Tag:

Consumer protection

GoFundMe Accused Of Creating 1.4M Plagiarized Campaigns, MD's AG Wants Answers GoFundMe Accused Of Creating 1.4M Plagiarized Campaigns, MD's AG Wants Answers
GoFundMe Accused Of Creating 1.4M Plagiarized Campaigns, MD's AG Wants Answers Prosecutors across the Northeast are demanding answers from GoFundMe after reports that the fundraising platform created donation pages for more than 1.4 million charities without their permission. Attorneys general from Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania are among 21 states that sent a letter to GoFundMe on Tuesday, March 3. The group accused GoFundMe of potentially misleading donors and violating state charitable solicitation and consumer protection laws. Officials say the pages were created without the charities' prior knowledge or consent…
Massive Shredded Cheese Recall Sparked By Metal Fragment Risk Massive Shredded Cheese Recall Sparked By Metal Fragment Risk
Massive Shredded Cheese Recall Sparked By Metal Fragment Risk A popular shredded cheese sold under multiple store brands is being pulled from supermarket shelves after a packaging concern raised food-safety warnings across much of the country. Great Lakes Cheese Company says a series of mozzarella and blend-style shredded cheeses may contain metal fragments linked to an upstream ingredient supplier. The company initiated a voluntary recall after determining certain batches made it into circulation before the issue was discovered. The products span a wide range of private-label brands sold at major retailers, including Walmart, Target, Aldi, and severa…
How To Avoid Lottery, Prize Scams: You Didn’t Enter, But You 'Won'? How To Avoid Lottery, Prize Scams: You Didn’t Enter, But You 'Won'?
How To Avoid Lottery, Prize Scams: You Didn’t Enter, But You 'Won'? A surprise message says you hit the jackpot, but there’s a catch: you must pay a fee or hand over personal details to claim it.  That’s the hallmark of a lottery or prize scam—designed to separate you from your money and identity. These schemes often arrive by email, text, phone, or mail and lean on pressure tactics to force quick decisions.  Scammers frequently demand “taxes,” “processing,” or “shipping” upfront, or ask for sensitive data to “verify” you.  Legitimate lotteries do not require payment to release a prize, and you should never be asked for your Social Security…
Zillow Hit With Class Action Over ‘Hidden Fees’ That Drove Up Home Prices, Lawsuit Says Zillow Hit With Class Action Over ‘Hidden Fees’ That Drove Up Home Prices, Lawsuit Says
Zillow Hit With Class Action Over ‘Hidden Fees’ That Drove Up Home Prices, Lawsuit Says Zillow is facing a sweeping class action lawsuit accusing the real estate giant of using deceptive online practices that secretly inflated commissions and drove up home prices across the country. The complaint, filed Sept. 19 in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington (attached), claims Zillow routed buyers to Zillow-affiliated “Flex” agents while concealing hefty back-end referral fees of up to 40% of the agent’s commission. These “Hidden Zillow Fees” were allegedly never disclosed to buyers or sellers. The lawsuit alleges the potential class is massive. “The Class membe…
Don't Fall For Automatic Withdrawal Scams: Here's What To Know Don't Fall For Automatic Withdrawal Scams: Here's What To Know
Don't Fall For Automatic Withdrawal Scams: Here's What To Know The latest trick to drain your checking account doesn’t require your debit card. Just your bank and routing numbers.  Fraudsters posing as prize promoters or special-offer reps convince victims to “verify” account details, then use that information to pull money out—often again and again. Here’s what to know to spot these schemes and protect your money. What They Are These scams hinge on a criminal getting your bank account and routing numbers, often from a check image, a cold call, a mailed postcard, or a too-good-to-be-true email. The criminal then initiates unauthorized autom…
Don’t Cash In: Unsolicited Checks Could Cost You Big Don’t Cash In: Unsolicited Checks Could Cost You Big
Don’t Cash In: Unsolicited Checks Could Cost You Big Receiving a check in the mail might seem like a stroke of luck, but experts warn it could be the start of a costly scam.  Authorities are alerting consumers about a surge in unsolicited check fraud schemes targeting people across the US. How The Scam Works Unsolicited check fraud typically begins when you receive a check from someone you don’t know.  The scammer may contact you about a job, a prize, or even as an overpayment for something you’re selling online.  The check looks genuine, and when you deposit it, the funds may appear in your account almost immediately. But …
Trump Admin Ends Plan To Make Airlines Pay For Disrupted Flights Trump Admin Ends Plan To Make Airlines Pay For Disrupted Flights
