Federal Trade Commission

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), joined by over 20 U.S. states, filed a lawsuit against Amazon on August 31, 2026, accusing the e-commerce giant of misleading advertisers about its sponsored ads pricing and auction systems. The FTC alleges that Amazon secretly raised minimum ad prices and manipulated its auction strategy, costing advertisers billions of dollars. Amazon confirmed the lawsuit, which escalates regulatory scrutiny of its advertising business.

11 reports · 8 sources · Updated Aug 31, 08:25 PM UTC

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission and five states settled antitrust claims against Zillow, alleging it paid Redfin $100 million to stop competing in apartment rental listings, driving up costs for landlords and renters. Under the settlement, Redfin must rebuild its rental advertising business within six months. Zillow denied wrongdoing, but the deal aims to restore competition in the online rental market.

8 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 25, 03:37 PM UTC

On July 29, 2026, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, along with Los Angeles County and Utah, sued telehealth company Hims & Hers for allegedly sharing users’ sensitive health data with Meta and Snap without consent, charging for prescriptions before consultations, and making cancellations difficult. The company denies the claims, calling them baseless. Hims & Hers stock fell about 12% following the lawsuit, which could set precedents for telehealth privacy and consumer protection.

9 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 11, 03:50 PM UTC

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 on June 29, 2026, blocking President Donald Trump's attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, marking the first time a president has tried to remove a Fed official since the central bank's creation in 1913. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion, joined by Justice Brett Kavanaugh and the three liberal justices, stating that Trump failed to provide Cook the procedural protections required by statute and that Fed governors serve staggered 14-year terms removable only 'for cause.' Cook, the first Black woman to serve as a Fed Governor, welcomed the decision, calling the mortgage fraud allegations a pretext for removing her due to monetary policy disagreements. The ruling preserves the Fed's independence amid Trump's broader challenges to the central bank, including a separate criminal investigation against former Chair Jerome Powell that was later dropped. In a related ruling the same day, the court backed Trump's firing of FTC member Rebecca Slaughter, expanding presidential removal powers over regulatory agencies.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 04:19 AM UTC

A proposed class-action lawsuit has been filed against Uber Eats, alleging that its priority delivery option, which costs customers $1 to $5 extra and is advertised as 'direct to you,' is misleading. The lawsuit claims that couriers have no way to identify priority orders and that the Uber platform may instruct them to pick up other orders after a priority pickup, or work for competing apps simultaneously, undermining the promised direct delivery. Plaintiff Hassan Wright of California paid $1.49 for a priority delivery in November that arrived late due to other stops; Uber admitted the order was not delivered directly but offered no refund. The suit seeks class-action status for all U.S. and California consumers who paid for the service, demands damages, and asks Uber to stop using 'direct to you' language. The case comes amid broader Federal Trade Commission scrutiny of hidden fees in food delivery apps, and follows DoorDash's recent fee transparency changes.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 05:28 PM UTC

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has appointed former Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan to lead the board of the city's Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Khan, known for her aggressive antitrust actions against Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft during the Biden administration, will oversee the agency responsible for managing city assets and attracting business. The appointment signals a potential regulatory shift that has drawn attention from Wall Street and renewed debate over Mamdani's relationship with the business community. Anthony Shorris, a former deputy mayor, will serve as president and CEO alongside Khan. Khan stated she aims to make New York's economy more affordable, efficient, and resilient.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 10:01 PM UTC

Dahiana Ponce, a 32-year-old from Plant City, Florida, lost over $50,000 in a sophisticated impersonation scam on July 9, 2026. Scammers posing as Chase Bank called her, claiming fraudulent activity on her accounts and instructing her to transfer funds to a 'safe' account. She sent $4,524 via Cash App from her personal account and withdrew $45,803 from her business account, totaling more than $50,000. The scammers also attempted a $25,000 wire transfer. According to FTC data, imposter scams were the most common fraud in the U.S. in 2025, with losses of $3.5 billion, and bank impersonators caused the highest losses within business impersonation scams. Chase stated its branch employees attempted to warn Ponce by asking questions about the transaction. Recovery is unlikely because Ponce authorized the transfers herself, which lacks the protections of unauthorized charges.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 09:00 AM UTC

