MilConsumer Blog Feed

As an essential engine of the American economy, small business has a big impact. But where can small business owners turn for the capital they need to grow? Traditional lenders are one option, but the “It’s a Wonderful Life” image of George Bailey at the Building & Loan may not reflect reality. New online options may broaden the availability of credit, but they also raise some consumer protection concerns. That was the topic of Strictly Business...

To review everything the FTC did in 2019 dealing with consumer privacy and data security – Enforcement, Advocacy, Rules, Workshops, Consumer Education, Business Guidance, and International Engagement – it could take days to compile all that information. The FTC has an easier way to share those developments with your company, clients, and colleagues. Our annual Privacy & Data Security Update offers a to-the-point take on what happened in 2019...

There’s a text message scam making the rounds that could target your mail room staff, receptionist, or other employees. The FTC has tips on how you can protect your business. Our Consumer Blog describes a text message people are receiving that claims to be a FedEx tracking notice. In variations on the scheme, fraudsters also are falsely invoking the names of UPS and the U.S. Postal Service. According to the text, there’s a “delivery” that needs...

You're a heartbreaker. Dream faker. Trouble maker. Don't you mess around with me. With apologies to Pat Benatar, our version of her hit Heartbreaker could join Love Stinks , You’re No Good , and Lips are Movin’ on our slightly skewed Valentine’s Day playlist. Maybe it’s the decades of dealing with deception, but February 14th reminds us to remind others that sometimes hearts and flowers can give way to hurts and sours – and reports in the FTC...

Ads for health products often target Boomer Consumers, but those aren’t the only claims pitched to people looking toward retirement. An FTC action alleges a company called Online Trading Academy has taken in more than $370 million by gearing its deceptive representations to that demographic. In addition, the complaint alleges violations of the Consumer Review Fairness Act. According to the FTC, the California-based operation, related companies...

Does your company use endorsements in your advertising? Or perhaps you endorse other companies’ products. Then you’ll want to follow the FTC’s just-announced regulatory review of its Endorsement Guides . Every ten years or so, the FTC puts each of its rules and guides under the microscope. What’s the current state of the marketplace? What impact has the rule or guide had on consumers and businesses? Have there been changes in technology that...

You’ve heard of the holder-in-due-course doctrine. An FTC settlement with two Oregon-based businesses introduces the folder -in-due-course doctrine: the principle that it’s illegal to make misleading claims to induce small businesses to buy advertising space in promotional folders. It’s the latest FTC action challenging deceptive practices that target smaller companies. Telemarketers for Production Media Group Corporation, The Ferraro Group, and...

Fake check scams take advantage of what we don’t know about how banks handle check deposits. Scammers do know, and they trick people into sending them money before the bank spots the fake. The FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network database shows that people reported more than 27,000 fake check scams in 2019, with reported losses topping $28 million dollars. And the data suggest that fake check scams disproportionately harm young adults – especially people in their twenties.

It can be one of the biggest expenditures a consumer makes. It’s a uniquely sensitive transaction. And it’s covered by an FTC Rule. We’re talking about funerals and the FTC has just announced that as part of its ongoing regulatory review process, it’s taking another look at the Funeral Industry Practices Rule . In effect since 1984 and last amended in 1994, the Funeral Rule is designed to protect consumers from deception and unfairness. In...

Top picks, star ratings, in-depth reviews. Many consumers don’t buy anything without consulting third-party review sites or checking out the opinions of other customers. But how often are those ratings the product of buying and selling between the “independent” site and companies willing to pay for better play? And are those reviews really from satisfied customers or are they from employees acting on instructions to stuff the ballot box with five...