Trump Admin Ends Plan To Make Airlines Pay For Disrupted Flights The Trump administration is abandoning a Biden-era proposal that would have required airlines to compensate passengers with cash, meals, and hotel stays for cancellations or long delays. The Transportation Department revealed that it plans to withdraw the rule, according to a document posted online on Thursday, Sept. 4. The DOT called the move "consistent with department and administration priorities." The proposal was first unveiled in December 2024, just weeks before former President Joe Biden left office. The regulation would have forced airlines to issue at least $20…
Fake Amazon Recall Texts Prompt FTC Warning Fake Amazon Recall Texts Prompt FTC Warning
Fake Amazon Recall Texts Prompt FTC Warning The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is urging the public to ignore and delete a new wave of phishing texts that masquerade as recall notices from Amazon and dangle instant refunds. According to the agency’s consumer-protection unit, the messages claim a “routine quality inspection” found a defect in a recent Amazon purchase. Buyers can secure a full refund — no return required — simply by tapping a supplied link. In reality, there is no refund. Clicking routes victims to look-alike sites designed to harvest Amazon credentials, credit-card numbers, or other personal data that can be resold or…
LA Fitness Trapped Customers In Gym Contracts, FTC Lawsuit Claims LA Fitness Trapped Customers In Gym Contracts, FTC Lawsuit Claims
LA Fitness Trapped Customers In Gym Contracts, FTC Lawsuit Claims Canceling gym memberships turned into a maze of hurdles for LA Fitness customers, according to a federal lawsuit. LA Fitness is accused of using "opaque and complicated methods" that made it nearly impossible for members to end recurring charges. The Federal Trade Commission announced a lawsuit against the national gym chain on Wednesday, Aug. 20. The complaint targets California-based Fitness International and Fitness & Sports Clubs. The companies operate LA Fitness along with Esporta Fitness, City Sports Club, and Club Studio.  Together, the companies run more than 600 gyms…
Phony Amazon Messages Target Shoppers With New Tricks: What To Know Now Phony Amazon Messages Target Shoppers With New Tricks: What To Know Now
Phony Amazon Messages Target Shoppers With New Tricks: What To Know Now That email claiming to be from Amazon about a mysterious order or urgent account issue? It could be a scammer’s trap waiting for you to click. Amazon users are being warned about a fresh wave of sophisticated scams hitting inboxes.  Fraudsters are sending emails and texts that look like they're from Amazon, often claiming something’s wrong with your account or a suspicious purchase has been made.  The messages urge you to click a link or call a customer service numbe, leading you straight into a scam. According to online security firm ExpressVPN, these phishing emails are design…
MD Ticket Broker Rigged System To Resell Taylor Swift Tickets For Huge Profits: FTC MD Ticket Broker Rigged System To Resell Taylor Swift Tickets For Huge Profits: FTC
MD Ticket Broker Rigged System To Resell Taylor Swift Tickets For Huge Profits: FTC The federal government is suing a Maryland ticket broker, accusing the company of scooping up hundreds of thousands of tickets for major events, including Taylor Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour. The Federal Trade Commission announced the lawsuit against Key Investment Group on Monday, Aug. 18. The Pikesville, MD-based broker has operated under names like Epic Seats, TotalTickets.com LLC, and Totally Tix LLC. Investigators said Key Investment Group resold the tickets at steep markups that generated about $64 million in sales. Three of the company's executives are named …
Froot Loops, Other Iconic Cereals To Lose Artificial Colors Under Kellogg’s Deal Froot Loops, Other Iconic Cereals To Lose Artificial Colors Under Kellogg’s Deal
Froot Loops, Other Iconic Cereals To Lose Artificial Colors Under Kellogg’s Deal Bowing to mounting consumer and regulatory pressure, Kellogg’s announced it will remove all artificial dyes from its breakfast cereals sold in the United States. The company said it will make the change by the end of 2027.  It's a move that will transform the look of some of America’s most iconic breakfast foods. The decision follows a legally binding agreement between Kellogg’s and the Texas Attorney General’s office.  This agreement investigated the company’s continued use of synthetic food colorings in the US, despite Kellogg’s having already removed them from cereals sold in…
Fortnite Players Getting $126M In Refunds For Unwanted Charges, FTC Says Fortnite Players Getting $126M In Refunds For Unwanted Charges, FTC Says
