[{"pubDate":"Thu, 08 Oct 2026 08:06:58 +0200","titre":"Joint letters take new steps to stop illegal Coronavirus robocalls","url":"https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog/2020/04/joint-letters-take-new-steps-stop-illegal-coronavirus-robocalls","source":"FTC USA Business Blog Posts","id":3203246,"description":"Joint letters take new steps to stop illegal Coronavirus robocalls lfair April 3, 2020 | 1:57PM Joint letters take new steps to stop illegal Coronavirus robocalls By Lesley Fair Consumers hate illegal robocalls. And as the thousands of reports pouring into the FTC indicate, they also hate robocalls that exploit concerns about Coronavirus. In recent months, the FTC has taken innovative steps to take on not only illegal robocallers, but also companies that “assist and facilitate” their conduct. Just last week, FTC staff sent warning letters to nine businesses that provide Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services or other assistance to some of the entities that may be behind the onslaught of bogus COVID-19 calls. Additional letters just went out that reflect unprecedented actions in the fight against fraud. Warning letters were sent to three VoIP providers: SIPJoin, Connexum, and VoIP Terminator d/b/a BLMarketing. According to the letters, investigations have revealed that these companies transmitted calls offering fraudulent COVID-19 home testing kits or claiming that HVAC cleaning services will help fight the virus. But two things are different from last week’s warning letters. First, these letters were signed by the FTC and the FCC. The other interesting development comes in the form of a new strategy aimed at muting the dissonant ring of illegal robocalls. As the letters make clear, the three companies that received the warnings have 48 hours to stop routing or transmitting harmful robocall traffic from their clients making those claims or they will face an unprecedented “or else.” If the three companies don’t comply, the FCC will authorize all other U.S. voice providers to block all calls from them and take all steps that may be needed to prevent further transmission of unlawful calls from those companies. The agencies added that they will evaluate whether further action is warranted against the recipients of the letters. An interesting aspect of that “or else” message relates to another letter sent by the two agencies – this one to telecommunications trade association USTelecom. The letter opens with a note of thanks to USTelecom’s Industry Traceback Group for promptly identifying fraudulent COVID-19 robocalls and lists companies and providers that appear to be responsible for illegal calls – businesses the Industry Traceback Group helped to name. The letter also lets USTelecom know that if the three companies don’t comply, the FCC will authorize U.S. providers to block all calls from those companies and to take steps to prevent further transmission of unlawful calls from them. The letter added, “[W]e encourage and expect providers to take an active role in managing their networks and client relationships to protect consumers from harmful, illegal robocalls and spoofed calls,” and again acknowledged the work of Industry Traceback Group, describing it as “essential to combating the deluge of unlawful robocalls and protecting consumers.” Joint action by the FTC and FCC demonstrates just how seriously the agencies take the scourge of Coronavirus robocalls, but the letters also show that other companies have a critical role to play in the ongoing fight. No self-respecting member of the voice service industry – or any other business – should want anything to do with scammers out to exploit Americans during a time of national crisis."},{"id":3201877,"description":"Root, root root for the regions lfair September 24, 2018 | 2:03PM Root, root root for the regions By Andrew Smith, Director, FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection T his year eight major league baseball teams are celebrating milestone anniversaries – and so are the FTC’s regional offices. In 1918, the Commission opened the first three of its regional offices. Today, eight regional offices continue to knock it out the park on behalf of America’s consumers. So it’s only fitting that on this momentous day we acknowledge the regional offices’ century of pennant-winning performances. According to the Commission’s 1918 Annual Report, “In order to expedite the greatly increased work of the Commission . . . small branch offices were established in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.” Over time, the FTC has added other locations for a current total of eight offices in seven regions. Regional staff work with the Bureau of Consumer Protection and the Bureau of Competition on investigations and litigation. But they are in a unique position to host roundtables and workshops in their communities; to coordinate with local, state, and cross-border law enforcers; and to build partnerships with consumer groups and small business organizations within their region. According to the scouting report, there isn’t a pitch they can’t hit. Here’s a brief look at each region’s box score with a focus on just a few of their many MVP contributions to the FTC’s consumer protection mission. East Central Region . In 1918, the Cleveland Indians finished just out of pennant contention, but the FTC’s Cleveland-based office works hard to bring home the W for consumers and small businesses. For example, ECR has brought a number of cases over the past two decades to protect small businesses in their area and around the country, including cramming, business directory, and unordered merchandise scams. Recently, ECR played a central role in Operation Main Street, the FTC’s recent initiative against scammers targeting small businesses. Midwest Region . Chicago fans may be divided in their loyalty to the Cubs and the White Sox, but consumers who lost money to scammers who used the services of a major money transfer company are united in their appreciation for the FTC-DOJ settlement that returned $586 million back to them. And just recently, MWR hosted the Commission’s workshop on cryptocurrency scams and took a lead role in Operation Tech Trap, a coordinated state, federal, and international effort to shut down tech support fraudsters. Northeast Region . Given New York’s connection to names like Huggins, Houk, Stengel, Berra, and Torre, it’s no wonder the FTC’s Northeast Region has particular expertise in coaching. But in NER’s case, it’s about companies that make deceptive “coaching” and money-making representations. The New York-based office also has been one of the FTC’s power hitters in addressing misleading practices in the affiliate marketing industry. And from their Big Apple location, NER has been a leader in educating consumers, particularly older Americans and small businesses. Northwest Region . Like their hometown Seattle Mariners, the FTC’s