Tag:

Consumer protection

GoFundMe Accused Of Creating 1.4M Plagiarized Campaigns, PA's AG Wants Answers GoFundMe Accused Of Creating 1.4M Plagiarized Campaigns, PA's AG Wants Answers
GoFundMe Accused Of Creating 1.4M Plagiarized Campaigns, PA's AG Wants Answers Prosecutors across the Northeast are demanding answers from GoFundMe after reports that the fundraising platform created donation pages for more than 1.4 million charities without their permission. Attorneys general from Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania are among 21 states that sent a letter to GoFundMe on Tuesday, March 3. The group accused GoFundMe of potentially misleading donors and violating state charitable solicitation and consumer protection laws. Officials say the pages were created without the charities' prior knowledge or consent…
NY Mercedes Drivers Get $2K After Emissions Cheating Scandal: AG NY Mercedes Drivers Get $2K After Emissions Cheating Scandal: AG
NY Mercedes Drivers Get $2K After Emissions Cheating Scandal: AG Mercedes-Benz will pay more than $13.5 million to New York and provide cash payments to affected drivers as part of a nearly $150 million multistate settlement over illegal emissions-cheating software. The settlement resolves allegations that Mercedes-Benz USA equipped hundreds of thousands of diesel vehicles with undisclosed software designed to cheat emissions tests, mislead consumers, and illegally pollute communities, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced Monday, Dec. 22. Under the agreement, Mercedes will pay a total of $149.6 million to a bipartisan coalition of attorneys …
Massive Shredded Cheese Recall Sparked By Metal Fragment Risk Massive Shredded Cheese Recall Sparked By Metal Fragment Risk
Massive Shredded Cheese Recall Sparked By Metal Fragment Risk A popular shredded cheese sold under multiple store brands is being pulled from supermarket shelves after a packaging concern raised food-safety warnings across much of the country. Great Lakes Cheese Company says a series of mozzarella and blend-style shredded cheeses may contain metal fragments linked to an upstream ingredient supplier. The company initiated a voluntary recall after determining certain batches made it into circulation before the issue was discovered. The products span a wide range of private-label brands sold at major retailers, including Walmart, Target, Aldi, and severa…
How To Avoid Lottery, Prize Scams: You Didn’t Enter, But You 'Won'? How To Avoid Lottery, Prize Scams: You Didn’t Enter, But You 'Won'?
How To Avoid Lottery, Prize Scams: You Didn’t Enter, But You 'Won'? A surprise message says you hit the jackpot, but there’s a catch: you must pay a fee or hand over personal details to claim it.  That’s the hallmark of a lottery or prize scam—designed to separate you from your money and identity. These schemes often arrive by email, text, phone, or mail and lean on pressure tactics to force quick decisions.  Scammers frequently demand “taxes,” “processing,” or “shipping” upfront, or ask for sensitive data to “verify” you.  Legitimate lotteries do not require payment to release a prize, and you should never be asked for your Social Security…
Zillow Hit With Class Action Over ‘Hidden Fees’ That Drove Up Home Prices, Lawsuit Says Zillow Hit With Class Action Over ‘Hidden Fees’ That Drove Up Home Prices, Lawsuit Says
Zillow Hit With Class Action Over ‘Hidden Fees’ That Drove Up Home Prices, Lawsuit Says Zillow is facing a sweeping class action lawsuit accusing the real estate giant of using deceptive online practices that secretly inflated commissions and drove up home prices across the country. The complaint, filed Sept. 19 in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington (attached), claims Zillow routed buyers to Zillow-affiliated “Flex” agents while concealing hefty back-end referral fees of up to 40% of the agent’s commission. These “Hidden Zillow Fees” were allegedly never disclosed to buyers or sellers. The lawsuit alleges the potential class is massive. “The Class membe…
Don't Fall For Automatic Withdrawal Scams: Here's What To Know Don't Fall For Automatic Withdrawal Scams: Here's What To Know
Don't Fall For Automatic Withdrawal Scams: Here's What To Know The latest trick to drain your checking account doesn’t require your debit card. Just your bank and routing numbers.  Fraudsters posing as prize promoters or special-offer reps convince victims to “verify” account details, then use that information to pull money out—often again and again. Here’s what to know to spot these schemes and protect your money. What They Are These scams hinge on a criminal getting your bank account and routing numbers, often from a check image, a cold call, a mailed postcard, or a too-good-to-be-true email. The criminal then initiates unauthorized autom…
Don’t Cash In: Unsolicited Checks Could Cost You Big Don’t Cash In: Unsolicited Checks Could Cost You Big
