AMD in the chips after Intel antitrust settlement Nov 13, 2009
Also, New York state last week filed an antitrust suit against Intel, the Federal Trade Commission is considering opening a case, and the company also is facing a comparatively small $18. 6 million fine in Korea. (FCW.com)
Singletary: FTC keeping an eye on debt collections Nov 13, 2009
The FTC reports it receives more complaints about debt collectors than it does from any other specific industry ... Last year the FTC said it won the largest civil penalty ever 2 ... The FTC has already begun investigating what changes are needed. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Privacy Debacle Hall of Fame Nov 13, 2009
Sued by the FTC, the company paid $15 million in a settlement earlier this year -- at least $5 million of which goes to the consumers whose lives they ruined. 9. (Yahoo News -- Online Privacy)
Electronic Privacy Information Center: Privacy Nov 13, 2009
What the FTC has done (or not done) on protecting privacy on the net and with credit reports. Our financial privacy resources include in-depth discussions of the (law enforcement access and commercial privacy involving credit reporting agencies), the (commercial privacy involving financial services), and the (law enforcement access to financial services records). (Yahoo News -- Online Privacy)
Something phishy? Nov 13, 2009
Report all suspicious contacts to the Federal Trade Commission at or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT.. According to Laney, residents who suspect they have fallen prey to a phishing scam should contact their personal banking institution immediately. (Terrell Tribune, TX)
Guide to Online Security Nov 13, 2009
Tips from the Federal Trade Commission about computer security and safeguarding personal information. Offers tips, tutorials and other interactive tools to help Internet users create a safe, secure and positive online environment. (Yahoo News -- Online Privacy)
Intel finally settles with AMD Nov 13, 2009
The Federal Trade Commission has also been weighing an investigation into Intel's behavior. It's unclear how much Intel's adherence to the agreed set of business practices will satisfy regulators and help its legal appeals, though it should show that Intel is working in good faith with its chief rival. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
More Intel settlements ahead? Nov 13, 2009
Mulloy did say Intel is in discussions with the Federal Trade Commission, which is rumored to be "close" to filing a complaint against Intel. "We'll be talking to them in very near future about the AMD agreement.". (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Agreeing on a pay-off Nov 13, 2009
America s Federal Trade Commission was also widely expected to join the fray within weeks. Regulators claim that Intel has offered discounts and rebates to computer makers that were often conditional on the exclusion of its rival, AMD. The European Commission notes one case when Intel paid Media-Saturn Holding, Germany s largest electronics retailer, to sell only computers with Intel chips inside. (The Economist)
Intel and AMD Reach a Landmark Settlement Nov 13, 2009
AMD's settlement doesn't fully defuse the FTC's investigation, says antitrust lawyer David Balto, a former FTC attorney. "FTC action is necessary to assure long-term relief in this market, that competition is fully restored and that consumers have the benefit of an open market," Balto says. (BusinessWeek)
A History of Intel and AMD's Legal Battles Nov 13, 2009
U.S. Federal Trade Commission opens formal probe of Intel's behavior. 1. (ABC News -- Wire)
Talecris to add 250 jobs in $270M Clayton expansion Nov 13, 2009
Talecris, CSL and market-leader of Illinois control 83 percent of the U.S. market for blood-based drugs, and the Federal Trade Commission in May said it would sue to block the merger. The commission said it did not want to see further consolidation in the plasma drug industry, which has shrunk from 13 players in 1990 to five today. (Triangle Business Journal)
Calif. Bar Crackdown on Loan Modification Misconduct Claims 5 More Attorneys Nov 12, 2009
In August, the FTC obtained a stipulated federal court order banning Lucas Law Center and its principals from misrepresenting their services and charging upfront fees ... He said he was the subject of fewer than 10 complaints to the Bar from among 2,200 clients until the FTC shut down his business, taking $1. (Law.com)
BBB Hawaii warns of scams using Google's name, logo Nov 12, 2009
Two Web sites, Google Treasure Chest and Google Money Tree, generated hundreds of complaints each before attracting the attention of the Federal Trade Commission and state Attorneys General for misleading consumers, including at least one from Hawaii, the BBB said ... Two Web sites, Google Treasure Chest and Google Money Tree, generated hundreds of complaints each before attracting the attention of the Federal Trade Commission and state Attorneys General for misleading consumers, including at... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Seniors: What you must know about identity theft Nov 12, 2009