Shares of Rollins (NYSE: ROL), North America's largest pest control provider, fell 10% on July 23, 2026, after reporting Q2 earnings that missed profit expectations despite beating revenue estimates. Sales grew 8% year-over-year, but adjusted EPS growth of 7% fell short of analyst forecasts. Organic sales rose 6%, with management guiding for 6% full-year organic growth plus 2-3 percentage points from acquisitions. A Bank of America analyst cut the price target from $55 to $35, citing ongoing pressure on the consumer unit and noting that residential organic growth of 3.6% missed the 5.4% consensus. The stock has declined 34% in 2026, as the market reassesses its premium valuation. The article notes that 75% of Rollins' business comes from recurring service agreements, providing some stability, but the company faces challenges from AI-driven changes in online search and a recent FTC non-compete case loss. The author remains bullish long-term, viewing the dip as a buying opportunity.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 04:49 PM UTC

Shares of Rollins (NYSE: ROL), North America's largest pest control provider, fell 10% on July 23, 2026, after reporting Q2 earnings that missed earnings-per-share expectations despite beating revenue estimates. Sales grew 8% year-over-year, but adjusted EPS growth of 7% fell short of market expectations. Organic sales rose 6%, with management forecasting similar full-year growth plus 2-3% from acquisitions. A Bank of America analyst lowered the price target from $55 to $35, citing ongoing pressure on the consumer unit and noting residential organic growth of only 3.6% versus the expected 5.4%. The stock had been trading at 33 times free cash flow, reflecting high market expectations. The article notes that 75% of Rollins' business comes from recurring service agreements, providing some stability, but the company faces challenges from changing online search dynamics and a recent FTC non-compete case loss. The author remains bullish long-term, citing 99 consecutive quarters of sales growth and a history of dividend growth.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 04:49 PM UTC

Amazon is required to pay $1.5 billion in refunds to customers as part of a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which sued the company in 2023 for enrolling customers in Amazon Prime without consent and making cancellation difficult. The settlement includes a $1 billion civil penalty, totaling $2.5 billion. Eligible customers who did not receive automatic refunds between November and December 2025 can file claims until July 27, 2026. Refunds are up to $51 per person. Eligibility requires unintentional enrollment or failed cancellation attempts between June 23, 2019, and June 23, 2025, and use of fewer than 10 Prime benefits in a year. Claims can be filed online with a Claim ID or by providing personal details. Payments will be issued by September 2026 via PayPal, Venmo, or mailed checks.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 12:11 AM UTC

The Supreme Court's decision in Trump v. Slaughter effectively ends the independence of federal agencies like the FTC, allowing the President to remove principal officers without cause, overturning the long-standing Humphrey's Executor precedent. While many agencies had already aligned with presidential agendas, the ruling introduces new risks: presidents can now disable agencies by removing members and leaving them without a quorum, as seen with the Election Assistance Commission. This is particularly problematic for multi-member commissions like the NLRB and FEC, which cannot use interim appointments under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act. The analysis suggests that while the President gains control, the ability to paralyze agencies may backfire, preventing both favorable and unfavorable actions.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 07:26 PM UTC

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has appointed Lina Khan, a former Federal Trade Commission director and antitrust crusader, as chair of the board of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC). McKinsey partner Anthony Shorris will serve as president and CEO. The appointments, announced at City Hall, aim to merge economic development with Mamdani's affordability agenda. Khan, a longtime ally and co-chair of Mamdani's campaign, had been serving as a voluntary advisor. The EDC, a quasi-public nonprofit, manages city-owned property and oversees major development projects. The leadership picks come after months of delay that drew criticism from some civic leaders who questioned the administration's commitment to business investment. Mamdani described the pair as a 'dream team' to address both growth and economic justice.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 02:46 PM UTC

This Yahoo Finance article provides a comprehensive guide for consumers dealing with credit card debt collectors. It explains the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which protects consumers from abusive practices such as repeated calls, threats, and privacy violations. The article outlines consumer rights, including restrictions on calling hours (8 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and a limit of seven calls per seven-day period. It warns about red flags indicating potential scams, such as threats of arrest or refusal to provide debt details. Legitimate collectors must provide written validation within five days, including the creditor name, account number, and itemized debt amount. Consumers have 30 days to dispute the debt in writing. The piece also offers sample letters from the CFPB and practical steps for verifying and working with collectors.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 03:59 PM UTC