Don’t Cash In: Unsolicited Checks Could Cost You Big Receiving a check in the mail might seem like a stroke of luck, but experts warn it could be the start of a costly scam.  Authorities are alerting consumers about a surge in unsolicited check fraud schemes targeting people across the US. How The Scam Works Unsolicited check fraud typically begins when you receive a check from someone you don’t know.  The scammer may contact you about a job, a prize, or even as an overpayment for something you’re selling online.  The check looks genuine, and when you deposit it, the funds may appear in your account almost immediately. But …
Trump Admin Ends Plan To Make Airlines Pay For Disrupted Flights Trump Admin Ends Plan To Make Airlines Pay For Disrupted Flights
Trump Admin Ends Plan To Make Airlines Pay For Disrupted Flights The Trump administration is abandoning a Biden-era proposal that would have required airlines to compensate passengers with cash, meals, and hotel stays for cancellations or long delays. The Transportation Department revealed that it plans to withdraw the rule, according to a document posted online on Thursday, Sept. 4. The DOT called the move "consistent with department and administration priorities." The proposal was first unveiled in December 2024, just weeks before former President Joe Biden left office. The regulation would have forced airlines to issue at least $20…
Fake Amazon Recall Texts Prompt FTC Warning Fake Amazon Recall Texts Prompt FTC Warning
Fake Amazon Recall Texts Prompt FTC Warning The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is urging the public to ignore and delete a new wave of phishing texts that masquerade as recall notices from Amazon and dangle instant refunds. According to the agency’s consumer-protection unit, the messages claim a “routine quality inspection” found a defect in a recent Amazon purchase. Buyers can secure a full refund — no return required — simply by tapping a supplied link. In reality, there is no refund. Clicking routes victims to look-alike sites designed to harvest Amazon credentials, credit-card numbers, or other personal data that can be resold or…
Funeral Director Pockets $32K From Grieving Families Prepaying Funeral Costs: PA AG Funeral Director Pockets $32K From Grieving Families Prepaying Funeral Costs: PA AG
Funeral Director Pockets $32K From Grieving Families Prepaying Funeral Costs: PA AG A Johnstown woman is accused of scamming grieving families out of nearly $32,000 after taking over her late father’s funeral home, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced on Wednesday, Aug. 27. Brittany Thomas allegedly collected pre-paid funeral costs from at least 14 families while operating the Moskal-Reid Funeral Home and Cremation Services, but never delivered the services or issued refunds, according to the civil lawsuit filed in Cambria County Court. Her father, licensed funeral director Alan B. Reid, passed away in 2021. Thomas was authorized to continue operating the fu…
LA Fitness Trapped Customers In Gym Contracts, FTC Lawsuit Claims LA Fitness Trapped Customers In Gym Contracts, FTC Lawsuit Claims
LA Fitness Trapped Customers In Gym Contracts, FTC Lawsuit Claims Canceling gym memberships turned into a maze of hurdles for LA Fitness customers, according to a federal lawsuit. LA Fitness is accused of using "opaque and complicated methods" that made it nearly impossible for members to end recurring charges. The Federal Trade Commission announced a lawsuit against the national gym chain on Wednesday, Aug. 20. The complaint targets California-based Fitness International and Fitness & Sports Clubs. The companies operate LA Fitness along with Esporta Fitness, City Sports Club, and Club Studio.  Together, the companies run more than 600 gyms…
Phony Amazon Messages Target Shoppers With New Tricks: What To Know Now Phony Amazon Messages Target Shoppers With New Tricks: What To Know Now
Phony Amazon Messages Target Shoppers With New Tricks: What To Know Now That email claiming to be from Amazon about a mysterious order or urgent account issue? It could be a scammer’s trap waiting for you to click. Amazon users are being warned about a fresh wave of sophisticated scams hitting inboxes.  Fraudsters are sending emails and texts that look like they're from Amazon, often claiming something’s wrong with your account or a suspicious purchase has been made.  The messages urge you to click a link or call a customer service numbe, leading you straight into a scam. According to online security firm ExpressVPN, these phishing emails are design…
Pikesville Ticket Broker Rigged System To Resell Taylor Swift Tickets For Huge Profits: FTC Pikesville Ticket Broker Rigged System To Resell Taylor Swift Tickets For Huge Profits: FTC