If anything on your statements or credit report looks odd, contact your credit card company or the Federal Trade Commission respectively. Medicare fraud occurs when an individual receives Medicare benefits to which they are not entitled. (Reading Advocate, MA)
Payday Loans Out of Control? Get Help Now Nov 11, 2009
According to a recent Federal Trade Commission Consumer Alert, if you pay $15 to borrow $100 for two weeks, the actual annual percentage rate is 391 percent. Keep rolling over the loan instead of paying it back, and you're charged another $15 every time you roll it over. (Townhall.com)
Seton Confirms Its In Talks About Acquiring Kings Daughters Hospital Nov 11, 2009
Seton Confirms Its In Talks About Acquiring Kings Daughters Hospital The Austin-based Seton health system confirmed Monday evening that its in talks with Scott Hospital about acquiring Kings Daughters Hospital in Temple, which Scott had planned to turn into a childrens hospital until the Federal Trade Commission threw up a roadblock ... TEMPLE (November 9, 2009)The Austin-based Seton health system confirmed Monday evening that it has been in talks since Oct. 30 with Scott... (KWTX.com, TX)
PepsiCo Withdraws FTC Filings in Bottler Deals Nov 11, 2009
PepsiCo withdraws FTC paperwork in bottler buyouts to allow more review time, plans to refile ... The world's second-biggest soft drink maker said it withdrew the pre-merger paperwork, required by the Hart-Scott-Rudino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, to give the FTC more time to review the deal. (ABC News -- Wire)
Lawyer: FTC likely to take action against Intel Nov 11, 2009
FTC Chairman Jon Liebowitz will be hard pressed not to follow the lead of New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, who last week filed an against Intel, says Pupkin, head of the antitrust, competition and international trade unit at the law firm of ... "The FTC would look foolish if, after having opened a formal investigation, it refuses to take any punitive action against the company when so many other enforcement bodies have taken action," says Pupkin ... Pupkin says Intel has probably begun... (USA Today -- Tech)
Please read it. Nov 11, 2009
For free information about avoiding advance fee loan scams, write the Federal Trade Commission, Washington, D.C. 20580, or call the National Fraud Information Center, 1-800-876-7060 ... For more information about credit card scams, write the Federal Trade Commission, Washington, D.C. 20580. (The Palm Beach Post)
FTC Seeks Contempt Charges Against Lawyer Over Fees Nov 11, 2009
com - FTC Seeks Contempt Charges Against Lawyer Who Won't Turn Over Fees ... FTC Seeks Contempt Charges Against Lawyer Who Won't Turn Over Fees ... FTC Seeks Contempt Charges Against Lawyer Who Won't Turn Over Fees. (Law.com)
Does Intel Hold the Edge in Antitrust Cases? Nov 11, 2009
Dramatic chip-price drops could confound antitrust complaints by New York State, AMD, and the FTC despite Intel's alleged payments to PC makers ... The first part shouldn't be a problem, say attorneys who include Stephen Calkins, a former FTC lawyer who teaches law at Wayne State University ... "If a firm coerces its customers into deals [they] might not prefer, that is direct evidence of market power that is a very good evidence of abuse," says David Balto, former policy director at the FTC.. (BusinessWeek)
» More Related Web Sites Nov 11, 2009
From the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. - independent, non-profit privacy initiative dedicated to building users' trust and confidence on the Internet and accelerating growth of the Internet industry. (Yahoo News -- Online Privacy)
Underage Drinking Nov 10, 2009
Search the District, Virginia and Maryland. Read reactions to this story. (W-USA News, DC)
Parents can get refunds for Baby Einstein' DVDs Nov 10, 2009
The offer is a victory for the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, which filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission that accused Baby Einstein, Brainy Baby and BabyFirst TV with making false and deceptive claims about the educational value of its products. Get smart. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
Should Web Search Data Be Stored? Nov 9, 2009
There is a proposal in Congress to mandate that Internet companies eliminate search query information immediately unless they can prove to the Federal Trade Commission that there is a "legitimate" business reason for retaining the data. This is an awful idea. (Yahoo News -- Online Privacy)
MoneyGram to pay $18M in fraud case Nov 9, 2009
WASHINGTON In one of the largest consumer payouts of its type, MoneyGram International Inc. has agreed to fork over $18 million to the Federal Trade Commission to settle charges that it knowingly allowed its operation to be used by con artists to swindle U.S. consumers out of millions of dollars. "This is a pretty significant amount of money to return to consumers," said FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz. (Honolulu Advertiser)