Northwest Region has a proven record of navigating the complexities on the field of play. NWR coordinated Operation Donate with Honor, a nationwide crackdown on fraudulent charities alleged to have conned consumers by falsely promising their contributions will help veterans and servicemembers. In addition, our team in Seattle regularly coordinates with Canadian counterparts to combat cross-border fraud. And they’ve been ahead of the curve on tech issues, bringing one of the FTC’s first internet cases in the 90s and more recently, an early online influencer action. Southeast Region . The Atlanta Braves boast a national fan base – and due to their expertise in fighting fraud, the FTC’s Southeast Region can be proud of its coast-to-coast impact,","source":"FTC USA Business Blog Posts","pubDate":"Wed, 07 Oct 2026 14:05:07 +0200","titre":"Root, root root for the regions","url":"https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog/2018/09/root-root-root-regions"},{"id":3201052,"description":"First FTC ROSCA case challenges bogus BOGO and \"free\" claims wfg-adm109 October 21, 2014 | 12:02PM First FTC ROSCA case challenges bogus BOGO and \"free\" claims By Lesley Fair It’s called ROSCA – the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act – and it prohibits marketers from charging consumers for an online transaction unless the marketer has clearly disclosed all material terms of the deal and received the consumer’s express informed consent. Your e-commerce clients will want to know about the FTC’s first ROSCA case , filed recently in Nevada. According to the lawsuit, Health Formulas, LLC and a tangle of related California- and Nevada-based companies and individuals – consumers may know them as Simple Pure Nutrition – pitched a variety of products for weight loss, muscle building, virility, and skin care. The defendants advertised diet supplements like Pure Green Coffee Bean Plus and RKG Extreme as a shortcut to drop the pounds: “Burn fat without diet or exercise,” “Extreme weight loss!” “Shed pounds fast!” “Super concentrated double fat burning,” etc. Among the defendants’ more colorful business names: Weight Loss Dojo, Longhorn Marketing (sorry, Texas fans), Black Bull, and Unleash the Thunder. But unsubstantiated weight loss claims were just the start. The FTC says the defendants lured people in with bogus promises of a “free” trial or deceptive buy-one-get-one (BOGO) offers. Then they tricked consumers into giving their credit or debit card information with the false implication that consumers had to “just pay shipping.”   Digits in hand, the defendants really went to town, allegedly signing consumers up without their authorization for a negative option program that billed their accounts over and over again, to the monthly tune of between $60 and $210. The FTC says the defendants violated ROSCA by using a negative option feature without providing clear and conspicuous disclosures, getting the consumer’s express informed consent, and offering a simple mechanism for stopping the recurring charges. The FTC’s complaint also cites the defendants’ hard-to-find and hard-to-understand fine-print “terms and conditions,” which consumers could reach only by scrolling through the equivalent of two printed pages and clicking on an obscure hyperlink. Assuming they found it – and that’s a big if – the typical “terms and conditions” document was 10 pages long. On some websites, consumers had to scroll down the payment page to see further fine-print disclosures about the cost of the products. The first sentence reiterated what consumers generally understood (“You must pay a shipping and handling fee of $4.95 for us to send you a full 30 day supply of Garcinia Cambogia Extract”) but it wasn’t until the middle of the paragraph that the defendants mentioned that the trial period lasts only 14 days, that it began when the items were shipped (not delivered), and that consumers would be charged after that. Other websites didn’t even include that information. According to the lawsuit, consumers who attempted to take the defendants up on their money-back guarantee were met with a series of undisclosed roadblocks. In addition to the ROSCA counts, the FTC says the defendants’ practices violated the Electronic Fund Transfer Act by debiting consumers’ accounts on a recurring basis without their prior written authorization. What’s more, the complaint charges that the defendants continued to call people after being told to cut it out, in violation of the Telemarketing Sales Rule’s entity-specific Do Not Call provisions. The FTC says they also violated the TSR through a series of deceptive upsells. A federal judge has entered a temporary restraining order and the FTC is seeking to put a permanent stop to the defendants’ illegal practices. If your clients have ROSCA questions, the","source":"FTC USA Business Blog Posts","pubDate":"Wed, 07 Oct 2026 08:05:50 +0200","url":"https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog/2014/10/first-ftc-rosca-case-challenges-bogus-bogo-free-claims","titre":"First FTC ROSCA case challenges bogus BOGO and \"free\" claims"},{"pubDate":"Tue, 06 Oct 2026 08:06:24 +0200","url":"https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog/2018/03/ftc-recaps-consumer-complaint-data-2017-whos-list","titre":"FTC recaps consumer complaint data for 2017: Who’s on the list?","id":3199077,"description":"FTC recaps consumer complaint data for 2017: Who’s on the list? lfair March 1, 2018 | 5:17PM FTC recaps consumer complaint data for 2017: Who’s on the list? By Lesley Fair Once bitten, twice shy. That fundamental principle of human behavior is why reputable businesses that work hard to earn consumers’ confidence should support the FTC’s ongoing efforts to fight fraud. According to the FTC’s 2017 Consumer Sentinel Data Book , consumers reported losing a total of $905 million to fraud last year. That’s close to a billion bucks people won’t be able to spend on legitimate products and services from credible companies. That figure is up $63 million from last year, although the total number of reports received from consumers is down from 2.98 million in 2016 to 2.68 million in 2017. Topping the list that no industry wants to be on is debt collection, making up 23% of the total number of complaints. But there are two caveats: 1) that number is down from 2016; and 2) the high number of debt collection reports was due in part to reports submitted by a data contributor who collects complaints via a mobile app. Second on the list is identity theft at 14%. The injury to consumers came in two equally unpalatable flavors. Credit card fraud was the most common manifestation. Tax fraud was next, but the glimmer of hope there is that the total number of tax-related identity theft complaints fell by 46%. Winners of the dubious bronze medal were imposter scams , with consumers reporting financial losses of a whopping $328 million. Imposters wear many masks: “I’m