Fortnite Players Getting $126M In Refunds For Unwanted Charges, FTC Says Fortnite players across the US are getting a fresh round of cash — and they didn’t even have to win a battle royale to claim it. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced it’s sending out more than $126 million in refunds to players who were charged for unwanted in-game purchases, as part of a settlement with Fortnite’s developer, Epic Games. The latest round of payments includes 969,173 checks and PayPal transfers issued on June 25 and 26, the FTC said this week. This stems from a 2023 settlement in which Epic agreed to pay $245 million after the FTC accused the company of using decept…
Walmart To Pay $10M After Scammers Exploit Money Transfer Services, FTC Says Walmart To Pay $10M After Scammers Exploit Money Transfer Services, FTC Says
Walmart To Pay $10M After Scammers Exploit Money Transfer Services, FTC Says Walmart will pay $10 million and change its money transfer practices after federal regulators said the company let scammers steal hundreds of millions of dollars from Americans. Walmart agreed to the payout in a settlement, the Federal Trade Commission announced on Friday, June 20. The agency's three commissioners unanimously approved the final order. The FTC accused the retail giant of allowing fraudsters to misuse its wire transfer services between 2013 and 2018. "Electronic money transfers are one of the most common ways that scammers tell consumers to send them money, be…
Scammers Using Trump Tariff Confusion To Trick Online Shoppers, BBB Warns Scammers Using Trump Tariff Confusion To Trick Online Shoppers, BBB Warns
Scammers Using Trump Tariff Confusion To Trick Online Shoppers, BBB Warns Scammers are using the confusion surrounding President Donald Trump's changing tariffs to cover up missing packages and ignore refund requests. The Better Business Bureau says it's seeing more reports of shady sellers blaming "tariffs" and "customs delays" when products don't arrive. In many cases, the sellers vanish after taking your money. The BBB has warned that shoppers aren't typically responsible for tariffs after buying online and it's a red flag if a seller says your item is stuck in customs due to tariffs. "After 2 months of not receiving my product I have…
Mold Risks Prompt Massive Recall Of 1.7M+ Air Conditioners Under Many Brand Names Mold Risks Prompt Massive Recall Of 1.7M+ Air Conditioners Under Many Brand Names
Mold Risks Prompt Massive Recall Of 1.7M+ Air Conditioners Under Many Brand Names Nearly 1.75 million window air conditioners imported by a New Jersey company have been recalled after reports of mold exposure and respiratory problems. Midea America Corp. issued the recall for about 1.7 million air conditioners sold in the US and around 45,900 in Canada, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on Thursday, June 5. Midea is headquartered in Parsippany, about 30 miles west of New York City. According to the CPSC, Midea discovered water could pool inside its U and U+ models, creating a risk for mold growth. Mold exposure can trigger respiratory infections,…
NY AG Sues Capital One Over $2B+ Savings Scheme After Trump's CFPB Dropped Case NY AG Sues Capital One Over $2B+ Savings Scheme After Trump's CFPB Dropped Case
NY AG Sues Capital One Over $2B+ Savings Scheme After Trump's Cfpb Dropped Case New York's attorney general is reviving a major consumer protection case that federal regulators dropped shortly after President Donald Trump returned to office. Attorney General Letitia James announced the lawsuit against Capital One on Wednesday, May 14. The suit accuses the banking giant of misleading savings account customers and withholding millions in interest. According to the lawsuit, Capital One used "bait-and-switch" tactics by advertising its 360 Savings account as a high-interest option. The company then secretly offered far better rates to new customers through a…
Eye Drops May Be Contaminated, Sparking Recall Of 1.8M+ Bottles Eye Drops May Be Contaminated, Sparking Recall Of 1.8M+ Bottles
AvKare Recalls 1.8M+ Eye Drop Bottles After FDA Audit More than 1.8 million eye drop bottles distributed nationwide are being recalled because the products may not be sterile. AvKARE issued the voluntary recall for 1,819,080 cartons of eye drops in 75,795 cases. The Tennessee company said an audit by the Food and Drug Administration found manufacturing violations at BRS Analytical Services, the firm responsible for producing the eye care products. The drops were sold under AvKARE's label and shipped between Friday, May 26, 2023, and Monday, April 21, 2025. The FDA classified this as a "Class II" recall, which mean…
Ban On 'Junk Fees' For Tickets, Vacation Rentals Officially Begins: Here's What To Know Ban On 'Junk Fees' For Tickets, Vacation Rentals Officially Begins: Here's What To Know
Ban On 'Junk Fees' For Tickets, Vacation Rentals Officially Begins: Here's What To Know Hotels, vacation rentals, and ticket sellers must now show their full costs up front under a new federal rule  aiming to end "junk fees." The Federal Trade Commission's rule banning "junk fees" officially went into effect on Monday, May 12. The FTC passed the rule in December 2024 to prevent businesses from inflating prices by hiding mandatory costs through vague or hidden charges like "resort," "convenience," or "service" fees. Companies selling concert tickets, hotel stays, and short-term vacation rentals now must display all required fees in advertised prices online, in p…
