U.S.A's interesting news

FTC Wins $5.2 Million Judgment against Defendants Who Tricked Consumers with Ads for Non-existent Rental Properties and 'Free' Credit ReportsMoney will be returned to consumers


A federal judge has ordered Credit Bureau Center, LLC and its owner, Michael Brown, to pay more than $5.2 million to return to consumers, to resolve FTC charges that they deceived people with fake rental property ads and deceptive promises of “free” credit reports, and then tricked them into enrolling into a costly monthly credit monitoring service.

Brown and his company, formerly known as MyScore LLC, and their co-defendants placed Craigslist ads for rental properties that did not exist or that they had no right to offer for rent. They impersonated property owners and offered property tours if consumers would first obtain credit reports and scores from their websites. These sites claimed to provide “free” credit reports and scores, but then enrolled consumers in a credit monitoring service with monthly charges of $29.94. Many people did not realize they were enrolled until they noticed unexpected charges on their bank or credit card statements, sometimes after several billing cycles.

At the FTC’s request, a federal court halted the scheme during litigation. In October 2017, the FTC obtained a court order that required Brown’s co-defendants Danny Pierce and Andrew Lloyd to pay a total of $762,000 to resolve the charges against them.

The order announced today grants the FTC’s motion for summary judgmentand enters a final judgment and order against Brown and his company, finding they violated the FTC Act, the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and the Free Annual File Disclosures Rule.

As part of the $5.2 million judgment, the court entered a permanent injunction that bans Brown and his company from selling any credit monitoring service with a negative option feature, and from misrepresenting material facts about any product or service. The order also specifies how they must monitor their affiliate marketers in the future. For example, they must require certain information from affiliates, including their name and location, and advance copies of all marketing materials. They also must investigate any complaints about affiliate marketers and end the affiliation if they find practices the order prohibits.

The order requires Brown and his company to make certain disclosures when selling any product or service with a negative option feature, and when offering free credit reports. It also bars them from using billing information to obtain payments from consumers without first obtaining their express informed consent.

In addition, the order prohibits Brown and his company from profiting from consumers’ personal information obtained as part of the scheme and failing to dispose of it properly.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.


FTC Halts Online Marketers Responsible for Deceptive “Free Trial” Offers
Consumers charged for supposedly “free trials” and enrolled in costly continuity plans



A federal district court has granted the Federal Trade Commission’s request to stop a group of San Diego-based Internet marketers from deceptively advertising free trial offers and not only charging consumers full-price for the trial product, but also enrolling them in expensive, ongoing continuity plans without their knowledge or consent. The court order announced today temporarily halts the operation, freezes its assets, and appoints a temporary receiver over the business.

According to the FTC’s complaint, the defendants market and sell a variety of products online, including skin creams, electronic cigarettes, and dietary supplements. Advertising through third-party websites, blog posts, and surveys, the defendants allegedly offer consumers “RISK FREE” trials of products such as “Wrinkle Rewind,” “Erase Repair H/A,” “Pro Vapor,” “Cerebral X,” “Test X Core,” and “Garcinia Clean XT.”

Consumers who click on these advertisements are taken to the defendants’ websites, which, the complaint alleges, claim to offer trials of these products for just the cost of shipping, which is typically $4.95 or less. The complaint states, however, that consumers who order the free trial wind up being charged as much as $98.71 for the trial shipment, and are also enrolled in a negative-option continuity plan without their consent under which they receive an additional shipment each month and are charged full price for each shipment.

In addition, the FTC alleges the defendants use deceptive order confirmation pages to trick consumers into ordering additional products, for which the defendants similarly charge consumers full price and enroll them in negative-option plans. The defendants then make it difficult to cancel the continuity plan, stop or avoid the recurring charges, or obtain a refund.

Through these allegedly deceptive trial offers, the defendants have made tens of millions of dollars, the FTC contends. The defendants named in the FTC’s complaint are Triangle Media Corporation, Jasper Rain Marketing LLC, Hardwire Interactive Inc., and Brian Phillips, who the FTC alleges owns and operates Triangle Media Corporation.

The complaint charges the defendants with violating the FTC Act, the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act, and the Electronic Fund Transfer Act and its implementing Regulation E. The FTC is seeking an injunction permanently barring the defendants from such practices in the future.

