Consumer Protection National News & Articles
The following is the latest national news related to consumer protection issues. For local, regional consumer protection news, please visit our state resources.
Statewide Recall for Large Organic Brown Eggs
March 30 2009After an internal test revealed that organic brown eggs were positive for traces of Salmonella, the owners of den Dulk Poultry Farms, based in Ripton, California, have announced a recall...
Wisconsin Residents Sicken from Raw Milk
August 27, 2009
State agencies in Wisconsin are warning residents not to drink raw milk. State law prohibits the sale or distribution of raw, unpasteurized milk. However, farmers and their families often drink...
Fungus Strikes U.S. Potatoes, Tomatoes
August 20, 2009
The same fungus-like plant disease, which caused the devastating Irish potato famine in the 19th century, has been found in the north central part of the United States. Potato and tomato...
Wisconsin Raises Fine for Telemarketers
August 13, 2009
A state senate committee of Wisconsin recently unanimously approved a raise in the fine for telemarketers who disobey Wisconsin’s no-call rule. The state’s law requires that any resident...
Wisconsin Grandparents Warned of Scam
August 6, 2009
A recent telephone fraud has taken thousands from grandparents who live in Wisconsin. The Division of Consumer Protection has taken action to alert the elderly population of the...
Inflatable Baby Floats Recalled
July 30, 2009
On July 2, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a federal recall of more than 4 million Aqua Leisure inflatable baby floats. The products, which were manufactured...
Possible Tax Deduction for Florida Homeowners
July 23, 2009
Thousands of Florida residents have recently submitted complaints about the drywall in their homes to the Florida Department of Health. According to the reports, the drywall...
Dish Network Dishes Out Restitution to Subscribers
July 16, 2009
A great number of consumers around the country have recently filed complaints against Dish Network- a satellite television provider- for its marketing and billing...
Public Pools Fail to Comply with Safety Laws
July 10, 2009
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 11 people died from 1999 to...
Dell Searches for ‘Reasonable’ Solution to Sales Glitch
July 8, 2009
Dell is currently being admonished by Taiwan’s consumer protection agency for...
Despite His Own Addiction
June 25, 2009
Recently, President Barack Obama signed a bill into law, which will protect younger...
Banks Prepare for Fight Obama Consumer Protection Laws
June 19, 2009
President Obama has said that he would like to implement several new laws, which...
Dodd Supports Creation of Independent Watchdog Agency
June 16, 2009
Because of the recent failure of the banks and reports of consumer abuses from...
Laptop Batteries Recalled Due to Fire Hazard
May 21, 2009
Hewlett-Packard Company is recalling almost 70,000 batteries, which can be used for notebook computers because it received negative reports from its consumers. Two incidents of the batteries overheating...
Coffee Maker Recalled Because of Burn Hazard
May 14, 2009
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission recently issued a report about the Bunn-O-Matic Single Cup Pod Brewer. The company received 10 complaints...
Wisconsin Recalls Bagged Spinach
May 7, 2009
The state of Wisconsin has recently issued a product recall for the Kleen-pak brand of bagged fresh spinach. The business is based in Milwaukee, and the bags were mainly distributed...
President Seeks Stiffer Consumer Protections from Credit Card Companies
April 23, 2009
The White House recently said that the United States government should be doing more to protect consumers from exorbitant fees and interest rates charged by credit card companies. Executives from...
Sperm Banks Can Now Be Sued for ‘Product Liability’
April 16, 2009
A federal judge has just ruled that a sperm bank can actually be sued for product liability if it fails to find out that a donor has a genetic defect. A thirteen-year-old girl from Pennsylvania, who is mentally handicapped, is suing...
Reports of Internet Crime Jump 33 Percent
April 9, 2009Reports of Internet crime jumped 33 percent in the year 2008 according to a group that monitors web based fraudulent activities...
Recent Study Shows Internet Crime Increased by 33 Percent
April 10, 2009Reports of Internet crime jumped 33 percent in the year 2008 according to a group that monitors web based fraudulent activities...