This Yahoo Finance article by Kendall Little provides a comprehensive guide on handling credit card debt collectors. It explains consumer rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, which prohibits abusive practices such as calling before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., calling more than seven times in seven days, threatening violence, or disclosing debt to third parties. The article outlines red flags for potential scams, including threats of arrest, refusal to provide information, and requests for financial details. It details the information debt collectors must provide within five days of initial contact, such as creditor name, account number, and itemized debt amount. Consumers have 30 days to dispute a debt in writing. The guide also offers practical advice on working with legitimate debt collectors and includes links to related resources on debt settlement and hardship programs.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 03:59 PM UTC

Three former Celsius Network executives—Alex Mashinsky, Shlomi Daniel Leon, and Hanoch Goldstein—must pay $16.5 million to resolve Federal Trade Commission charges that they deceived users by falsely promising that deposits with the cryptocurrency platform were safe and always available. The FTC alleged that Celsius and its founders claimed the platform was safer than a bank, maintained a $750 million insurance policy, held sufficient reserves, and offered up to 18% annual interest on its Earn product. These promises were false, and the founders continued to lie within days of Celsius filing for bankruptcy in 2022. Mashinsky, who pleaded guilty to commodities fraud in 2024 and was sentenced to 12 years in prison, will pay $10 million. Leon will pay $4.1 million, and Goldstein will pay $2.4 million. Mashinsky and Leon are banned from marketing or selling products related to asset deposits, exchanges, investments, or withdrawals, while Goldstein is banned from crypto-related marketing. Mashinsky recently filed to vacate his sentence, citing ineffective counsel and the 'fruit of the poisonous tree' legal doctrine.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 03:58 PM UTC

This Yahoo Finance article analyzes the growing American desire for passive income as an escape from traditional 9-to-5 jobs, driven by AI, social media, and online marketplaces. It notes that 27% of Americans already have a side hustle, citing a Bankrate survey. However, the article warns that most popular passive-income strategies, such as AI-generated Etsy shops or dropshipping, often require years of active work before becoming truly passive, as highlighted by WSJ profiles and FTC actions against fraudulent schemes. The piece then promotes professionally managed real estate investments, specifically mentioning the platform Mogul, as a smarter, more genuinely passive alternative to building a business from scratch. It frames this as a way to own income-generating assets without the day-to-day responsibilities of being a landlord.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:20 PM UTC

This article from Just Security documents how federal courts and grand juries have repeatedly rejected the second Trump administration's use of investigative tools and prosecutions. It reports at least 18 instances where grand juries refused to indict, 16 grand jury subpoenas blocked or withdrawn, and numerous cases dismissed against protesters and immigrants. Courts have blocked administrative subpoenas to hospitals for gender-affirming care data, dismissed DOJ lawsuits seeking state voter data, and quashed demands for information on ICE critics. The article notes that judges across the ideological spectrum, including Trump appointees, have found government actions to be pretextual, retaliatory, or vindictive. The total number of rejections is described as extraordinary and under-inclusive, reflecting only publicly known cases.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 01:39 PM UTC

This article from Just Security documents an extraordinary pattern of federal judges and grand juries rejecting the second Trump administration's efforts to investigate and prosecute perceived political opponents, critics, journalists, and institutions. The report details at least 18 instances where grand juries refused to indict (no bills), 16 grand jury subpoenas blocked or withdrawn, 16 DOJ lawsuits seeking state voter data dismissed (including seven by Trump-appointed judges), and numerous other cases involving administrative subpoenas, search warrants, and criminal charges. Courts have blocked or quashed nine administrative subpoenas to hospitals for gender-affirming care patient data. Judges have dismissed or prosecutors have dropped at least 79 cases related to ICE protests. The article notes that judges across the ideological spectrum, including Trump appointees, have found government actions to be 'pretextual,' 'retaliatory,' or 'abuse of prosecuting power,' marking a significant development for the rule of law in the United States.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 01:39 PM UTC

This article marks the 10th anniversary of the Ahold and Delhaize Group merger, which created Ahold Delhaize, the sixth-largest US food retailer at the time with over 2,000 stores. The combined company, operating banners including Stop & Shop, Giant, Food Lion, and Hannaford, established Ahold Delhaize USA (ADUSA) in 2018 as its stateside parent. Key milestones include the 2015 merger announcement, FTC approval in July 2016 requiring the sale of 81 stores, a 2017 brand-centric restructuring with over 80 executive appointments, and the 2018 formation of ADUSA. The company's early competitive advantage came from e-commerce operations through Peapod Digital Labs and a majority stake in FreshDirect. Post-pandemic, ADUSA shifted focus to omnichannel retail, store remodels, private label growth, and retail media under its 2024 Growing Together Strategy. The article highlights how ADUSA adapted to intensifying competition from Walmart, Kroger, and Amazon over the decade.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 10:00 AM UTC