with [big-name tech company] and your computer is riddled with viruses,” “Help, Grampa! I’ve been arrested and need bail money,” and “We’re from [government agency] and we’ll arrest you if you don’t pay us today.” Nearly one in five consumers who reported an imposter scam said they lost money to the fraud. For the first time, the Consumer Sentinel Data Book breaks out fraud losses by reported age groups and here’s a result that may surprise you: Consumers in their 20s reported losing money to fraud more often than those over 70. Among 20-somethings who reported fraud, 40% said they lost money. Compare that with the over-70 crowd, only 18% of whom reported a financial loss. But there’s a troubling aspect to that surprising factoid. When older adults did report losing money to a scammer, the loss was much greater. For example, people 80 and older reported median losses of $1,092 compared to $400 for those in their 20s. Wire transfers continue to be scammers’ preferred payment method and in 70% of the complaints we received, the fraudster contacted the consumer by phone. The top states for reporting fraud were Florida, Georgia and Nevada, while Michigan, Florida and California had the most reports about identity theft, per capita. Stats cats tell us that they find our state-by-state data dive helpful, so we’ve created a new webpage to make it easier to evaluate the information. The bottom line for business people: Educate.   Use your status in the community to spread the word to employees, industry colleagues, and friends about the latest forms of fraud. One way to stay in the know: Sign up for scam alerts from the FTC. Cooperate.  If people you know suspect that their identity has been compromised, send them to identitytheft.gov to create a personal recovery plan. (And remember that your company may have a legal obligation to provide identity theft victims and law enforcers with transaction records related to ID theft.) Report.   When you spot a scam, report it to the FTC . We’re talking about fraud directed to consumers and questionable promotions targeting small businesses. Your reports have helped the FTC and other law enforcement agencies put together cases against the con artists behind bogus business directories, office supply flimflams, and other forms of B2B fraud. Consumer Sentinel is an online database available to civil","source":"FTC USA Business Blog Posts"},{"url":"https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog/2023/05/franchise-fundamentals-taking-deep-dive-franchise-disclosure-document","titre":"Franchise Fundamentals: Taking a deep dive into the Franchise Disclosure Document","pubDate":"Tue, 06 Oct 2026 08:06:24 +0200","description":"Franchise Fundamentals: Taking a deep dive into the Franchise Disclosure Document lfair May 23, 2023 | 6:41PM Franchise Fundamentals: Taking a deep dive into the Franchise Disclosure Document By Lesley Fair Love at first sight may (or may not) be a real thing, but when it comes to investing your money, it’s unwise to fall for a franchise without first subjecting it to tough-minded scrutiny. The third in the FTC’s Franchise Fundamentals blog series walks through an essential part of that evaluation: an in-depth review of the Financial Disclosure Document (FDD) required by the FTC’s Franchise Rule . You must receive the Franchise Disclosure Document at least 14 days before you’re asked to sign any contract or pay any money to the franchisor or one of its affiliates. In fact, you have the right to the FDD once the franchisor has received your application and agrees to consider it. So speak up if you don’t receive it and ask questions – lots of them – as you review the FDD and any attached documents.   Image Indeed, the franchisor’s conduct regarding the FDD may raise some red flags about how they do business. Providing the FDD doesn’t establish that a franchisor is reputable – it’s required by law, after all – but if a franchisor doesn’t promptly provide this mandatory document, gives you an incomplete FDD, evades your probing questions, or tries to rush you through the process, it doesn’t speak well of their approach to legal compliance.  Assuming you have the FDD in hand, let’s consider some of the 23 required items line by line. Here are things to look for as you review the FDD. Franchisor’s Background (FDD Item 1) Item 1 provides background information about the franchisor and any parent companies, predecessors, and affiliates, including how long the franchise has been in business. It also lets you know if there are any legal requirements unique to the franchised business, like the need to get a special license or permit. This can help you understand the costs and risks you would be taking on. Business Background (FDD Item 2) Remember the old adage “People are known by the company they keep”? Well, companies are known by the people they keep, which is why Item 2 identifies directors, principal officers, and other key executives. Pay attention to their business backgrounds, their experience in managing a franchise system, and how long they’ve been with the franchisor. Litigation History (FDD Item 3) Item 3 lists information about prior litigation, including whether the franchisor or any of its executive officers have been convicted of certain crimes or have been found liable – or settled lawsuits – related to the franchise relationship. Lawsuits against the franchisor could mean it hasn’t honored its agreements or that franchisees are dissatisfied with its performance. Item 3 also says whether the franchisor has sued any of its franchisees in the past year. That information could suggest problems in the franchise system. For example, if a franchisor sued franchisees for failing to pay royalties, was it because franchisees weren’t successful and couldn’t make their royalty payments? Bankruptcy (FDD Item 4) Have the franchisor, its affiliates, or any of its executives filed for bankruptcy? Item 4 discloses that information and could give you insights into the financial condition of the business.  