14 Comments Nov 9, 2009
Thank you FTC for doing what was right ... Posted by: Corey Location: Austin on Nov 8, 2009 at 10:02 AM Thank you FTC ... Glad the FTC was on the ball on this one. (KWTX.com, TX)
Privacy Debacle Hall of Fame Nov 8, 2009
Sued by the FTC, the company paid $15 million in a settlement earlier this year -- at least $5 million of which goes to the consumers whose lives they ruined. 9. (Yahoo News -- Online Privacy)
Complaints about Dell coupons are common Nov 8, 2009
If you re having the same problem, report it to Dell and then lodge a complaint with the state attorney general and the Federal Trade Commission. Update on ID scans Some in the alcoholic beverage industry took exception to last week s column that asserted scanning the driver s license of a man older than 60 could have questionable motives. (Boston Globe)
A bill for an ad turns out to be a scam Nov 8, 2009
and filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. She also contacted The Advocate, hoping her experience could be a lesson to other businesses and their employees. (Albany Times Union)
FTC settlement emphasizes the need to be careful when wiring money Nov 8, 2009
This is a pretty significant amount of money to return to consumers, said FTC chairman Jon Leibowitz. The money the FTC is getting from MoneyGram will go to provide relief to victims ... The FTC alleged that MoneyGram knew that its system was being used to defraud people but didn t do enough about it, and in some cases MoneyGram agents participated in the schemes. (Boston Globe)
FTC case shows the extent of wire fraud Nov 8, 2009
"This is a pretty significant amount of money to return to consumers," said FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz. The money the FTC is getting from MoneyGram will go directly to provide relief to victims ... The FTC still is working on how to verify claims and when people will be paid. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Electronic Privacy Information Center: Privacy Nov 7, 2009
What the FTC has done (or not done) on protecting privacy on the net and with credit reports. Our financial privacy resources include in-depth discussions of the (law enforcement access and commercial privacy involving credit reporting agencies), the (commercial privacy involving financial services), and the (law enforcement access to financial services records). (Yahoo News -- Online Privacy)
Bruce Mandelblit: Beware of Travel Scams Nov 7, 2009
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns of possible travel scams of which all Americans should be aware. According to the FTC, while some travel opportunities sold on the phone or offered through the mail, Internet, or fax are legitimate, many are, unfortunately, scams. (Newsmax)
Singletary: FTC keeping an eye on debt collections Nov 7, 2009
The FTC reports it receives more complaints about debt collectors than it does from any other specific industry ... Last year the FTC said it won the largest civil penalty ever 2 ... The FTC has already begun investigating what changes are needed. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Intel Antitrust, 'Net Bug, Coding Error Nov 7, 2009
New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo filed federal antitrust charges against Intel this week, with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission expected to follow suit. Security problems yet again snagged a lot of IT headline attention, including news about yet another flaw affecting Facebook and MySpace users. (Yahoo News -- Technology)
Are Your Products Really 'Green'? Nov 6, 2009
Some Companies Halted Claims Following FTC Complaint ... "In fact, the fiber that's used in each of these is rayon," Jim Kohm of the FTC told "Good Morning America." ... The FTC also recently brought cases against three products labeled biodegradable, when in reality they're unlikely to break down. (ABC News -- Business)
* Review of Taiwan Mobile-Kbro deal extended 30 days Nov 6, 2009
The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) announced yesterday it would extend its review of Taiwan Mobile Cos (xWjj) planned acquisition of a majority stake in Kbro Co () for another 30 days because the deal would have a significant impact on competition ... The NCC, which has yet to give the FTC its views on the deal, is reportedly concerned the purchase would give Taiwan Mobile a one-third share of the cable TV market. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
FTC Red Flags Rules: How to create an identity theft prevention plan Nov 6, 2009
As of this week, the FTC has begun enforcing the , which mandate that certain businesses create and maintain a written identity theft prevention plan ... Examples suggested by the FTC include small-business accounts and sole proprietor accounts ... Crafting an identity theft prevention plan According to the FTC, the identity theft prevention plan consists of four main parts. (Search Security, MA)
