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Bitcoin ATMs (or BTMs) [1] have been popping up at convenience stores, gas stations, and other high-traffic areas for years. [2] For some, they’re a convenient way to buy or send crypto, but for scammers they’ve become an easy way to steal. FTC Consumer Sentinel Network data show that fraud losses at BTMs are skyrocketing, increasing nearly tenfold from 2020 to 2023, and topping $65 million in just the first half of 2024. [3] Since the vast...

As with previously discussed security principles, many common types of software flaws can be preemptively addressed through systematic and known processes that prevent or minimize the likelihood of outages.

Solar energy and other high efficiency home improvements can help reduce energy consumption and lower utility costs for homeowners. As going solar or using clean or renewable energy gets more popular, bad actors have joined the movement, too. Be aware of solar energy scams – everything from scammers pretending to be affiliated with the government or utility company to businesses misrepresenting the cost of improvements, savings, and financing...

The Federal Trade Commission routinely evaluates the privacy representations a company makes against their data handling practices. [1] When discrepancies arise between claim and reality, incorrect assertions about data identification are often to blame. Companies often claim and act as if data that lacks clearly identifying information is anonymous, but data is only anonymous when it can never be associated back to a person. If data can be used...

For thousands of years, from ancient Mesopotamian markets to the modern-day yard sale, sellers have set their prices based, in part, on who was buying. In these transactions, prices can be targeted based on information the seller has about that customer, like their home address, their shopping history, or demographic makeup. Technology has boosted sellers' ability to gather consumer data en masse. Early market research firms developed “Audimeters...

An anonymous messaging app marketed to kids and teens: What could possibly go wrong? A lot, allege the FTC and the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office. A complaint against NGL Labs and founders Raj Vir and Joao Figueiredo alleges violations of the FTC Act, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA), the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA), and the California Business and Professions Code. The company also made AI-related claims the complaint challenges as deceptive. The $5 million financial settlement merits your attention, but it’s the permanent ban on marketing anonymous messaging apps to kids or teens that’s particularly notable.

Regular readers know that when it comes to false “Made in USA” claims, the FTC means business. Lying about product origin hurts consumers, honest businesses, and American workers. That’s why we keep suing companies that don’t play by the rules, assessing penalties where appropriate, and returning money to consumers when we can.

After a careful review process inviting feedback from consumers and industry members, the FTC has announced final updates to its Ophthalmic Practice Rules, also known as the Eyeglass Rule. The primary focus of the revised Rule is to increase compliance with the longstanding requirement that ophthalmologists and optometrists provide patients with a free copy of their prescription immediately following a refractive eye exam.

In March, the Federal Trade Commission hosted the first-ever Technology Forum by the International Competition Network (ICN) members in Washington, D.C. The forum brought together 21 competition agencies spanning the globe from Brazil and Japan to South Africa and Sweden. During the two-day event, representatives from these agencies engaged in discussions about tech- related topics including artificial intelligence (AI), commercial surveillance...

Scammers are all about spinning lies, but they still operate in the real world. Many scammers pretend to be well-known businesses to gain trust and make their stories seem more believable. [1] , [2]And scammers use real-world methods to contact people and to get paid. Reports to the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network point to some of their favorites. Let’s start with the most-impersonated companies. According to 2023 reports, Best Buy’s Geek Squad...