FDA Advising Consumers to Watch Out for Potentially Contaminated Pistachios
April 6, 2009Several Americans have made reports to the FDA that they suffered from gastrointestinal illness after consuming pistachios. Though an official recall has not yet been made for this food product...
Senate Approves Measure to Ensure Rebates Are Paid Out
April 1, 2009According to the Better Business Bureau, many Americans are not receiving their rebates from companies who promise them...
Recall of Beco Butterfly Infant Carriers, Due to Fall Hazard
CT Gov, May 01, 2008The buckles on the shoulder straps of this carrier can suddenly release tension, allowing the strap to slip through, posing a fall hazard for the infant
SEC Proposes Naked Short Selling Anti-Fraud Rule
SEC, Mar 12, 2008The Securities and Exchange Commission has proposed to take additional steps to better safeguard investors and protect the integrity of the markets during short selling
David U. Haltinner Sentenced to 50 Months of Imprisonment For Selling Approximately 637,000 Stolen Crediet Card Numbers
USDOJ Gov, Apr 15, 2008Approximately 637,000 stolen credit card numbers through a website frequented by individuals engaged in credit card fraud
FDA Takes Action Against Compounded Menopause Hormone Therapy Drugs
FDA, Jan 14, 2008FDA Takes Action Against Compounded Menopause Hormone Therapy Drugs
Alan Ralsky, Ten Others, Indicted in International Illegal Spamming and Stock Fraud Scheme
Department of Justice, Feb 06, 2008The indictment charges the defendants with the commission of several federal criminal offenses, including conspiracy, fraud in connection with electronic mail
In Florida, Nine Miami Defendants in Strike Force Cases Sentenced For $56.5 Million in Medicare Fraud
FBI, Feb 13, 2008Southern District of Florida announced that owners of nine separate Miami-based health care corporations have been sentenced to prison terms within the past two weeks
Federal Agency to Discuss Progress of Health Consultations for Intel Corporation Plant in Rio Rancho, NM at Public Meeting on November 7
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Dec 04, 2007Federal Agency to Discuss Progress of Health Consultations for Intel Corporation Plant in Rio Rancho, NM at Public Meeting on November 7
CDC to Begin Testing Trailers for Formaldehyde
CDC, Dec 20, 2007FEMA continues efforts to move residents out of trailers
Fact Sheet: Commodities Fraud and Manipulation
Department of Justice, Nov 05, 2007The Corporate Fraud Task Force has devoted considerable efforts to address manipulation of the energy markets, foreign currency fraud, and commodity pool/hedge fund fraud
Three Defendants Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Securities and Email Fraud
Department of Justice, Nov 26, 2007Sarasota, Fla., man has been sentenced to five years in prison and two years of supervised release for conspiring to commit both securities fraud and email fraud
Attorney General Warns Against Telemarketing Fraud Targeting the Hispanic Community
Indianapolis Attorney General, Oct 15, 2007Carter is cautioning the Hispanic community to beware of telemarketing fraud that attempts to sell consumers a variety of items such as travel packages and English course
West Virginia Attorney General McGraw Warns Consumers to be Watchful this Holiday Season
Office of the West Virginia Attorney General, Oct 22, 2007West Virginia Attorney General Darrell McGraw discussed consumer protection issues today related to the upcoming holiday season
'Project Credit Despair' Snares 20 'Credit Repair' Scammers
FTC, Oct 29, 2007Defendants Allegedly Lured Consumers With False Claims
FDA Takes Action to Stop Marketing of Unapproved Hydrocodone Products
FDA, Oct 01, 2007FDA Takes Action to Stop Marketing of Unapproved Hydrocodone Products
Attorney General Settles with Heavy Hammer, Inc.
Maryland Attorney General, Oct 08, 2007Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler today announced that his Consumer Protection Division has reached
Children’s Jewelry Recalled Due to Lead Exposure
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Aug 24, 2007The recalled metal jewelry sets contain high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.
Patients and Clinic Operator Charged With Conspiracy to Defraud Medicare After Undercover Investigation
FBI, Aug 28, 2007Nine Miami residents have been charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud as the result of an undercover operation designed to detect and stop Medicare
Toshiba Recalls Notebook Batteries Due to Fire Hazard
CPSC, Aug 10, 2007The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firms named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product.