The article examines the growing 'right to repair' movement in the automotive sector, highlighting BMW's 2024 patent for a proprietary screw design that would require special tools, effectively locking out independent repair shops. Lawmakers have responded with the Repair Act, reintroduced in 2025, which would mandate automakers to provide owners and independent shops with the same diagnostic tools and data available to dealerships. However, advocates warn that the focus on mechanical parts overlooks a critical issue: automakers increasingly restrict access to vehicle software and repair data, especially in electric vehicles. This forces consumers to rely on dealerships, driving up costs. A Congressional Research Service report notes repair price hikes outpacing inflation. The collapse of EV maker Fisker in 2024 illustrates the risks, as owners formed an association to maintain their vehicles independently. Cybersecurity concerns are cited by automakers as a reason for limiting access, but advocates argue for a balance between security and consumer autonomy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 08:00 AM UTC

A bipartisan bill in the U.S. House, the Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act (H.R. 9500), aims to restore tax deductions for theft losses that were restricted since the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The measure, approved unanimously by the House Ways and Means Committee on July 1, would allow victims of scams such as impersonator and romance fraud to deduct stolen money on their tax returns. It would also waive the 10% early withdrawal penalty for victims under 59½ who tapped retirement accounts due to fraud. The bill comes as FTC data shows fraud losses hit a record $15.9 billion in 2025, a 430% increase since 2020, with older adults disproportionately affected. Currently, only investment fraud losses are deductible under an IRS memo, leaving other scam victims unable to claim deductions and potentially owing taxes on stolen funds.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 01:30 PM UTC

A bipartisan bill in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act (H.R. 9500), aims to restore tax deductions for theft losses that were restricted under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and made permanent by President Trump's 2025 law. Since 2018, scam victims (excluding investment fraud) have generally been unable to deduct losses unless from a declared disaster. The bill would eliminate these restrictions and waive the 10% early withdrawal penalty for victims who tapped retirement accounts. The House Ways and Means Committee approved the measure unanimously on July 1, 2026. The legislation comes as reported fraud losses hit a record $15.9 billion in 2025, a 430% increase since 2020, with older adults disproportionately affected by six-figure losses often involving retirement account cash-outs.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 01:30 PM UTC

A Yahoo Finance article published July 17, 2026, reports on a hypothetical but representative case: a 74-year-old woman named Sally fell victim to an imposter phone scam, wiring $12,000 to a criminal posing as an FBI official. Because her bank account was linked to her daughter Rebecca's account, the money was taken from Rebecca's funds. The article cites FTC data showing Americans lost $3.5 billion to imposter scams in 2025. Experts interviewed (attorneys Katherine Kiziah and Danny Karon) advise that recovery is unlikely due to criminals being overseas and moving funds quickly, but recommend immediately contacting the bank's fraud department, filing a police report, and placing credit freezes with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. The article also offers guidance on preventing future scams against elderly relatives, such as monitoring accounts and educating seniors about common fraud tactics.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 05:55 PM UTC

Apple has issued a warning about scammers using FaceTime to impersonate bank representatives and steal bank account passwords. The scam typically begins with a text or call about suspicious activity, then switches to a FaceTime video call where the scammer asks the victim to share their screen while logging into their online banking. This allows the scammer to capture passwords, account numbers, and one-time security codes in real-time. The warning comes after the Federal Trade Commission reported that Americans lost $3.5 billion to imposter scams in 2025, with bank impersonators causing the largest share of losses. Apple emphasizes that it will never ask for passwords or two-factor authentication codes, and advises users never to share their screen with unsolicited callers.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 04:05 PM UTC

Apple has issued a warning about a sophisticated scam where fraudsters impersonate bank representatives over FaceTime to steal login credentials and one-time security codes. The scam typically begins with a text or call about suspicious account activity, then switches to a FaceTime video call where the victim is asked to share their screen and log into their bank account. The scammer watches in real-time, capturing passwords and codes to authorize fraudulent transfers. The warning follows FTC data showing Americans lost $3.5 billion to imposter scams in 2025, with bank impersonators causing the largest share of losses. Apple emphasizes that it will never ask for passwords or passcodes, and advises never sharing screens with unsolicited callers.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 04:05 PM UTC