Initial and Other Fees (FDD Items 5-7) Items 5-7 go over some of the costs involved in starting and operating a franchise. That could include things like deposits or franchise fees (some of which may be non-refundable); what you’ll have to pay for initial inventory, signs, equipment, leases, or rentals; and ongoing costs, like royalties and advertising fees. A Consumer’s Guide to Buying a Franchise suggests more than a dozen other areas of financial inquiry, which should give you an indication about the importance of both getting in touch with your inner bean","id":3199079,"source":"FTC USA Business Blog Posts"},{"titre":"First Consumer Review Fairness case takes on promoter’s “big bucks on Amazon” claim","url":"https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog/2018/08/first-consumer-review-fairness-case-takes-promoters-big-bucks-amazon-claim","pubDate":"Tue, 06 Oct 2026 08:06:23 +0200","description":"First Consumer Review Fairness case takes on promoter’s “big bucks on Amazon” claim lfair August 6, 2018 | 11:11AM First Consumer Review Fairness case takes on promoter’s “big bucks on Amazon” claim By Lesley Fair T he marketers behind a purported money-making promotion called Sellers Playbook appear to have skipped the chapter about complying with federal and state consumer protection laws. That’s the allegation in a complaint filed by the FTC and the Minnesota Attorney General . In addition, it’s the FTC’s first case charg ing violations of the Consumer Review Fairness Act. The roots of the allegations go back to another venture sued by the FTC earlier this year: FBA Stores, also known as Amazing Wealth System and Amazon Wealth Systems. The defendants in that case ran online ads and in-person workshops that claimed to reveal the secret s of making major money on Amazon. But few, if any, of the consumers who forked over thousands of dollars and implemented their “plug-and-play systems” earn ed the kind of cash the defendants claimed. Which brings us to Sellers Playbook, Exposure Marketing, Jessie Conners Tieva, and Matthew Tieva – Minnesota-based defendants charged with pitching the same kind of “secrets” to making big bucks on Amazon . According to the just-filed lawsuit , the striking similarities should come as no surprise. That ’s because defendant Jessie Tieva was a regular speaker at Amazing Wealth Systems’ workshops. How successful was she in getting consumers to sign up? The complaint charges that Ms. Tieva and her team generated more than $3.4 million in sales for Amazing Wealth Systems. And let’s be clear: We’re not talking about $3.4 million in sales by consumers who successfully implemented the system. We mean $3.4 million that consumers shelled out to the operators of Amazing Wealth Systems for which Tieva was paid a handsome commission. The complaint alleges that the new Sellers Playbook venture is, in effect, a copycat of the now-defunct Amazing Wealth Systems operation. The earning claims certainly have a familiar ring to them. Here’s how Sellers Playbook touted their “opportunity”: “Holy cow, guys. That’s when you start seeing the returns of what we want you to have, $20,000 a month,” “Potential Net Profit: $1,287,463.38,” “Starting with $1000...1 year later over $210,000,” and “How many of you would like to learn how to turn a $5- to $10,000 investment into a $25- to a $1.2 million return with your investment? Yeah. And you’re going to learn those strategies before you leave here today. There are a few other things Amazon Wealth Systems and Sellers Playbook have in common: 1) Neither company has any affiliation with Amazon; and 2) Both companies charged consumers hundreds of dollars – or even hefty five-figure fees – to sign up. Of course, few consumers make the kind of earnings the defendants claimed. According to the complaint, many of the webpages promoting Sellers Playbook contained an inconspicuous earnings disclaimer in grey near the bottom of the page. What’s more, at a live event, the defendants briefly displayed this slide, which one of the presenters downplayed with this statement: “That’s why they have us do this again. It makes the lawyers happy, disclaimers. But you got to do your part. Money’s not going to fall from the sky. But as long as you do a part, it’s going to happen.” T he complaint challenges the defendants’ earning claims as false or unsubstantiated under FTC law and the Minnesota Prevention of Consumer Fraud Act. What’s more, the lawsuit alleges multiple violations of the FTC’s Business Opportunity Rule . The FTC and the AG also charge that provisions in the defendants’ form contracts try to restrict consumers’ ability to post reviews of their products, services, or conduct , in violation of the Consumer Review Fairness","id":3199075,"source":"FTC USA Business Blog Posts"},{"id":3197408,"description":"How an “invention promotion” outfit demoted the truth lfair September 13, 2017 | 11:15AM How an “invention promotion” outfit demoted the truth By Lesley Fair It sounds like there was some “inventing” going on at Florida-based invention promotion firm World Patent Marketing, but a Preliminary Injunction in a case brought by the FTC suggests it wasn’t the kind that unsuspecting consumers bargained for when they forked over millions of dollars based on the defendants’ misleading promises about patenting and promoting their products. For FTC watchers, the opinion is a page-turner from start to finish. We’ll focus on just a few of the claims the company “invented.” The defendants’ initial business model involved online ads that induced people to submit their product ideas. Salespeople responded, telling interested consumers that World Patent Marketing’s “review team” was researching the proposal because “the company is so selective with the ideas they choose to work with.” After a bit of a wait, salespeople called the would-be entrepreneur back to say: We had our final meeting with the Review Team regarding your idea. And basically from all the research that’s been done on [your idea], the research tells us there’s definitely potential to patent your idea. Because of that, I have the green light from the company to let you know that WPM wants to be a part of your new product idea and help you to protect it and bring it to the commercial marketplace. So, first of all congratulations! . . . The company loved your idea! They think it has a lot of potential. Especially the Sr. Product Director, who is in charge of which ideas are considered for the upcoming trade show. He sees some good opportunities ahead. But as the U.S. District Court concluded, those salespeople were reading the pitch from a script. In fact, “there is no evidence that WPM ever had a review team or rejected a large number of ideas.” What about the company’s “Global Invention Royalty Analysis” containing a marketability study created by a “Harvard University & MIT Research Team”? Despite the defendants’ claim that the “University” had given “the green light to continue,” the Court concluded that the defendants didn’t have a relationship with Harvard, MIT, or any other college. The defendants’ malarkey induced many consumers to pay between $9,000 and $65,000 for a “10 Point Patent Protection & Publicity Commitment.” (The pricier packages promised a “global patent.”) When consumers asked for updates, the defendants strung them along. Behind the scenes, the picture was less rosy because even when the company’s contract patent agents submitted applications to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the PTO typically rejected them as deficient. In addition to patent services, the defendants claimed to offer product development and marketing know-how, touting that “some of the world’s most respected brands trust World Patent Marketing,” including, for example, Target. The FTC isn’t the only one to say that was balderdash. A representative