Fisher-Price Recalls Toys Due To Lead Poisoning Hazard
Consumer Product Safety Commission, Aug 17, 2007Surfacepaints on the toys could contain excessive levels of lead. Lead istoxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse healtheffects.
FDA Requests Label Change for All Sleep Disorder Drug Products
Food and Drug Administration, Jul 16, 2007Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has requested that all manufacturers of sedative-hypnotic drug products strengthen their product labeling to include stronger language
FDA Issues Nationwide Warning to Consumers About Risk of Botulism Poisoning From Hot Dog Chili Sauce Marketed Under a Variety of Brand Names
US Food and Drug Administration, Jul 25, 2007The FDA is warning consumers not to eat 10 ounce cans of Castleberry?s Hot Dog Chili Sauce and Kroger Hot Dog Chili Sauce due to possible botulism contamination
FDA Issues Safety Alert on Avandia
FDA, Jul 30, 2007The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is aware of a potential safety issue related to Avandia (rosiglitazone), a drug approved to treat type 2 diabetes.
Over 1 Million Potential Victims of Botnet Cyber Crime
FBI, Jul 05, 2007A botnet is a collection of compromised computers under the remote command and control of a criminal ?botherder"
A New Twist on Identity Theft
FBI, Jul 09, 2007The FBI recently solved a case of identity theft where one company tried to steal $23 million by pretending to be another company
Doctor in Queens Falsely Billed Accident Victims
Staff Writer, Jun 14, 2007Alexander Israeli was arraigned before Queens Criminal Court on charges of third-degree grand larceny, third-degree insurance fraud, and first-degree falsifying business
Former Safety-Kleen Chief Financial Officer Pleads Guilty to $267 Million Accounting Fraud
FBI - Department of Justice, Jun 27, 2007The charges related to a scheme to manipulate Safety-Kleen?s financial statements in connection with the reporting of more than $250 million in numerous ?adjustments?
U.S. Uncovers Large-Scale Identity Theft Scheme Used By Illegal Aliens to Gain Employment at Nationwide Meat Processor
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, May 29, 2007The FTC has received hundreds of complaints from US citizens across the country who allege that they became aware that their identities were being used illegally
26 People Arrested for Social Security Theft
Content Writer, Jun 08, 2007115 undocumented people were found across the state using cards with a Social Security number sstolen from a 10 year old Florida girl
Defendants Targeted U.S. Consumers Wth Pitch For Nonexistent Credit Cards
ftc.gov, May 14, 2007The orders bar the defendants from engaging in similar illegal conduct in the future,
Defendants Banned For Life From Selling Franchises And Business Opportunities
ftc.gov, May 21, 2007The Federal Trade Commission charged that they used bogus earnings claims to lure franchisees into buying their Web services businesses
National Restaurant Company Settles FTC Charges For Deceptive Gift Card Sales
ftc.gov, Apr 23, 2007Darden Restaurants Inc has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it engaged in deceptive practices
Marketers Pay Full $1.9 Million After Hidden Assets Are Discovered
ftc.gov, Apr 30, 2007On November 22, 2006, the FTC charged the defendants with making false and unsubstantiated claims for three dietary supplements
Court Enters Stipulated Interim Order In FTC v. Debt-Set
ftc.gov, May 07, 2007The complaint against the defendants alleges that, in the course of selling debt reduction programs, the defendants make deceptive misrepresentations to consumers
Division Of Consumer Affairs Announces Settlement With Nurse Staffing Firm
state.nj.us, Apr 09, 2007Our regulations contain a variety of strict and important requirements that must be followed to ensure patient safety.
