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Handy Technologies
The Federal Trade Commission, along with the New York Attorney General, are taking action against gig economy company Handy Technologies for making a broad array of deceptive claims about how much money workers on its platform could earn.
The complaint charges that Handy, which currently does business as Angi Services, has peppered its advertisements with earnings claims that don’t reflect the reality for the overwhelming majority of workers on the platform. The complaint also charges that Handy has failed to clearly disclose fees and fines that have led to millions of dollars being withheld from workers.
Under the terms of a proposed settlement order, Handy would be required to turn over $2.95 million to be used to provide refunds to harmed workers, and make substantial changes to ensure that workers give clear consent to any fees charged by the company and that the company gives workers clear direction about how to avoid fines.
Statement of Commissioner Andrew N. Ferguson Concurring in Part and Dissenting in Part FTC v. Handy Technologies, Inc.
FTC Announces Refund Claims Process for Consumers Who Bought Deceptively Marketed Golden Sunrise Nutraceutical Products
Golden Sunrise Nutraceutical, Inc.
In July 2020, the Federal Trade Commission filed a complaint in federal court against the California-based marketers and promoters of bogus treatments for serious medical conditions. The defendants are two corporations headquartered in Porterville, California, and two of their executives: Huu Tieu, president and CEO of both companies; and Stephen Meis, Medical Director and board member of Golden Sunrise Nutraceutical. The complaint alleged that defendants have promoted and sold a variety of products through "plans of care" ranging in price from $23,000 to $200,000, which falsely claim to treat or cure COVID-19, cancer, Parkinson's disease, etc. On June 14, 2021, the FTC announced a proposed order barring the defendants from making bogus health claims. In January 2024, the FTC announced the process defrauded consumers can use to seek refunds.
FTC, Illinois Take Action Against Leader Automotive Group for Overcharging and Deceiving Consumers Through Add-Ons, Junk Fees, Bogus Reviews
FTC, Illinois Attorney General Take Action Against Grubhub for Harming Diners, Workers, and Small Businesses
FTC Acts to Stop Scheme that Bilked Millions out of Student Loan Borrowers
FTC Order Requires Online Retailer GOAT to Pay More than $2 Million to Consumers for Mail Order Rule Violations and to Honor Its Buyer Protection Policies
GOAT, FTC v.
In December 2024, the FTC announced a court order requiring GOAT, a leading online marketplace for sneakers, apparel, and accessories, to pay more than $2 million for violating an agency rule requiring companies to have reasonable shipping practices.
Smart Products Surveyed Fail to Provide Consumers with Information on How Long Companies will Provide Software Updates
Federal Court Orders Harris Jewelry to Restore its Website and Claims Portal for Servicemembers to Request Refunds
FTC Takes Action to Stop Lyft from Deceiving Drivers with Misleading Earnings Claims
FTC Sends More Than $449,000 to Consumers Harmed by ‘Extended Vehicle Warranty’ Scam
American Future Systems, Inc.
In May 2020, the FTC sued the operators of a Pennsylvania-based telemarketing scheme, alleging that they charged organizations such as businesses, schools, fire and police departments, and non-profits for books and newsletter subscriptions they never ordered. The agency’s complaint also names the defendants behind a New York-based debt collection operation, alleging that they illegally threatened the organizations if they failed to pay for the unordered merchandise.
In April 2023, International Credit Recovery, Inc. (ICR), officer Richard Diorio, Jr., and manager Cynthia Powell, have agreed to a permanent ban from the debt collection industry after being charged with engaging in bogus debt collection efforts against businesses and non-profits.
In March 2024, the district court ruled against the FTC on its claims. In June 2024, the district court denied the FTC's post-trial motion to alter or amend judgment.