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.
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…
FTC Enforcement Action • Case 1:22-cv-07389 Roomster’s House of Lies: How a Tech Startup Sold Fake Hope to America’s Poorest Renters EvilCorporations.com • SDNY Federal Complaint Filed August 30, 2022 • 35 min read TL;DR Roomster Corp., its two co-founders…
Coulter Motor Company Charged with Bait-and-Switch and Racial Bias Corporate Misconduct Accountability Project Coulter Motor Company · FTC Enforcement Order Coulter Motor Company Charged with Bait-and-Switch and Racial Bias Arizona dealerships allegedly lured customers with low advertised prices, then added…