State Sues Business Offering Drugs Over the Internet
state.nj.us, Apr 16, 2007The state has obtained a preliminary injunction that prevents Karen Azarchi from filling or refilling orders for prescription drugs
Federal Reserve Alerted The Public To Instances Of Questionable Solicitations Directed At Homeowners
federalreserve.gov, Mar 27, 2007The Federal Reserve cautions the public about loan solicitations
Bergen County Moving Company Agrees To Pay Consumer Restitution And $20,000 Civil Penalty
state.nj.us, Apr 02, 2007?We will not allow the legal protections that consumers are entitled to when hiring a moving company to be violated or ignored
Department Of Consumer Protection Destroys $300,000 In Dangerous Dietary Supplements Containing Ephedra
ct.gov, Mar 06, 2007The owner of World Health Products, while not admitting wrongdoing, authorized the voluntary destruction of the supplements
FDA Investigating Norovirus Outbreak Linked To Oysters
fda.gov, Mar 13, 2007Consumers Advised To Avoid Raw Oysters Harvested from San Antonio Bay
Owner Of Anaheim’s Eureca Institute Convicted In Illegal Therapy Case
dca.ca.gov, Mar 20, 2007?The treatment provided by the Institute is not up to the standards of licensed physical therapists,?
Retailer Security Breach May Affect Maryland Consumers
oag.state.md.us, Feb 20, 2007It is imperative that consumers who may be affected by this security breach carefully monitor their accounts
Four Charged With Operating Bogus Medical Clinic In Pomona
losangeles.fbi.gov, Feb 27, 2007Three people were arrested today for their roles in a health care fraud scheme
FTC Recovers $25 Million to Settle Allegations of Deceptive Marketing
ftc.gov, Jan 30, 2007Xenadrine EFX will pay at least $8 million and as much as $12.8 million to settle FTC allegations that Xenadrine EFX?s weight-loss claims were false and unsubstantiated.
Arrest Of Couple Accused Of Telemarketing Fraud Targeting Elderly
usdoj.gov, Feb 06, 2007A Canadian couple has been arrested on federal fraud charges for allegedly bilking elderly victims across the United States
OCC Offers Tips to Help Consumers Avoid Cashier's Check Fraud
occ.treas.gov, Feb 13, 2007The consumer advisory was issued in response to a growing incidence of scams involving cashier's checks.
Canadian Man Pleads Guilty To Telemarketing Fraud
usdoj.gov, Jan 16, 2007Pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to charges of wire fraud and money laundering in connection with his role in an extensive fraudulent telemarketing scheme.
Consumer Refund Information from Sony BMG for Music CD Snafu
kentucky.gov, Jan 23, 2007$4.25 million to resolve the States? investigation into problems that arose when SONY BMG placed anti-copying software on music CDs.
$1 Million Settlement in Washington's First Spyware Suit
wa.gov, Jan 04, 20071,145 Washington residents who purchased the company's Spyware Cleaner software and, in some cases, Popup Padlock are eligible for refunds.
Man Sentenced To Prison For Student Loan Fraud
usdoj.gov, Jan 09, 2007To qualify for the loans, Vogts falsely represented that he was enrolled in a graduate degree program at the university.
Boiler Room Telemarketers Sentenced in Connection with $18 Million Business Opportunity Scam
Department of Justice, Dec 07, 2006Fraudulently induced approximately 738 consumers to invest a total of more than $18 million in their business
Former ANC Commissioner sentenced to 15 years & 8 months in prison for defrauding innocent investors
Department of Justice, Dec 14, 2006Clients suffered an actual loss of at least $747,169
FTC Targets Bogus Claims for Pill Advertised to Make Kids Taller
FTC, Dec 01, 2006A Florida business and its owner will pay $375,000 to settle charges that their advertising claims were deceptive.
