services needed for generative AI.

FTC Action Leads to $2 Million Penalty Against Kubota for False Made in USA Claims

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, February 3, 2024

“Today’s settlement includes the largest civil penalty assessed for violating the Made in USA Labeling Rule,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection.

Key Points: 
  • “Today’s settlement includes the largest civil penalty assessed for violating the Made in USA Labeling Rule,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection.
  • - Civil Penalty: The order includes a civil penalty of $2 million, which must be paid to the U.S. Treasury.
  • The FTC is committed to ensuring that “Made in USA” claims are truthful.
  • Follow the FTC on social media, read consumer alerts and the business blog, and sign up to get the latest FTC news and alerts.