$18.5M In Checks Going To Deceptive Sweepstakes Victims, FTC Says: See If You Qualify $18.5M In Checks Going To Deceptive Sweepstakes Victims, FTC Says: See If You Qualify
$18.5M In Checks Going To Deceptive Sweepstakes Victims, FTC Says: See If You Qualify More than 280,000 people will receive checks after they were targeted by misleading sweepstakes emails, federal regulators said. According to the Federal Trade Commission, more than $18.5 million in refunds will be sent to 281,724 consumers, the agency said in a news release on Wednesday, April 30. The FTC found that Publishers Clearing House misled shoppers through deceptive online marketing and emails. An FTC investigation found that PCH tricked predominantly older and lower-income people into buying products. The shoppers were given the false impression that making the pur…
Recall Issued For Popular Apple Juice Brand Sold In 28 States Recall Issued For Popular Apple Juice Brand Sold In 28 States
Recall Issued For Popular Apple Juice Brand Sold In 28 States A voluntary recall has been issued for certain batches of a widely sold apple juice brand, according to an alert from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The juice was distributed across 28 states and comes in clear, round glass bottles with white metal screw-top lids packaged in four 10-ounce bottles per pack (six packs per case).  The recall was initiated due to concerns that were not detailed in the FDA’s official notice, but the agency classified the situation as a Class II recall, meaning use of the product could cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences. …
Big Lots Reopening 130+ More Stores In Discount Chain's Revival: See The Full List Big Lots Reopening 130+ More Stores In Discount Chain's Revival: See The Full List
Big Lots Reopening 130+ More Stores In Discount Chain's Revival: See The Full List Big Lots is ramping up its comeback plans under new ownership by opening more than 130 stores, including nearly two dozen in Pennsylvania and Virginia. The discount chain plans to reopen 132 stores across 14 states in May, Variety Wholesalers announced in a news release on Monday, April 28. Pennsylvania (13 stores) and Virginia (10 stores) are among the top states for returning locations. Big Lots will reopen 54 stores on Thursday, May 1, and 78 locations on Thursday, May 15. "The customer response to the newly expanded assortment of fresh inventory and great deals has been overw…
Airbnb Just Made Booking Less Annoying: Here's What Changed Airbnb Just Made Booking Less Annoying: Here's What Changed
Airbnb Just Made Booking Less Annoying: Here's What Changed Airbnb guests around the world will now see the full price – including all fees before taxes – right in search results. The vacation rental company announced the change on Monday, April 21. Airbnb's optional toggle feature to see full pricing is now standard for all users worldwide. The company said nearly 17 million guests had used the toggle since it launched in 2022. "With the global rollout of total price display, we're making it easier for guests to better understand the price they'll pay, and for hosts to succeed in a more transparent marketplace," Airbnb said. Airbnb first tes…
Don't Fall For This EZ-Pass Text Scam Don't Fall For This EZ-Pass Text Scam
Don't Fall For This Ez-pass Text Scam Fraudulent text messages pretending to be from E-ZPass are alarming users with false claims of unpaid tolls and directing them to a deceptive payment website.  Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and avoid clicking any links contained in these messages. These fake texts are often sent from an international number and request the consumer to reply with "Y" to receive a link to a counterfeit payment portal in an attempt to steal personal information and funds from unsuspecting individuals. This smishing tactic is designed to steal personal information and funds fro…
Scammers Stole $14M+ Promising Passive Income From AI-Powered Amazon Shops: FTC Scammers Stole $14M+ Promising Passive Income From AI-Powered Amazon Shops: FTC
Scammers Stole $14M+ Promising Passive Income From Ai-powered Amazon Shops: FTC A federal court has temporarily shut down an online business that regulators accused of deceiving consumers out of more than $14 million with false promises of big earnings through artificial intelligence-powered online stores, officials said. The Federal Trade Commission said Click Profit, operating under names like FBALaunch and Automation Industries, misled consumers into believing they could earn large sums in passive income by selling products on platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and TikTok. The FTC announced the legal action against Click Profit in a news release on Tuesday, Mar. 18…