Pikesville Ticket Broker Rigged System To Resell Taylor Swift Tickets For Huge Profits: FTC The federal government is suing a Maryland ticket broker, accusing the company of scooping up hundreds of thousands of tickets for major events, including Taylor Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour. The Federal Trade Commission announced the lawsuit against Key Investment Group on Monday, Aug. 18. The Pikesville, MD-based broker has operated under names like Epic Seats, TotalTickets.com LLC, and Totally Tix LLC. Investigators said Key Investment Group resold the tickets at steep markups that generated about $64 million in sales. Three of the company's executives are named …
Froot Loops, Other Iconic Cereals To Lose Artificial Colors Under Kellogg’s Deal Froot Loops, Other Iconic Cereals To Lose Artificial Colors Under Kellogg’s Deal
Froot Loops, Other Iconic Cereals To Lose Artificial Colors Under Kellogg’s Deal Bowing to mounting consumer and regulatory pressure, Kellogg’s announced it will remove all artificial dyes from its breakfast cereals sold in the United States. The company said it will make the change by the end of 2027.  It's a move that will transform the look of some of America’s most iconic breakfast foods. The decision follows a legally binding agreement between Kellogg’s and the Texas Attorney General’s office.  This agreement investigated the company’s continued use of synthetic food colorings in the US, despite Kellogg’s having already removed them from cereals sold in…
Zelle Left Users Open To $1B In Scams, NY AG Says Zelle Left Users Open To $1B In Scams, NY AG Says
Zelle Left Users Open To $1B In Scams, NY AG Says The operator of Zelle is accused of designing the popular payment app without basic safeguards, allowing scammers to steal more than $1 billion from users. A lawsuit filed against Early Warning Services, LLC (EWS) by New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office Wednesday, Aug. 13, alleges the company failed to protect users from scams. EWS operates Zelle and is owned by a consortium of some of the country’s largest banks, including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Capital One, and Wells Fargo. According to the complaint, EWS launched Zelle in 2017 without critical safeguards, making it …
From 'Party' To Problem: Bad Bunny Fans Warned Of Fake Ticket Scams From 'Party' To Problem: Bad Bunny Fans Warned Of Fake Ticket Scams
From 'Party' To Problem: Bad Bunny Fans Warned Of Fake Ticket Scams Fans planning to see Bad Bunny in Puerto Rico are being urged to watch out for fake tickets after some concertgoers spent thousands to attend—only to be turned away at the door. In a warning issued Tuesday, Aug. 12, New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office said it received complaints from New Yorkers who bought tickets to see the Puerto Rican superstar, then traveled to San Juan only to be told at the venue their tickets were invalid.  The concerts run through Sept. 14, 2025. “Bad Bunny is a musical icon in New York, and scammers are taking advantage of his popularity to sell f…
$573K In Fake Rolexes, Designer Shades Seized Before Hitting Pennsylvania Streets: Feds $573K In Fake Rolexes, Designer Shades Seized Before Hitting Pennsylvania Streets: Feds
$573K In Fake Rolexes, Designer Shades Seized Before Hitting Pennsylvania Streets: Feds Not so fast. Hundreds of thousands of dollars in faux Rolexes and fake designer sunglasses didn’t make it past customs in Pittsburgh. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Pittsburgh intercepted a shipment of fake Rolex watches and knockoff luxury sunglasses valued at over half a million dollars before they could hit the streets, federal officials announced Thursday, June 26. The package, arriving from the United Arab Emirates and mislabeled as “Empty Poly Bag Ladies Hand Bag,” was flagged on April 27.  When officers opened it, they found 13 counterfeit Rolex watches and…
Fortnite Players Getting $126M In Refunds For Unwanted Charges, FTC Says Fortnite Players Getting $126M In Refunds For Unwanted Charges, FTC Says
Fortnite Players Getting $126M In Refunds For Unwanted Charges, FTC Says Fortnite players across the US are getting a fresh round of cash — and they didn’t even have to win a battle royale to claim it. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced it’s sending out more than $126 million in refunds to players who were charged for unwanted in-game purchases, as part of a settlement with Fortnite’s developer, Epic Games. The latest round of payments includes 969,173 checks and PayPal transfers issued on June 25 and 26, the FTC said this week. This stems from a 2023 settlement in which Epic agreed to pay $245 million after the FTC accused the company of using decept…
Walmart To Pay $10M After Scammers Exploit Money Transfer Services, FTC Says Walmart To Pay $10M After Scammers Exploit Money Transfer Services, FTC Says
Walmart To Pay $10M After Scammers Exploit Money Transfer Services, FTC Says Walmart will pay $10 million and change its money transfer practices after federal regulators said the company let scammers steal hundreds of millions of dollars from Americans. Walmart agreed to the payout in a settlement, the Federal Trade Commission announced on Friday, June 20. The agency's three commissioners unanimously approved the final order. The FTC accused the retail giant of allowing fraudsters to misuse its wire transfer services between 2013 and 2018. "Electronic money transfers are one of the most common ways that scammers tell consumers to send them money, be…
