Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Steps Down
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that Jessica Rich, the Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection (BCP), will step down.
FTC Takes Down Two Companies Accused of Illegal Robocalling
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has essentially put an end to the telemarketing operations of Justin Ramsey, owner of Prime Marketing, LLC, and Mike Jones, owner of Allorey, Inc. and several other companies.
FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez Announces Resignation
One week before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, democratic FTC commissioner and chairwoman Edith Ramirez has announced her resignation, effective February 10th.
FTC Releases Letter on Avatar Technology
Today the FTC released a staff opinion letter stating that, effective May 12, 2017 (six months from now), it will no longer distinguish soundboard calls from more traditional prerecorded robocalls.
FTC hikes DNC access fees effective October 1
This week the FTC announced that its FY 2017 fees for accessing the national Do-Not-Call database will be mildly increased to $61 per area code, or $16,714 for the entire national file. The fee increase takes effect on October 1, 2016.
FTC Raises Certain Fines to $40,000 a Pop!
The FTC, in order to adjust for inflation over the last several years, has raised the civil penalty for certain law violations from the previously large $16,000 amount, to a staggering $40,000. Effective August 1, 2016.
The new TSR rules regarding higher risk payment methods take effect
The TSR changes regarding certain types of payment methods, which were announced in November of 2015, have now taken effect. The new FTC rules are aimed at stopping telemarketers from dipping directly into consumer bank accounts.
FTC Comments on FCC's Proposed Rules for Government Debt Collectors
Last week, the FTC filed comments regarding the FCC's recent June 6 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. In its comments, the FTC expressed concern because they field numerous complaints about collections robocalls.
FTC and State of Florida Shut Down Debt-Relief Robocallers
On June 8, 2016, US District Judge Carlos Mendoza of Florida entered a temporary restraining order against Life Management Services and a number or related entities and individuals. The case was brought by the FTC and the State of Florida working together.
Utah Jury Finds Defendants liable for Making 100 Million Calls in Violation of the DNC
On May 25, after an 8-day trial in the US District Court for the District of Utah, the jury reached its verdict in a significant DNC case. The Jury found defendant Feature Films for Families, along with its owner and related entities, liable for making roughly 100 million calls to numbers on the national Do-Not-Call list.