for Target testified that the defendants had no relationship whatsoever with the national retailer. The Court also cited misrepresentations regarding purported “success stories,” licensing and manufacturing agreements, and an “Invention Team Advisory Board” with big-name members who didn’t actually advise the company or review invention proposals. One anecdote is particularly telling. When an undercover FTC investigator contacted the company, the salesperson claimed that the History Channel had run a “whole segment” on World Patent Marketing. The truth? The defendants paid $17,000 to air their own ad on the channel. It ran once – at 6:00 AM on January 29, 2015. Not surprisingly, consumers started to speak up when their hefty cash outlays","source":"FTC USA Business Blog Posts","pubDate":"Mon, 05 Oct 2026 08:07:08 +0200","titre":"How an “invention promotion” outfit demoted the truth","url":"https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog/2017/09/how-invention-promotion-outfit-demoted-truth"},{"source":"FTC USA Business Blog Posts","id":3197411,"description":"Green Lights & Red Flags: FTC Rules of the Road for Business rocks on in Cleveland sgressin September 21, 2020 | 12:03PM Green Lights & Red Flags: FTC Rules of the Road for Business rocks on in Cleveland By Seena Gressin Natives and fans heartily agree that “Cleveland Rocks!” That’s why the Federal Trade Commission and its Ohio partners are ready to roll with the next installment of Green Lights & Red Flags: FTC Rules of the Road for Business , set to make its online debut on October 29, 2020, from Cleveland. The free business workshop focuses on current topics in truth-in-advertising law, social media marketing, data security, business-to-business fraud, and more. Who should attend the virtual event? Ohio business owners, marketing and advertising professionals, attorneys — anyone who needs to know how established consumer protection principles apply in today’s fast-paced marketplace.  The Office of the Ohio Attorney General, Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland, and the Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs are joining the FTC in sponsoring Green Lights & Red Flags . Andrew Smith, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, is among the featured speakers, and a roster of Ohio experts will share practical insights. Visit our event page for details. This year’s Green Lights & Red Flags event continues the popular business workshop series that the FTC has held over the years with regional partners in cities across the county. Topics include: Protecting Small Business from Scams . What federal and state law enforcers and the Better Business Bureau are doing to protect your company from business-to-business fraud, and steps you can take to help protect yourself. The Truth About False Advertising. An introduction to truth-in-advertising law. Avoiding a Promotion Commotion. Social media marketing, consumer reviews, children’s online privacy, email marketing, and other timely topics. The Secure Entrepreneur. Data security basics and practical tips on responding to a cyberattack. Green Lights & Red Flags will run from 1 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Eastern Time on October 29th. Space is limited and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, please use this link . We hope to see you there,","pubDate":"Mon, 05 Oct 2026 08:07:08 +0200","titre":"Green Lights & Red Flags: FTC Rules of the Road for Business rocks on in Cleveland","url":"https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog/2020/09/green-lights-red-flags-ftc-rules-road-business-rocks-cleveland"},{"pubDate":"Tue, 16 Jun 2026 08:09:40 +0200","url":"https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2026/06/ftc-data-show-people-reported-losing-3-point-5-billion-imposter-scams-2025","titre":"FTC Data Show People Reported Losing $3.5 Billion to Imposter Scams in 2025","source":"Federal Trade Commission - Protecting America's Consumers","id":2959787,"description":"New data from the Federal Trade Commission reveal that people reported losing a staggering $3.5 billion to imposter scams in 2025, with reported losses increasing nearly three times since 2020. FTC data also show that people reported imposter scams more than any other fraud category in 2025—nearly one in three fraud reports were about imposter scams. These scams lured consumers through text, phone, email, social media, search engine results and other means. Some of the costliest impersonation scams start with a fake security alert, often from a bank. People are convinced to move money to “protect” it, with their losses often limited only by their available funds. Last year, people reported losing nearly $1 billion to business impersonators with the highest reported losses to bank impersonators—and about $920 million to government impersonators, up from $866 million and $789 million respectively in 2024. The FTC has seen a striking increase in reported fraud losses to all types of fraud—about $16 billion was reported lost in 2025, the highest on record and an increase of about 25% compared to the 2024 figure. “Consumers derive enormous benefits from competitive markets built on truthful information. But fraud undermines that foundation, impeding the market process and preventing markets from operating efficiently,” said Christopher Mufarrige, Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The FTC will use every tool available to combat one of the most pernicious forms of fraud—government and business impersonation—and to protect the integrity of the digital economy.” The data underscore the importance of the FTC’s work with the  Elder Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC) , which is working to help raise awareness of imposter scams and other scams impacting older adults as well as other consumers. This year, the FTC, along with the Department of Justice, Department of Health and Human Services and members of the EJCC, is leading the Never Ever campaign, a public-private coordinated consumer education effort to raise awareness of government and business imposter scams. In addition to the federal agency members of the EJCC , the campaign also includes private sector representatives such as the American Bankers Association, USTelecom, Google and Microsoft. To help the public spot imposter scams, EJCC members launched the Never Ever campaign, which is aimed at promoting messaging on the key actions that government and businesses will Never Ever take. The Never Ever campaign will run from June 15 to June 26, in conjunction with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. This first-of-its-kind public-private partnership includes participants from a wide range of organizations and is aimed at directing consumers to a website that includes information and resources to help them avoid imposter scams and what to do if they spot one. Enforcement Actions To help