Intel Faces Antitrust Lawsuit, Kickbacks Alledged Nov 6, 2009
"Consumers have paid more for slower computers and competition has been dampened," said David Balto, a former Federal Trade Commission official who became a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, a think tank ... The Federal Trade Commission, meanwhile, opened a formal inquiry into Intel in June 2008, and at least three of four commissioners have backed the filing of a complaint, people familiar with the review have said. (Datamation)
Regulators take bite out of Snyder's, Utz deal Nov 6, 2009
After failing to clear a regulatory hurdle with the Federal Trade Commission, Utz decided to back out of the deal and avoid a lengthy approval process, according to a prepared statement from Snyder s, based in Hanover, Pa. While the decision was unexpected, it s best that Snyder s move on to other opportunities that are available to our company, said Carl E. Lee Jr., CEO of Snyder s.. (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)
verizon will sue someone who farts and doesn't say exactly what kind of fart it... Nov 6, 2009
Better Business Bureau Refers Comcast 'Fiber-Optic' Claim To FTC ... In a statement, Verizon said, "For years Comcast has confused consumers by making false claims that their network is all-fiber-optic like Verizon's. Their refusal to participate in a self-regulatory process is clearly part of their ongoing strategy of delay that allows them to continue making claims that have only one objective -- befuddling consumers. We welcome and eagerly await the FTC's review that we believe will result in... (Multichannel News)
Verizon Pulls the Fiber Alarm Nov 6, 2009
If an advertiser doesn;t cooperate with the NAD, the group routinely refers the matter to the appropriate government agency (in this case, the Federal Trade Commission). Meanwhile, Verizon has itself been accused of deceptive and misleading advertising more than once. (Multichannel News)
FTC reviewing CVS Caremark practices Nov 6, 2009
CVS suggested the FTC inquiry is connected to complaints made by the Change to Win coalition of labor unions. Change to Win has said CVS Caremark s size and buying power are bad for consumers, and accused CVS of a stocking expired products and violating patients privacy, among other issues. (Boston Globe)
Market Winners & Losers: IMS Health, CVS Caremark Nov 6, 2009
CVS Caremark Corp. (CVS) An antitrust probe by the FTC dropped the pharmacy companys shares 20. 1. (Fox News)
Scam Targets Ego, Empties Wallet Nov 6, 2009
Bottom line: The Federal Trade Commission says the ads are deceptive and violate consumer protection laws. The complaints are being investigated. (KIRO TV, WA)
Guide to Online Security Nov 6, 2009
Tips from the Federal Trade Commission about computer security and safeguarding personal information. Offers tips, tutorials and other interactive tools to help Internet users create a safe, secure and positive online environment. (Yahoo News -- Online Privacy)
The Post Off-Year Election Gabfest Nov 6, 2009
This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss what the president should do about Afghanistan, the FTC decision to regulate bloggers, and the Supreme Court's new term. Here are some of the links and references mentioned during this week's show. (Slate)
N.Y. files antitrust suit against Intel, alleges threats, kickbacks Nov 6, 2009
Meanwhile, regulators in Japan and at the U.S. Federal Trade Commission continue to actively investigate Intel's business practices. And dozens of class-action lawsuits seeking unspecified damages for consumers being harmed by Intel's dealings with PC makers have been filed across the U.S. All of these cases tie back to a civil antitrust lawsuit AMD filed against Intel in 2005, says Intel corporate spokesman Chuck Mulloy. (USA Today -- Tech)
N.Y. Files Antitrust Suit Against Chip Maker IntelLawsuit claims company used "illegal threats" to dominate marketplace. Nov 5, 2009
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is also investigating. That probe might take on increased urgency considering the mounting charges and the Obama administration's pledge to pursue antitrust cases more vigorously than the Bush administration did. (ABC News -- Business)
Industry Self-Regulation Of Online Privacy Has Failed: CDD Nov 5, 2009
"Given the new leadership at the FTC, there is no longer any reason for the commission to fail to analyze the information available, and to develop reasonable principles to protect consumers online," the groups argued ... That's why this new proceeding must lead to FTC action that will ensure that consumer privacy online is finally safeguarded. (Multichannel News)
Google's 3Q lobbying costs eclipse $1 million Nov 5, 2009