Scammers Using Trump Tariff Confusion To Trick Online Shoppers, BBB Warns Scammers Using Trump Tariff Confusion To Trick Online Shoppers, BBB Warns
Scammers Using Trump Tariff Confusion To Trick Online Shoppers, BBB Warns Scammers are using the confusion surrounding President Donald Trump's changing tariffs to cover up missing packages and ignore refund requests. The Better Business Bureau says it's seeing more reports of shady sellers blaming "tariffs" and "customs delays" when products don't arrive. In many cases, the sellers vanish after taking your money. The BBB has warned that shoppers aren't typically responsible for tariffs after buying online and it's a red flag if a seller says your item is stuck in customs due to tariffs. "After 2 months of not receiving my product I have…
Cannabis Recall Issued In NY After Products Found With Pesticides Cannabis Recall Issued In NY After Products Found With Pesticides
Cannabis Recall Issued In NY After Products Found With Pesticides Nine cannabis products sold across New York state are being recalled after tests revealed potentially dangerous pesticide contamination, officials announced. The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) issued the recall on Tuesday, June 10, for several adult-use cannabis products manufactured by IndoGrow LLC. It comes after products quarantined for testing issues were retested and found to contain unallowable levels of pesticides that could pose health and safety risks. Recalled Products Include: The Force Pre-Roll (SWDV01) Blue Coffee Flower (IC099-001-BC) Blue Coffee Pre-Ro…
Fair Lawn Spa Owner Suspended For Performing Unlicensed Medical Procedures, State Says Fair Lawn Spa Owner Suspended For Performing Unlicensed Medical Procedures, State Says
Fair Lawn Spa Owner Suspended For Performing Unlicensed Medical Procedures, State Says A Bergen County spa owner has been suspended from practice for five years and permanently barred from running a massage business after allegedly performing invasive procedures she wasn’t licensed to conduct, New Jersey officials said. Ana C. Velazco, of Fair Lawn, owner of Fabsilhouette — also known as Medical Massage Network — was sanctioned by the State Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy and the State Board of Medical Examiners for allegedly practicing medicine without a license, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced on Wednesday, June 11. C…
Mold Risks Prompt Massive Recall Of 1.7M+ Air Conditioners Under Many Brand Names Mold Risks Prompt Massive Recall Of 1.7M+ Air Conditioners Under Many Brand Names
Mold Risks Prompt Massive Recall Of 1.7M+ Air Conditioners Under Many Brand Names Nearly 1.75 million window air conditioners imported by a New Jersey company have been recalled after reports of mold exposure and respiratory problems. Midea America Corp. issued the recall for about 1.7 million air conditioners sold in the US and around 45,900 in Canada, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on Thursday, June 5. Midea is headquartered in Parsippany, about 30 miles west of New York City. According to the CPSC, Midea discovered water could pool inside its U and U+ models, creating a risk for mold growth. Mold exposure can trigger respiratory infections,…
NY AG Sues Capital One Over $2B+ Savings Scheme After Trump's CFPB Dropped Case NY AG Sues Capital One Over $2B+ Savings Scheme After Trump's CFPB Dropped Case
NY AG Sues Capital One Over $2B+ Savings Scheme After Trump's Cfpb Dropped Case New York's attorney general is reviving a major consumer protection case that federal regulators dropped shortly after President Donald Trump returned to office. Attorney General Letitia James announced the lawsuit against Capital One on Wednesday, May 14. The suit accuses the banking giant of misleading savings account customers and withholding millions in interest. According to the lawsuit, Capital One used "bait-and-switch" tactics by advertising its 360 Savings account as a high-interest option. The company then secretly offered far better rates to new customers through a…
Eye Drops May Be Contaminated, Sparking Recall Of 1.8M+ Bottles Eye Drops May Be Contaminated, Sparking Recall Of 1.8M+ Bottles
Eye Drops May Be Contaminated, Sparking Recall Of 1.8M+ Bottles More than 1.8 million eye drop bottles distributed nationwide are being recalled because the products may not be sterile. AvKARE issued the voluntary recall for 1,819,080 cartons of eye drops in 75,795 cases. The Tennessee company said an audit by the Food and Drug Administration found manufacturing violations at BRS Analytical Services, the firm responsible for producing the eye care products. The drops were sold under AvKARE's label and shipped between Friday, May 26, 2023, and Monday, April 21, 2025. The FDA classified this as a "Class II" recall, which mean…