combat impersonation scams, the FTC in 2024 finalized the Impersonation Rule. The Rule gives the agency stronger tools to combat and deter scammers who impersonate government agencies and businesses, enabling the FTC to file federal court cases seeking to get money back to injured consumers and civil penalties against rule violators. Since then, the FTC has vigorously enforced the rule and brought a dozen enforcement actions that have resulted in halting imposter schemes and obtained over $70 million in redress for consumers. In 2025, the FTC brought law enforcement actions under the Impersonation Rule against:  American Tax Service (IRS imposter scheme);  MediaAlpha (government imposter scheme to sell health insurance);  Click Profit (business imposter money making scam);  Blackstone Legal (phantom debt business imposter scheme) and  Accelerated Debt Settlement (government and business imposter scheme that targeted older adults for debt relief). More recently, the  FTC filed a complaint against Innovative Partners in April 2026 , alleging the operators"},{"pubDate":"Wed, 17 Dec 2025 09:50:37 +0100","url":"https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/12/ftc-will-require-illusory-systems-return-money-stolen-hackers-implement-information-security-program","titre":"FTC Will Require Illusory Systems to Return Money Stolen by Hackers and Implement an Information Security Program","source":"Federal Trade Commission - Protecting America's Consumers","id":2577895,"description":"The Federal Trade Commission is taking action against Illusory Systems Inc. for failing to implement adequate data security measures, leading to a major security breach in which hackers stole $186 million from consumers. Under a proposed order settling the FTC’s allegations, Utah-based Illusory, which does business as Nomad, will be required to implement an information security program to address numerous alleged security failures and to return recovered money to affected consumers. “The FTC Act requires companies to take reasonable security measures,” said Christopher Mufarrige, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “It’s important that companies live up to their security promises to consumers.” In its complaint , the FTC alleged that Nomad prominently touted its security in its advertising, claiming that it offered “security-first” services. The FTC, however, alleged that the company failed to live up to these promises by failing to: use secure coding practices; implement processes for receiving and addressing vulnerability reports and responding to security incidents; and utilize widely known technologies that might have helped mitigate consumer losses. According to the complaint, in June 2022, Nomad introduced inadequately tested code that included a significant vulnerability. Just over a month later, hackers began exploiting the vulnerability. The FTC alleged that Nomad failed to respond to the attack in time because of its inadequate security and incident response measures, which led to the loss of $186 million. The company was able to recover some money, but consumers lost approximately $100 million. Nomad was warned about the dangers of inadequate testing as well as the need to ensure it had adequate staff and security in place. The company, however, failed to implement basic safety measures that would mitigate consumer losses, the FTC alleged. Under the proposed order , Nomad will be prohibited from making misrepresentations about its security practices. In addition, the company will also be required to: Implement a comprehensive information security program that is designed to protect consumers from theft or other unauthorized access and address the security issues outlined in the FTC’s complaint; Obtain biennial assessments of its information security program by an independent third party and cooperate with the third-party assessor; and Return to consumers money recovered following the security breach that was not already returned to customers. The Commission voted 2-0 to accept the proposed complaint and order for public comment. The FTC will publish a description of the consent agreement package in the Federal Register soon. The agreement will be subject to public comment for 30 days after publication in the Federal Register after which the Commission will decide whether to make the proposed consent order final. Instructions for filing comments will appear in the published notice. Once processed, comments will be posted on Regulations.gov. NOTE:  The Commission issues an administrative complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the law has been or is being violated, and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. When the Commission issues a consent order on a final basis, it carries the force of law with respect to future actions. Each violation of such an order may result in a civil penalty of up to $51,744. The lead staff attorneys on this matter are M. Hasan Aijaz and Julia Horwitz with the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer"},{"description":"Key Takeaways: Unlocking Growth Potential: Recurly’s New Chief Marketing Officer In a strategic move aimed at fortifying its leadership team, Recurly, a prominent subscription management and billing platform, has appointed Lina Tonk as its Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). This significant development underscores Recurly’s dedication to accelerating growth and innovation within the subscription management industry. A Visionary Leader Joins Recurly With over two decades of experience in high-growth software companies, Lina Tonk brings a wealth of expertise in marketing leadership to her new role as CMO at Recurly. Her proven track record in building customer-centric teams, amplifying brand exposure, and driving The post Breaking News: Major Appointment in Subscription Management Industry appeared first on Business Today","id":1282817,"source":"Business Today","url":"https://businesstoday.news/breaking-news-major-appointment-in-subscription-management-industry/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=breaking-news-major-appointment-in-subscription-management-industry","titre":"Breaking News: Major Appointment in Subscription Management Industry","pubDate":"Sat, 27 Apr 2024 10:39:46 +0200"},{"url":"https://businesstoday.news/steel-industry-shake-up-new-ceo-to-lead-green-revolution-with-ultra-low-carbon-steel/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=steel-industry-shake-up-new-ceo-to-lead-green-revolution-with-ultra-low-carbon-steel","titre":"Steel Industry Shake-Up: New CEO to Lead Green Revolution with Ultra-Low Carbon Steel!","pubDate":"Tue, 16 Apr 2024 10:36:26 +0200","description":"Key Takeaways: A New Era in Steel Production: Mark Bula Appointed as CEO of Blastr Green Steel Industry Expertise at the Helm: Mark Bula’s Appointment as CEO In a move set to revolutionize the steel industry, Blastr Green Steel has appointed