We are pleased to share a new podcast episode, which was taken from our September 9, 2025, webinar featuring Malini Mithal, Associate Director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Division of Financial Practices. Malini has been a valued guest on our podcast in past years, and this session provided another timely and insightful discussion.… Continue Reading
FTC Enforcement
FTC to discuss recent consumer finance developments (excluding antitrust) at Ballard Spahr webinar
If you are subject to enforcement by the FTC (excluding antitrust laws), you will not want to miss this webinar on September 9 at Noon, ET. This, of course, includes non-bank fintechs.
As has been the case in prior years, we are delighted to once again have as our guest speaker Malini Mithal, Associate Director of the FTC’s Division of Financial Practices.… Continue Reading
FTC takes action against Accelerated Debt for running a debt relief scam
An ex parte temporary restraining order has been issued against the participants in a debt relief services scheme that allegedly targeted seniors, including veterans, using a variety of deceptive practices, including falsely impersonating consumers’ banks and credit card companies.
Susan M Brnovich of the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona issued the restraining order at the request of the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”).… Continue Reading
FTC enters into stipulated order to permanently ban Global Circulation, and its owner, from debt collection industry
Alleging that Global Circulation, Inc. (GCI) threatened consumers with jail time, lawsuits, and wage garnishments to pressure them into paying debts they did not owe, the FTC entered into a stipulated order with GCI and its owner, Kenneth Redon III, to permanently ban them from the debt collection industry.
The defendants were also enjoined from making misrepresentations to consumer about legal obligations, making false statements to obtain payment information, and impersonating other businesses.… Continue Reading
Justice Department files amended complaint against cash advance company Dave Inc. and its CEO
The Justice Department is asking a federal court to issue a permanent injunction against cash advance firm Dave Inc. and its CEO Jason Wilk, alleging that the company uses misleading marketing tactics to deceive consumers about the amount of its cash advances, charges consumers undisclosed fees, and charges so-called “tips” to consumers without their consent.… Continue Reading
FTC takes action against small business lender Seek Capital
The FTC filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California against Seek Capital and its CEO, Roy Ferman, alleging that the company operated a bogus business finance scheme that cost small business owners more than $37 million. The FTC alleges violations of the FTC Act, Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act, Telemarketing Sales Rule, and Consumer Review Fairness Act of 2016, and requests a temporary, preliminary and permanent injunction, monetary damages and other relief.… Continue Reading
This week’s podcast episode: A Look at the FTC’s Click-to-Cancel Rule, with James Kohm, Associate Director of Enforcement Division of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection
Today’s podcast features James Kohm, the Associate Director for the Enforcement Division of the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. We discuss the FTC’s “Click-to-Cancel” Rule (consisting of significant amendments to the longstanding “Negative Option Rule”) which was promulgated by the FTC on October 16, 2024 by a vote of 3-2 along party lines.… Continue Reading
FTC files complaint against online cash advance app Dave
The FTC has filed a complaint against the online cash advance app, Dave, charging that the company used misleading marketing to deceive consumers about the amount of its cash advances and charged consumers undisclosed fees and so-called “tips” without their consent.
The FTC noted that Dave describes the consumers it targets as “financially vulnerable” or “financially coping,” suggesting that Dave knew they were particularly vulnerable to its claims that they could instantly receive up to $500,
In its complaint, filed in the U.S.… Continue Reading
Court approves FTC agreement with Invitation Homes; company to pay $48 million, address “junk fee” practices, stop certain other practices
Invitation Homes, the nation’s largest landlord of single-family homes, has agreed to pay $48 million and to stop a significant number of its rental practices, including misleading renters about lease costs and charging undisclosed fees characterized by the FTC as junk fees, according to an agreement approved Sept. 27 by the U.S.… Continue Reading
FTC, State of Arizona Charge Auto Dealership with Deceiving Consumers
On August 15, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) and Arizona Attorney General announced a proposed settlement with an Arizona-based vehicle dealership to resolve allegations that the dealership misrepresented prices in online advertisements, engaged in unfair and deceptive practices related to the sale of add-on products, and discriminated against Latino consumers by charging higher interest rates and more expensive add-on charges.… Continue Reading