Assessment Reveals Suspected Mortgage Loan Fraud Continues To Rise
FinCEN, Nov 15, 2006Financial Crimes Enforcement Network reveals that suspected mortgage loan fraud in the United States continues to rise
Federal Indictment In Foreclosure Scam Targeting Homeowners
US Department of Justice, Nov 22, 2006Foreclosure scam in which homeowners who were in default on their mortgages were promised refinancing
In Missouri, Cattle Sellers Charged For Defrauding Farmers
Missouri Attorney General, Oct 25, 2006Attorney General Jay Nixon filed criminal charges against five mid-Missouri residents, alleging they defrauded farmers
In Florida, Pharmacist And Doctors Plead Guilty In Prescription Billing Scheme
Department of Justice, Nov 01, 2006Defendants conspired to commit health care fraud by submitting fraudulent prescription drug claims
Oregon Mortgage Loan Officers Indicted In Fraud Scheme
Department of Justice, Nov 08, 2006Two Eugene based mortgage loan officers were indicted in a scheme involving the use of fraudulent information on loan applications submitted to obtain mortgage loans
Prison Inmate At Time Of Katrina Pleads Guilty To Katrina Fraud
Department Of Justice, Oct 09, 2006Bingham admitted using a false address in Biloxi, Mississippi in order to receive disaster relief benefits from FEMA.
$5 Million Multi-State Settlement Correcting Deceptive Sales Practices
ag.state.oh.us, Oct 16, 2006More than 1,000 consumer complaints from across the country, including about 150 from Ohio, were received by Petro?s office about Berkeley.
IRS Joins Stock Option Backdating Task Force
Press Release, Sep 25, 2006to investigate alleged backdating of stock options with the intent to defraud in the Northern District of California.
FTC Announces New Successes In Campaign To Stop Fraud Targeting Hispanics
ftc.gov, Oct 02, 2006In English, Spanish, or in any other language, scams lead to the same result ? dashed hopes and empty pockets.
FTC Alleges Illegal Internet Sales Of Contact Lenses
Press Release, Sep 05, 2006charges they violated federal law by failing to verify consumers? prescriptions as required by the Commission's Contact Lens Rule.
Co-Leader of $30 Million Telemarketing Fraud Pleads Guilty
Press Release, Sep 11, 2006In those calls, First Choice offered U.S. residents ?guaranteed? credit cards - for a fee that ranged from $249 to $299.
CMS Launches Comprehensive Effort To Combat Medicaid Fraud And Abuse
Press Release, Sep 18, 2006Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 with funds that will rise from $5 million in 2007to $75 million by fiscal year 2009
Louisiana Medical Center to Pay United States $3.8 Million to Settle Allegations of Fraud
Department Of Justice, Aug 21, 2006Today?s civil settlement resolves allegations that the Lafayette, La., facility violated the False Claims Act by submitting claims for medically unnecessary elective angi
SEC Charges Texas Insurance Firm with Deceptive Sale of Investments to Military Personnel
Press Release, Aug 28, 2006American-Amicable has agreed to settle the action by paying $10 million to the approximately 57,000 military personnel who invested in the product sold as an investment k
Telemarketing Firm Official Indicted In Phone Jamming Case
Press Release, Aug 14, 2006telephone harassment relating to a scheme to jam several New Hamshire telephone lines on Election Day
FDA Warns Consumers Not to Use Bismacine, AKA Chromacine
fda.gov, Jul 31, 2006The FDA is investigating one report of a death and several reports of injury related to the administration of bismacine.
Three Defendents Sentenced On Cell Phone Fraud Scheme
Department Of Justice, Aug 07, 2006They paid for the phones with a counterfeit check and then sold the phones on the street for $200-225 each with service.
New York City Department Of Consumer Affair Settles With Sprint/Nextel
nyc.gov, Jun 01, 2006Sprint/Nextel Communications, Inc. agreed to pay the City $295,000 and to fully comply with the City's Consumer Protection Law
Bear Archery Recalls Compound Crossbows Due to Faulty Trigger Mechanisms
Press Release, Jul 24, 2006The triggers on these crossbows could fire when the safety mechanism is moved from "safe" to "fire" position without pulling the trigger.
