Misleading marketing harms consumers in several ways: It can lead people to make purchasing decisions based on false or exaggerated claims, resulting in wasted money and disappointment with the product or service. Such deceptive practices can also create unrealistic expectations, damage trust in brands and advertising in general, and potentially even pose safety risks if important information is omitted or misrepresented. Over time, widespread misleading marketing can distort markets, making it harder for consumers to make informed choices and potentially driving out more honest competitors who refuse to engage in such tactics.
TL;DR The Facts: The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a formal complaint against Vision Path, Inc., the company doing business as Hubble Contacts. The case number is 6:23-cv-01041-WWB-DCI, and it was filed on June 5, 2023. The Misconduct: The…
Federal Investigation • Telemarketing Fraud • Solar Energy Spam You Into Solar: How One Company Harassed Thousands Into a Federal Lawsuit EvilCorporations.com • Case No. 2:23-cv-01387-DGC, U.S. District Court, District of Arizona • 22 min read TL;DR Solar Xchange LLC,…
Table of Contents 1. Introduction Key Takeaway: This high-profile case against TheFBAMachine Inc. epitomizes how neoliberal capitalism’s deference to corporate profits can open pathways to massive deception. In June 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed an Amended Complaint for…
Investigative Report • Consumer Protection They Invented Your Criminal Record to Sell You a Subscription EvilCorporations.com • FTC v. Instant Checkmate, LLC et al. (S.D. Cal., Sept. 11, 2023) • 32 min read TL;DR TruthFinder and Instant Checkmate — both…
HOPE Services Stole Nearly $2M From Families Facing Foreclosure Corporate Misconduct Accountability Project C.C. Enterprises, Inc. (d/b/a HOPE Services) · FTC Enforcement Action HOPE Services Stole Nearly $2M From Families Facing Foreclosure FTC alleges HOPE Services and affiliated companies deceived…
TL;DR The Facts: The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a formal complaint against Williams-Sonoma, Inc., the parent company for Pottery Barn, West Elm, Rejuvenation, and Mark and Graham. The Misconduct: The company was caught making false and misleading “Made…
FTC Slams Brakes on COVID ‘Cures’ from Precision Patient Outcomes TL;DR The Facts: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) took legal action against Precision Patient Outcomes, Inc. and its CEO, Margrett Priest Lewis, resulting in a court order (Case 4:22-cv-7307-HSG) filed…
Federal Enforcement Action CarShield Sold You a Promise. The FTC Says It Was a Lie. NRRM, LLC, operating as CarShield, and its partner American Auto Shield, LLC built a multi-million-dollar business on vehicle service contracts that allegedly did not cover…
THE $18.5 MILLION DECEPTION TL;DR The Facts: On June 30, 2023, Publishers Clearing House (PCH) agreed to a stipulated order with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), forcing them to pay an $18.5 million monetary judgment. The case is filed in…
THE ‘MADE IN USA’ LIE: HOW LIONS NOT SHEEP SOLD YOU CHINESE GOODS TL;DR The Facts: On July 28, 2022, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a formal complaint (Docket No. C-4772) against apparel company Lions Not Sheep, LLC and…