Ban On 'Junk Fees' For Tickets, Vacation Rentals Officially Begins: Here's What To Know Ban On 'Junk Fees' For Tickets, Vacation Rentals Officially Begins: Here's What To Know
Ban On 'Junk Fees' For Tickets, Vacation Rentals Officially Begins: Here's What To Know Hotels, vacation rentals, and ticket sellers must now show their full costs up front under a new federal rule  aiming to end "junk fees." The Federal Trade Commission's rule banning "junk fees" officially went into effect on Monday, May 12. The FTC passed the rule in December 2024 to prevent businesses from inflating prices by hiding mandatory costs through vague or hidden charges like "resort," "convenience," or "service" fees. Companies selling concert tickets, hotel stays, and short-term vacation rentals now must display all required fees in advertised prices online, in p…
8 NY Nissan Dealerships Must Pay $3.2M For Overcharging Customers: NY AG 8 NY Nissan Dealerships Must Pay $3.2M For Overcharging Customers: NY AG
8 NY Nissan Dealerships Must Pay $3.2M For Overcharging Customers: NY AG Eight Nissan dealerships across New York—including ones in Rockland County and on Long Island—have been ordered to pay more than $3.2 million for illegally overcharging over 1,700 customers who were trying to buy out their leased vehicles, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced.  According to James, who unveiled the agreement on Tuesday, May 6, the dealerships added bogus fees or inflated prices to final invoices, forcing customers to pay more than the amount promised in their original lease agreements.  The affected dealerships include:  Action Nissan in Ro…
$18.5M In Checks Going To Deceptive Sweepstakes Victims, FTC Says: See If You Qualify $18.5M In Checks Going To Deceptive Sweepstakes Victims, FTC Says: See If You Qualify
$18.5M In Checks Going To Deceptive Sweepstakes Victims, FTC Says: See If You Qualify More than 280,000 people will receive checks after they were targeted by misleading sweepstakes emails, federal regulators said. According to the Federal Trade Commission, more than $18.5 million in refunds will be sent to 281,724 consumers, the agency said in a news release on Wednesday, April 30. The FTC found that Publishers Clearing House misled shoppers through deceptive online marketing and emails. An FTC investigation found that PCH tricked predominantly older and lower-income people into buying products. The shoppers were given the false impression that making the pur…
Recall Issued For Popular Apple Juice Brand Sold In 28 States, Including PA Recall Issued For Popular Apple Juice Brand Sold In 28 States, Including PA
Recall Issued For Popular Apple Juice Brand Sold In 28 States, Including PA A voluntary recall has been issued for certain batches of a widely sold apple juice brand, according to an alert from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The juice was distributed across 28 states and comes in clear, round glass bottles with white metal screw-top lids packaged in four 10-ounce bottles per pack (six packs per case).  The recall was initiated due to concerns that were not detailed in the FDA’s official notice, but the agency classified the situation as a Class II recall, meaning use of the product could cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences. …
Cleona Big Lots Among 130+ Stores Reopening: See The Full List Cleona Big Lots Among 130+ Stores Reopening: See The Full List
Cleona Big Lots Among 130+ Stores Reopening: See The Full List Big Lots is ramping up its comeback plans under new ownership by opening more than 130 stores, including nearly two dozen in Pennsylvania and Virginia. The discount chain plans to reopen 132 stores across 14 states in May, Variety Wholesalers announced in a news release on Monday, April 28. Pennsylvania (13 stores) and Virginia (10 stores) are among the top states for returning locations. Big Lots will reopen 54 stores on Thursday, May 1, and 78 locations on Thursday, May 15. "The customer response to the newly expanded assortment of fresh inventory and great deals has been overw…
NY Delivery Drivers Can Get Their Share Of $4M Tip Settlement: Here's Who Qualifies NY Delivery Drivers Can Get Their Share Of $4M Tip Settlement: Here's Who Qualifies
NY Delivery Drivers Can Get Their Share Of $4M Tip Settlement: Here's Who Qualifies Delivery workers across New York who were shortchanged by the now-defunct alcohol delivery service Drizly can now file to receive their share of a $4 million settlement. The claims portal officially opened this week and eligible workers have until Saturday, July 15, to file, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced Wednesday, April 23. The payout stems from a December 2024 settlement in which James’ office found that Drizly—acquired by Uber and shuttered in 2024—misled customers into thinking tips left during checkout were going directly to delivery workers. In reality, those fund…