Google also lobbied Congress and the Federal Trade Commission about regulations affecting online advertising, which provided most of the company's $17 billion in revenue during the first nine months of the year. Other topics addressed in Google's third-quarter lobbying agenda included: cloud computing, a term used to describe computer applications that are delivered through Internet connections instead of installed on the hard drives of individual machines; the Internet's fight against child... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
FTC also likely to target Intel Nov 5, 2009
FTC also likely to move on Intel. Article:FTC also likely to move on Intel:/c/a/2009/11/04/BU0J1AES55 ... DTL Article:FTC also likely to move on Intel:/c/a/2009/11/04/BU0J1AES55. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Better Business Bureau Refers Comcast 'Fiber-Optic' Claim To FTC Nov 5, 2009
In a statement, Verizon said, "For years Comcast has confused consumers by making false claims that their network is all-fiber-optic like Verizon's. Their refusal to participate in a self-regulatory process is clearly part of their ongoing strategy of delay that allows them to continue making claims that have only one objective -- befuddling consumers. We welcome and eagerly await the FTC's review that we believe will result in Comcast's withdrawal of this false claim.". For example, the telco... (Multichannel News)
NY's attorney general files antitrust lawsuit against Intel Nov 5, 2009
The Federal Trade Commission has been investigating Intel since2008, but has not begun formal proceedings against the company. Intel has also faced similar lawsuits in Asia and Europe, and in May the European Commission fined the company a record 1. (Xinhuanet, China)
Mickey Mouses Makeover Nov 5, 2009
45 billion fine to antitrust authorities in Europe and faces an investigation by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. This new complaint also brings to light e-mail correspondences between executives at Intel and other companies, as well as offering up estimates for just how much Intel may have paid to maintain business with its partners. (Slate)
Consumers say credit wrongfully ruined by reckless debt collectors Nov 4, 2009
This just as complaints to the Federal Trade Commission are going up about abusive debt collectors, making them one of the most complained about industries in America. To help uncover this story, KHOU used the Freedom of Information Act to obtain a database of every consumer complaint filed with the Federal Trade Commission since 2006 ... The vast majority of complaints at the Federal Trade Commission are never looked at by an investigator. (KHOU.com, TX)
SHARING: More stories on philanthropy and good works Nov 4, 2009
The Federal Trade Commission gets many complains of charity fraud, but the true number is probably far greater, because most victims of charity fraud don't realize they've been defrauded, an FTC official says. That special glow you get from giving to those less fortunate than you shines just a bit brighter when your contributions are tax-deductible. (USA Today -- Money)
A free credit score followed by a monthly bill Nov 4, 2009
The Federal Trade Commission is not amused ... The Federal Trade Commission is not amused. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
FTC rules against Web practices of real estate group Nov 4, 2009
The FTC's opinion, issued Monday, said that Realcomp restricted access to listings of discount real-estate services. Realcomp restricted the listings of real-estate brokers who have offered discounted services, such as lower commission rates, flat fees or unbundled real-estate services, the FTC said ... The opinion reverses a 2007 decision by an FTC administrative law judge, who ruled in favor of Realcomp. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
KSO warns of phishing scam Nov 3, 2009
Report all suspicious contacts to the Federal Trade Commission at or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT.. According to Laney, residents who suspect they have fallen prey to a phishing scam should contact their personal banking institution immediately. (Terrell Tribune, TX)
Don’t get fooled again: freecreditreport.com aims to make you spend money Nov 3, 2009
But the Federal Trade Commission has received many complaints from consumers who were misdirected from the official site. Every consumer is entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies: , Experian, and TransUnion. (Boston Globe)
Display Balance And Win Nov 3, 2009
Three of 4 commissioners on the FTC, which opened a formal inquiry in June '08, favor filing a complaint vs. the chip giant, sources told Reuters. The FTC's probe into Intel's (INTC) practices is reportedly broader than one by the EU, which has fined Intel $1. (Investors Business Daily)
NJ telemarketer admits role in big Internet scam Nov 1, 2009
GoInternet, in business from 1997 to 2004, was the target of a civil suit by the Federal Trade Commission and was accused by several states of violating do-not-call lists. The FTC case led to a $58 million judgment against Saferstein and GoInternet. (Yahoo News -- Technology)
