The FTC announced that it had reached a $30 million settlement to resolve charges against Career Education Corp (CEC)—an Illinois-based, for-profit education provider—resulting from unlawful tactics used by third-party lead generators. The FTC complaint alleges that CEC and its lead generators violated the agency’s requirements regarding “clear and conspicuous disclosures” in advertisements. The primary complaint… Continue reading FTC Reaches Multimillion-Dollar Settlement for Violations Committed by Lead Generating Vendors
Tag: Regulatory Enforcement
FTC Launches Operation Call It Quits Against Robocallers
On July 25th, 2019, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), along with its state and federal partners, announced a major crackdown on illegal robocalls. The program, called Operation Call It Quits, includes 94 actions targeting operations responsible for over one billion calls. Enforcement actions have targeted robocallers pitching “fraudulent money-making opportunities” and “medical alert systems.” Combined… Continue reading FTC Launches Operation Call It Quits Against Robocallers
Robocall Scammer’s Historic $120 Million FCC Fine
The largest robocall fine in history was issued by the Federal Trade Commission (FCC). The $120 million fine against Adrian Abramovich was for making nearly 100 million robocalls over a three month period that spoofed CallerID.
Violator of TSR and DNC Fined $45 Million by FTC
Three Utah-based firms and their owner have agreed to a proposed court order settling the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) charges against them. The proposed court order imposes a $45.5 million civil penalty judgment, of which all but $487,735 is conditionally suspended, provided certain conditions are met.
Telemarketing Charity Fundraiser Fined $250,000
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to file a complaint against the Ohio based charity and political fundraiser, InfoCision. The company is alleged to have violated the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) by making false or misleading statements that induce consumers to make donations.
Leaked Email Reveals A New Pro-Business CFPB
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is going through major changes under the new leadership of Mick Mulvaney. In a leaked internal email sent by President Trump’s acting director to staff, he issued his mission statement and set a clear new course for the CFPB.
FTC Announces Annual Maximum Fine Increase for TSR Violations
The FTC announced today that the maximum civil fine for violations of the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) has increased from $40,654 to $41,484.
FTC Shuts Down Lead Generation Business
A lead generation business in the solar industry settled with the FTC the charge that it violated the TSR. The companies, operated by brothers Francisco and Julio Salvat, placed millions of illegal calls to consumers listed on the Do Not Call Registry.
Real Estate Agents: Are You DNC Compliant?
There is an assumption that Do Not Call (DNC) and Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) regulations do not apply to real estate agents because they are independent contractors. Big businesses are often seen in the spotlight for violating these statutes and individuals may think that their actions will go unnoticed by Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulators. These assumptions are false. Compliance is mandatory for real estate agents.
Compliance ALERT: Impact of EU Data Privacy Regulation
Brace yourself for the next wave of data protection rules from our European neighbors. Time is running out for marketers to begin preparations for the new data privacy regulation adopted by the European Union (EU). The EU Parliament approved the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on April 14, 2016. As expected, the GDPR will have… Continue reading Compliance ALERT: Impact of EU Data Privacy Regulation