The Commission thanks the following agencies organizations for their collaboration and contributions to this case: the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Nevada Attorney General’s Office, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, the Better Business Bureau of Eastern & Southwest Missouri & Southern Illinois, the Better Business Bureau of Denver & Boulder, the Better Business Bureau of Detroit & Eastern Michigan and the Better Business Bureau of Southern Nevada.

The Commission vote authorizing the staff to file the complaint was 5-0. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, and the court granted the FTC a temporary restraining order against the defendants on June 28, 2018.

NOTE: The Commission files a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the law has been or is being violated and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. The case will be decided by the court.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.















Make Sure You Know the Rules on Summer Wages



If you're hiring seasonal or part-time staff, make sure you know the Department of Labor regulations surrounding this type of employment. Find the answers to common questions about things like payroll, required break periods, and overtime.







The National Park Service Wants to Hire You!

The National Park Service hires thousands of seasonal employees each year for a variety of different positions. Explore temporary work in beautiful preserved public lands across the country, such as environmental education and research positions. You can also browse long-term employment openings or learn how to apply to become a ranger.






Fagron Sterile Services Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Neostigmine Methylsulfate 1mg/mL, 5mg per 5mL and Neostigmine Methylsulfate 1mg/mL, 3mg per 3mL, in a 5mL syringe Due to Mislabeling

Fagron Sterile Services is voluntarily recalling two (2) lots of Neostigmine Methylsulfate 5mL syringes to the user/hospital/clinic level. The specified product lots are being recalled because of a confirmed customer complaint that some syringe units containing Neostigmine Methylsulfate 1mg/mL, 5mg per 5mL are incorrectly labelled as Neostigmine Methylsulfate 1mg/mL, 3mg per 3mL. Secondary packages are properly labelled as Neostigmine Methylsulfate 1mg/mL, 5mg per 5mL.

Risk Statement: In the event that 5mL rather than the intended 3mL is administered to a patient, adverse events from Neostigmine Methylsulfate overdosage can range from nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation and sweating, increased bronchial secretions, miosis, bradycardia or tachycardia, cardiospasm, bronchospasm, incoordination, muscle cramps, fasciculation, paralysis, to Cholinergic Crisis resulting in death.

Allergy Alert Issued in Midwest Whole Foods Market Stores for Undeclared Soy in Oatmeal Raisin Cookies


Whole Foods Market is voluntarily recalling Whole Foods Market brand oatmeal raisin cookies from stores in eight states because the products contained soy flour that was not listed on the product label. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

All affected cookies have been removed from store shelves. The affected cookies were sold in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin. The cookies were packaged in an 18-count plastic container with a PLU beginning with 23209. The products have sell by dates from June 4 through July 8, 2018. The problem was discovered when discovered when the supplier notified the company of an unannounced ingredient change. No illnesses have been reported to date.

MedWatch - The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program

A new MedWatch Safety Alert recall is being issued.

Blissful Remedies., is voluntarily recalling only Lot No.: 112710 with expiration 03/2019 found embedded on the top of package of kratom ( mitragyn a speciosa) powder products, it manufactured, processed, packed, and/or held, between “March 1, 2018” to “April 30, 2018” to the consumer level.

You can read the company announcement at:https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm612376.htm

United States Bakery Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Milk In Naked Bread Hamburger Buns

United States Bakery of Portland, Oregon is recalling Naked Bread Hamburger Buns #NothingToHide, 8 pack, affected lot codes F6 Best By June 16th, 2018 through July 16th 2018, because it may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

Product is fresh and sold in the bread aisle at retail stores and was distributed directly in Northern California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington between June 2, 2018 and July 2, 2018.

Product is packaged in low density polyethylene bag and identified as “Naked Bread Hamburger Buns #NothingToHide, 8 pack, Net wt. 16.5 oz., UPC #72220 11075. The affected lot codes are F6 Best By June 16th, 2018 through July 16th 2018.