Mark Bula as its new CEO. With over three decades of experience in the global steel sector, Mark Bula’s leadership aims to drive the development of Europe’s first integrated ultra-low CO2 steel value chain. Pioneering Clean Steel Solutions: Blastr’s Commitment to Decarbonization Ultra-Low CO2 Steel Value Chain: Transforming Production Processes Blastr’s innovative approach to steel production focuses on leveraging The post Steel Industry Shake-Up: New CEO to Lead Green Revolution with Ultra-Low Carbon Steel! appeared first on Business Today","id":1253877,"source":"Business Today"},{"pubDate":"Tue, 16 Apr 2024 10:36:24 +0200","titre":"Wealthy Investors’ Secret: How They’re Unlocking Millions in Real Estate","url":"https://businesstoday.news/wealthy-investors-secret-how-theyre-unlocking-millions-in-real-estate/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wealthy-investors-secret-how-theyre-unlocking-millions-in-real-estate","source":"Business Today","id":1253872,"description":"Key Takeaways: The Real Estate Investment Revolution: ASK Partners’ Groundbreaking Platform Unlocking Millions in Real Estate Investments ASK Partners, a specialist property lender, has achieved a significant milestone by facilitating over £45 million in real estate debt investments through its innovative digital private wealth platform. This milestone underscores the platform’s ability to provide liquidity and trading opportunities to private clients, revolutionizing the traditional real estate investment landscape. ASK’s Digital Private Wealth Platform: A Game-Changer in Real Estate Investment ASK’s bespoke digital platform has transformed the way high-net-worth investors engage with commercial and residential real estate investments. By offering a secondary The post Wealthy Investors’ Secret: How They’re Unlocking Millions in Real Estate appeared first on Business Today"},{"pubDate":"Tue, 09 Apr 2024 10:37:19 +0200","url":"https://businesstoday.news/guarding-the-gates-the-mastermind-behind-the-next-big-leap-in-fraud-prevention/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=guarding-the-gates-the-mastermind-behind-the-next-big-leap-in-fraud-prevention","titre":"Guarding the Gates: The Mastermind Behind the Next Big Leap in Fraud Prevention","id":1237680,"description":"Key Takeaways: Introduction to a New Era of Fraud Prevention Mangopay’s Strategic Move In a significant boost to its fraud prevention capabilities, Mangopay has appointed Bertrand Dezard as the Head of Sales for Fraud. Dezard’s role will be pivotal in driving the company’s international strategy, particularly focusing on expanding the reach of Mangopay’s advanced cybersecurity solutions in Europe and Latin America. Bertrand Dezard: A Veteran in Fraud Prevention Background and Expertise With over 15 years in the payments and fraud prevention sector, Dezard brings a wealth of experience to Mangopay. His previous stints at major companies like Visa Europe and The post Guarding the Gates: The Mastermind Behind the Next Big Leap in Fraud Prevention appeared first on Business Today","source":"Business Today"},{"pubDate":"Tue, 09 Apr 2024 10:37:18 +0200","url":"https://businesstoday.news/driving-danger-uks-road-collision-epidemic-unveiled/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=driving-danger-uks-road-collision-epidemic-unveiled","titre":"Driving Danger: UK’s Road Collision Epidemic Unveiled","id":1237678,"description":"Key Takeaways: The Alarming Reality of Road Collisions Dominance of Driver Error Recent research has pinpointed driver error as the predominant cause of road collisions in the UK, with two-thirds of accidents each year attributed to this factor. This startling statistic reveals a widespread issue that spans across the nation, with London experiencing the highest incidence rate. The Observation Crisis Failing to look properly is the second leading cause of road accidents, responsible for over a third of collisions. This problem is particularly acute in London, where nearly half of all accidents are due to this oversight, indicating a critical The post Driving Danger: UK’s Road Collision Epidemic Unveiled appeared first on Business Today","source":"Business Today"},{"url":"https://businesstoday.news/grow-your-own-future-the-aeroponic-revolution-is-here/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=grow-your-own-future-the-aeroponic-revolution-is-here","titre":"Grow Your Own Future: The Aeroponic Revolution Is Here!","pubDate":"Mon, 01 Apr 2024 10:30:30 +0200","description":"The Genesis of The Eden Aeroponics Project In Puslinch, Ontario, a groundbreaking initiative has taken root in the form of The Eden Aeroponics Project, spearheaded by Dan Atkinson, a visionary with over thirty years in hydroponics. This project is not just about gardening; it’s a movement towards sustainable living, offering state-of-the-art indoor aeroponic gardens that promise to revolutionize how we cultivate food in our homes and communities. The Future of Home Gardening Aeroponic Advancements The Eden and The Eboo represent the pinnacle of aeroponic gardening, combining style with sustainability. These systems are designed to fit seamlessly into living spaces, producing The post Grow Your Own Future: The Aeroponic Revolution Is Here! appeared first on Business Today","id":1221229,"source":"Business Today"},{"titre":"The Silent War on Disinformation: How Web Scraping is Changing the Battlefield","url":"https://businesstoday.news/the-silent-war-on-disinformation-how-web-scraping-is-changing-the-battlefield/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-silent-war-on-disinformation-how-web-scraping-is-changing-the-battlefield","pubDate":"Mon, 01 Apr 2024 10:30:29 +0200","description":"Introduction to the Information Warfare In an age where the proliferation of fake news has impacted over 80% of the UK population, the call for innovative solutions has never been louder. The advent of AI has intensified the spread of disinformation, particularly in the context of major global events and elections, making the battle against misinformation more complex and crucial. The AI Challenge in Disinformation The Dark Side of AI AI technologies have transformed the landscape of digital communication, but not without drawbacks. The ease of creating and spreading false information through automated systems and convincing deepfakes has led to The post The Silent War on Disinformation: How Web Scraping is Changing the Battlefield appeared first on Business Today","id":1221226,"source":"Business Today"},{"source":"Business Today","id":1221223,"description":"Navigating the New Norm in Healthcare The global health crisis brought about by COVID-19 has irrevocably altered many facets of daily life, with one of the most significant shifts occurring in the healthcare and over-the-counter (OTC) product sectors. Jonathan Groves, Executive Chairman of Lanes, delves into these changes, highlighting the evolution of