California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the implementation of new driver's licenses featuring advanced digital security measures to combat identity theft and fraud. The updated documents will include barcodes with digital signatures, allowing businesses and authorities to verify authenticity, integrity, and real-time status using open-source card readers. This initiative aims to protect personal information amidst rising fraud rates, which reached significant levels nationwide in 2025. Simultaneously, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is introducing a Virtual Admission Process (VIP). This system allows individuals renewing or obtaining licenses in person to self-register via QR codes, significantly reducing wait times and streamlining office services. State officials emphasized that these changes reflect a commitment to enhancing security and customer experience. Existing licenses and state identification cards remain valid until their expiration dates, meaning the new security features apply only to newly issued documents. Residents can still renew licenses through online platforms, mail, or in-person visits, with procedures available up to 12 months after expiration.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is set to begin enforcing the Take It Down Act on May 19, 2026, mandating that online platforms remove nonconsensual deepfake media within 48 hours of receiving a victim's notice. Failure to comply will result in investigations and civil penalties of up to $53,088 per violation. FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson has notified major technology companies, including Meta, Amazon, and X, outlining strict compliance requirements such as providing clear, accessible reporting tools for users, even those without accounts. The law targets both real intimate imagery used without consent and AI-generated digital forgeries. While the FTC emphasizes protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly children, experts express concern regarding the agency's capacity to manage the massive scale of content moderation required. Critics note that the heavy fines may incentivize platforms to over-remove content to avoid liability. The enforcement marks a significant shift for the FTC into direct regulation of online content moderation, requiring substantial technical and human resources to monitor compliance effectively across social media, gaming, and sharing platforms.

1 reports · 1 sources

Legislative efforts to ban surveillance pricing are gaining significant traction across the United States, driven by rising inflation and voter concerns over affordability. In California, Assembly Bill 2564, which prohibits retailers from using algorithms to set prices based on personal data such as age, gender, or location, has cleared a key legislative vote. This follows a retreat by lawmakers on similar measures last year. Simultaneously, Maryland, Colorado, and Connecticut have recently passed laws banning the practice, with Maryland specifically targeting grocery prices. Proponents argue that algorithmic pricing disproportionately harms low-income individuals by exploiting their desperation or financial status. Recent studies support these concerns; a White House report estimated that price-fixing algorithms cost renters billions in 2023, while an investigation into Instacart revealed widespread differential pricing for identical goods. With roughly half of U.S. states considering similar regulations, this trend marks a sharp shift from the previous year, where no such bans were enacted. The movement reflects a broader political response to economic pressures ahead of the midterm elections, aiming to protect consumers from opaque and potentially exploitative digital pricing strategies.

1 reports · 1 sources

A sophisticated criminal operation centered in New Hampshire has been dismantled by local police and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The ring, allegedly run by Chinese nationals, stole Apple gift card data from retail stores by carefully opening packages to record PINs before resealing them. Once activated by unsuspecting customers, the funds were drained to purchase high-value Apple hardware like iPhones and MacBooks. New Hampshire was chosen for these purchases due to its lack of sales tax, maximizing illicit profits. The devices were then shipped to a local warehouse, repackaged, and sold to gray-market importers in China, Dubai, and South America. Authorities seized approximately 4,000 iPhones valued at $8-9 million in one raid, charging nearly 20 individuals with wire fraud and related crimes. The investigation also revealed a murder linked to a warehouse robbery. With gift card scams causing over $212 million in losses in 2024, experts advise consumers to buy digital cards directly from trusted sources or inspect physical cards for tampering to avoid falling victim to similar fraud schemes.

1 reports · 1 sources

As the U.S. population ages, with life expectancy increasing significantly for those over 65, adult children increasingly face the challenge of managing their parents' finances. Certified Financial Planners highlight a common conflict: children prioritize safety and security against fraud, while parents value their autonomy and independence. With financial scams targeting seniors reaching $2.4 billion recently, experts advise initiating conversations about financial organization and estate planning years before assistance is strictly necessary. The article suggests using a low-key approach, such as referencing one's own financial planning, to broach the subject delicately. Data indicates that nearly half of U.S. caregivers assist individuals aged 75 and older, with women comprising the majority of caregivers. The piece emphasizes that while aging varies individually, proactive dialogue can prevent crises and preserve family relationships during this sensitive transition.

1 reports · 1 sources