Blissful Remedies Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Certain Kratom Powder Capsule

Blissful Remedies., is voluntarily recalling only Lot No.: 112710 with expiration 03/2019 found embedded on the top of package of kratom ( mitragyn a speciosa) powder products, it manufactured, processed, packed, and/or held, between “March 1, 2018” to “April 30, 2018” to the consumer level. The products have been found by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) via sample testing to have salmonella contamination. Blissful Remedies has not received reports of adverse events related to this recall. In lieu of such FDA findings the company has implemented standard operating procedures and sterilization processes in accordance to FDA guidelines.

These products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Fireworks Safety It’s almost the Fourth of July! Fireworks and sparklers can be a fun way to celebrate Independence Day, but they also come with risks of injury. Review these fireworks safety tips to ensure you and your family have a fun and safe holiday.

Save Energy and Money! Concerned about the toll the hot weather will be taking on your energy bill this summer? Good news—there’s lots you can do to reduce energy use and lower your costs. Discover easy energy-saving hacks you can implement in and around your home in the heat of summer.

Learn About the Patenting Process Impressed by how innovative your kids can be? Teach them about the process of patenting an invention! Watch the video from our Facebook Live with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, in which we talk about what patents are, how to start the patenting process, and famous American inventors throughout history.

Brought to you by USAgov, we connect teachers, kids and parents to  government , schools and educational organizations' information and services. District court rules on redress, ROSCA, and disclosures By Lesley Fair The scheme started with a Craigslist ad for a rental property and ended with a $5.2 million judgment for violations of the FTC Act, the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and the Free Annual File Disclosures Rule. For a deep dive into FTC fundamentals, read the opinion granting the FTC’s Motion for Summary Judgment against Credit Bureau Center. Read more > Military Consumer Month: Armed with knowledge By Carol Kando-Pineda About 1.3 million Americans are active duty servicemembers. Another 800,000 are in the Reserves and nearly 20 million are military veterans. That means most companies are very likely to employ or do business with the military community. During Military Consumer Month, you can help the FTC and our partners empower military personnel and their families to avoid crooks. This year’s focus is on fighting imposter scams. That’s when con artists disguise their true identity and pretend to be someone you trust, to convince you to send money or personal information. The scam can take many forms. Read more > Time for a ROSCA recap: FTC says “risk free trial” was risky – and not free By Lesley Fair Like the three sides of a triangle, ROSCA – the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act – has three basic compliance requirements for online sellers who enroll consumers in continuity plans, often known as negative options. The law bans online negative options unless the seller: 1) clearly discloses all material terms of the deal before obtaining a consumer’s billing information; 2) gets the consumer’s express informed consent before making the charge; and 3) provides a simple mechanism for stopping recurring charges. An FTC lawsuit alleges that online negative options used by San Diego-based Triangle Media Corporation didn’t give consumers a square deal. Read more > Live up to your Privacy Shield promises By Lesley Fair A proposed FTC settlement with California-based employee training company ReadyTech Corporation reminds businesses that if you make claims about EU-U.S. Privacy Shield participation, you have an obligation to live up to those promises. The case also serves as further confirmation of the FTC’s commitment to the framework. Read more > July 3, 2018 DAU Is Changing Learning Management Systems The Defense Acquisition University (DAU) is migrating from the current ATLAS learning management system to Cornerstone onDemand (CSOD).  DAU will determine an exact launch date in the next few weeks, but it is anticipated to be 15 August though that date is subject to change. DAU will release more information about the migration, changes/improvements in capabilities, content design, login information, FAQs, etc., very soon. Follow this link to learn the current status.  Scammers create fake emergencies to get your money by Carol Kando-Pineda Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education Scammers try to trick you into thinking a loved one is in trouble. They call, text, email, or send messages on social media about a supposed emergency with a family member or friend. They ask you to send money immediately. To make their story seem real, they may claim to be an authority figure, like a lawyer or police officer; they may have or guess at facts about your loved one. These imposters may insist that you keep quiet about their demand for money to keep you from checking out their story and identifying them as imposters. But no matter how real or urgent this seems — it’s a scam. Read more > Getting a vacation rental? Watch out for scams. by Ari Lazarus Consumer Education Specialist, FTC With July 4th right around the corner, plenty of us are still running around trying to book a last-minute vacation rental. If that’s you, here’s what you need to know: scammers are ready with fake vacation rental ads. Rental scammers try to get your rental booking and take your money. But, when you show up for the vacation, you have no place to stay and your money is gone! Read more >