Child's Brain Injury Sparks Recall Of 10K+ Toddler Stools Sold On Amazon Child's Brain Injury Sparks Recall Of 10K+ Toddler Stools Sold On Amazon
Child's Brain Injury Sparks Recall Of 10K+ Toddler Stools Sold On Amazon More than 10,000 toddler stools sold on Amazon have been recalled after several children were injured in collapsing incidents — including one case where a child suffered a brain injury. The recall affects about 10,300 Onasti Toddler Tower Stools, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Thursday, Mar. 13. The stools can tip over or collapse during use, creating serious fall hazards. The plastic, foldable stools come in multiple colors, including beige, blue, gray, green, and pink. They're about 25 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 32 inches tall. The stools have an adju…
CFPB Drops Capital One Lawsuit As Trump, Musk Target Federal Watchdog CFPB Drops Capital One Lawsuit As Trump, Musk Target Federal Watchdog
Cfpb Drops Capital One Lawsuit As Trump, Musk Target Federal Watchdog The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has dropped a lawsuit against Capital One as concerns grow about the federal agency's future. The CFPB will no longer pursue legal action against Capital One, according to a court filing on Thursday, Feb. 27. The case, filed in January, claimed the banking giant misled customers and withheld more than $2 billion in interest payments. The company based in McLean, Virginia, supported the dismissal. "We welcome the CFPB's decision to dismiss this action, which we strongly disputed," a Capital One spokesperson said in a statement to the Daily Voice…
$39.5M In Fake Sports Gear Seized In Massive Crackdown Before Super Bowl LIX $39.5M In Fake Sports Gear Seized In Massive Crackdown Before Super Bowl LIX
$39.5M In Fake Sports Gear Seized In Massive Crackdown Before Super Bowl LIX Authorities confiscated $39.5 million worth of counterfeit sports merchandise ahead of Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. More than 214,500 items were seized in the year-long crackdown, Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a news release on Wednesday, Feb. 5. "Operation Team Player" targeted fake jerseys, hats, jewelry, and other memorabilia being sold to fans. Led by the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center), the operation involved Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and major sports leagues.  The initia…
Southwest Airlines Sued, Frontier Fined For Chronic Flight Delays: Feds Southwest Airlines Sued, Frontier Fined For Chronic Flight Delays: Feds
Southwest Airlines Sued, Frontier Fined For Chronic Flight Delays: Feds The federal government is suing Southwest Airlines and fined Frontier Airlines, accusing the carriers of illegally operating multiple chronically delayed flights and causing significant problems for travelers. The U.S. Department of Transportation filed a lawsuit against Southwest on Wednesday, Jan. 15, the DOT said in a news release. The suit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California seeks maximum civil penalties against the airline. Federal regulators said they're cracking down on "unrealistic scheduling practices" by Southwest. "Airlines have a l…
H&R Block Fined $7M For Deceptive 'Free' Filing Ads, Must Reform Tax Services: FTC H&R Block Fined $7M For Deceptive 'Free' Filing Ads, Must Reform Tax Services: FTC
H&R Block Fined $7M For Deceptive 'Free' Filing Ads, Must Reform Tax Services: FTC H&R Block will pay $7 million in federal fines for deceptive practices and must implement sweeping changes to its filing services in time for the 2025 tax season, officials said. H&R Block reached the settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, the agency announced in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The order requires the company to revamp its services and pay $7 million to compensate its customers. The settlement stemmed from a February 2024 complaint accusing H&R Block of forcing users to contact customer service to downgrade products. The tax filer was also a…
Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info
Don't Fall For It: New Twist On Imposter Fraud Targets Your Money, Personal Info The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is sounding the alarm on a sophisticated new imposter scheme designed to steal your money and personal information.  These scams are becoming increasingly convincing, but learning to spot the red flags can help you stay protected. How the Scam Works Initial Contact: Scammers pose as representatives from well-known companies, such as Amazon or a tech support service. They’ll claim there’s a routine issue, like suspicious charges on your account, a computer virus, or an account breach. Escalation: The scammers lie, saying your name is tied to serious …