consumer behavior and the subsequent impact on the OTC market. The Shift to Home-Based Health Management Autonomy in Health: A New Consumer Paradigm The pandemic has catalyzed a move towards self-sufficiency in health management. Consumers, having adapted to the realities of lockdowns and self-isolation, are now more inclined The post Revolution in Self-Care: The Unexpected Power Shift in Health and Wellness appeared first on Business Today","pubDate":"Mon, 01 Apr 2024 10:30:28 +0200","titre":"Revolution in Self-Care: The Unexpected Power Shift in Health and Wellness","url":"https://businesstoday.news/revolution-in-self-care-the-unexpected-power-shift-in-health-and-wellness/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=revolution-in-self-care-the-unexpected-power-shift-in-health-and-wellness"},{"source":"Business Today","id":1207096,"description":"Key Takeaways: The Great Escape: Employees Seek Sanctuary from Workplace Nuisances In a groundbreaking revelation, a recent survey conducted by Indeed has exposed a startling trend: a significant portion of employees are choosing to work remotely to evade irritating behavior from their colleagues. The study, which surveyed over 1,000 employees and 500 employers in the UK, sheds light on the pervasive impact of workplace annoyances on employee well-being and productivity. Tolerance Wanes: The Rise of Remote Work The Office Minefield: Irritating Behaviors Revealed Gossiping, swearing, and flirting rank among the top irritants plaguing traditional office environments, prompting a mass exodus The post Shocking Revelation: 1 in 5 Workers Flee Offices to Escape Irritating Colleagues appeared first on Business Today","pubDate":"Mon, 25 Mar 2024 16:32:08 +0100","url":"https://businesstoday.news/shocking-revelation-1-in-5-workers-flee-offices-to-escape-irritating-colleagues/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=shocking-revelation-1-in-5-workers-flee-offices-to-escape-irritating-colleagues","titre":"Shocking Revelation: 1 in 5 Workers Flee Offices to Escape Irritating Colleagues"},{"url":"https://businesstoday.news/revealed-bbcs-secret-weapon-for-digital-transformation-unveiled/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=revealed-bbcs-secret-weapon-for-digital-transformation-unveiled","titre":"Revealed: BBC’s Secret Weapon for Digital Transformation Unveiled!","pubDate":"Thu, 14 Mar 2024 16:29:58 +0100","source":"Business Today","description":"Key Takeaways: Spyrosoft’s Strategic Partnership with the BBC In a groundbreaking move, Spyrosoft Ltd. has entered into a strategic collaboration with the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) to provide Digital Engineering Augmentation services in the UK. This partnership, forged in December 2023, signifies a significant milestone in the realm of digital transformation within the media and entertainment industry. Driving Digital Transformation for the BBC Under the terms of the cooperation agreement, Spyrosoft will serve as an external partner, leveraging its technology expertise and resources to bolster the BBC’s media technology teams in the United Kingdom. Over the course of the initial The post Revealed: BBC’s Secret Weapon for Digital Transformation Unveiled! appeared first on Business Today","id":1184937},{"url":"https://businesstoday.news/shocking-revelation-manchester-law-firm-takes-on-wealth-giant-over-overcharging-scandal/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=shocking-revelation-manchester-law-firm-takes-on-wealth-giant-over-overcharging-scandal","titre":"Shocking Revelation: Manchester Law Firm Takes on Wealth Giant Over Overcharging Scandal!","pubDate":"Wed, 13 Mar 2024 16:30:42 +0100","source":"Business Today","description":"Key Takeaways: In a bold move against corporate overreach, a Manchester-based law firm, Barings Law, has announced plans to tackle the overcharging claims directed at St James’s Place, the UK’s largest wealth manager. With a surge in client complaints regarding excessive fees and unfulfilled services, Barings Law is expanding its workforce and establishing a new division dedicated to addressing these grievances head-on. As allegations of financial misconduct continue to surface, the battle for accountability in the financial sector intensifies. Let’s delve into the details of this groundbreaking initiative and its implications for both consumers and the financial industry. A Growing The post Shocking Revelation: Manchester Law Firm Takes on Wealth Giant Over Overcharging Scandal! appeared first on Business Today","id":1182348},{"titre":"Breaking News: Marketing Agency Shakes Up Leadership Team in Strategic Move!","url":"https://businesstoday.news/breaking-news-marketing-agency-shakes-up-leadership-team-in-strategic-move/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=breaking-news-marketing-agency-shakes-up-leadership-team-in-strategic-move","pubDate":"Tue, 12 Mar 2024 16:37:57 +0100","description":"Key Takeaways: In a bold strategic move aimed at propelling its global growth trajectory, ramarketing, a leading international life science marketing agency, has announced a series of pivotal leadership appointments. With a strong emphasis on fostering diversity and nurturing talent, the agency has unveiled a female-led leadership team to spearhead its ambitious expansion plans and drive innovation in the life sciences sector. Championing Diversity: Ramarketing’s Vision Unveiled Against the backdrop of an evolving industry landscape and a renewed focus on diversity and inclusion, ramarketing has unveiled a transformative leadership overhaul. With over 80% of its leadership team now comprised of The post Breaking News: Marketing Agency Shakes Up Leadership Team in Strategic Move! appeared first on Business Today","id":1179954,"source":"Business Today"},{"source":"Business Today","description":"Key Takeaways: In a revealing study by Fair4All Finance, the not-for-profit financial inclusion organization, it has been discovered that women, once rejected for credit or loans, are more likely than men to perceive “no” as a final verdict. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, the findings shed light on the gender credit crunch, emphasizing the need for addressing financial inequalities faced by women. Breaking Down the Gender Credit Crunch: A Comprehensive Analysis Barriers to Credit Applications: The study, polling 3,101 adults across the UK, uncovered that over a third of women (36%) are deterred from applying for credit due to The post The Gender Credit Crunch: How Women Navigate Financial Rejection appeared first on Business Today","id":1170683,"titre":"The Gender Credit Crunch: How Women Navigate Financial Rejection","url":"https://businesstoday.news/the-gender-credit-crunch-how-women-navigate-financial-rejection/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-gender-credit-crunch-how-women-navigate-financial-rejection","pubDate":"Thu, 07 Mar 2024 16:31:41 +0100"}]