Michigan Consumer Protection Law Settlement Over ?No Late Fee? Advertising
michigan.gov, Apr 19, 2006Attorney General Mike Cox today announced that he and the Attorneys General of 46 other states plus the District of Columbia have reached agreement with Blockbuster Inc
California Pravicy Laws On Medical Information
privacy.ca.gov, May 04, 2006Our state laws give us many rights to limit those who see our medical records
Recent Product Recall On Inflatable Pool Ladders
cpsc.gov, May 17, 2006Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed
Virginia Consumer Protection Warns Public About Solicitation
vdacs.virginia.gov, Mar 13, 2006State Warns Public About Solicitation By All Stars Academy Of Suffolk, Virginia
Massachusetts Congressman Protect Children From Cancers
markey.house.gov, Apr 04, 2006In response to the statement from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
FTC Charges South Carolina Resident With Operating Phony Business
ftc.gov, Feb 10, 2006Promoted his work at home business opportunities by stating that due to explosive growth he needed to expand his business throughout the United States
Pennsylvania's Consumer Protection Law And Unfair Trade Practices
attorneygeneral.gov, Jan 09, 2006The Bureau of Consumer Protection (BCP) and AT&T resolving claims that Pennsylvanians were billed for long-distance service plans even though they were not AT&T customer
Ohio Consumer Protection For Patients
ohioinsurance.gov, Jan 24, 2006Ohio?s Patient Protection Act which allows qualified consumers to appeal the denial reduction or termination of health care services by their health carrier has saved
Florida Prescription Drug And Health Care Fraud
usdoj.gov, Dec 12, 2005Sixteen count federal Indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy and health care fraud
In New Jersey, Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention And Consumer Protection Act Of 2005
USCourts.GOV, Dec 28, 2005The Interim Rules are expected to apply to bankruptcy cases from October 17, 2005
In California, FTC Continues Crackdown on Scams Aimed at Hispanics Consumers
Ftc.gov, Nov 25, 2005Hispanic leaders met in Los Angeles today to discuss new ways to fight fraud in the community
In New York, Scam Stopper Program Helps Prevent Fraud On Seniors
oag.state.ny.us, Nov 30, 2005New Scam Stopper Program Helps Seniors Identify and Respond to Frauds
California Department Of Consumer Affairs On Acupuncture
dca.ca.gov, Nov 10, 2005The laws and regulations as defined in the Acupuncture Licensure Act will not go away and will remain in effect
Western Union Agrees To Help Combat Telemarketing Fraud
NY.gov, Nov 18, 2005Multistate Agreement Requires Fraud Warnings and A Nationwide Consumer Education Campaign
New York City Department Of Consumer Affairs Commissioner Today Announced A Settlement Of More Than 600,000 In Consumer Restitution
nyc.gov, Sep 21, 2005New York City Department Of Consumer Affairs Commissioner Today Announced A Settlement
Identity Theft Is A Serious Crime. How Does It Happen
consumer.gov, Oct 14, 2005This website is a one-stop national resource to learn about the crime of identity theft.
Carbon Monoxide Poisonings
cpse.gov, Oct 21, 2005The health effects related to CO exposure depend upon its concentration in the blood
Report On The First Annual National Consumer Protection Week
consumer.gov, Sep 08, 2005In the nonprofit category, first place went to the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Orange, CaliforniaA Week Long Series Of Workshop On Consumer Protection
The New York State Consumer Law Help Manual Has Been Updated By The State Consumer Protection Board And Is Now Available To The Public
nysconsumer.gov, Sep 14, 2005The New York State Consumer Law Help Manual Has Been Updated By The State Consumer Protection Board And Is Now Available
Department Of Consumer Protection Uncovers Driveway Paving Scam Two Arrested
ct.gov, Aug 24, 2005Department Of Consumer Protection Uncovers Driveway Paving Scam Two Arrested
The Proposed Franchise Act Is Likely To Raise Brewers Costs
ftc.gov, Aug 29, 2005The Proposed Franchise Act Is Likely To Raise Brewers
Corporation Counsel Announces Settlement of Consumer Protection Lawsuit Against Credit Debt Solutions Inc
app.occ.dc.gov, Aug 09, 2005Corporation Counsel Announces Settlement of Consumer Protection Lawsuit Against Credit Debt Solutions Inc
Agreement With 7-Eleven To Curb Tobacco Sales To Minors Multi-State Agreement With Major Retailers Covers 209 Washington Stores
atg.wa.gov, Aug 16, 2005Multi-State Agreement With Major Retailers Covers 209 Washington Stores
