State AGs
SCAM Act Legislation Introduced to Hold Platforms Accountable for Deceptive Ads
By Richard B. Newman |
On February 4, 2026 Senators Gellego (D-AZ) and Moreno (R-OH) introduced bipartisan legislation to crack down on deceptive online ads. The Safeguarding Consumers from Advertising Misconduct (“SCAM”) Act would require online platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent fraudulent and deceptive ads and strengthen accountability when they slip through the cracks. The bill could potentially…
5 Star Intel: FTC and State AGs Investigating Fake Google and Yelp Reviews
By Richard B. Newman |
The Federal Trade Commission and State Attorneys General are aggressively investigating the use of fake or false consumer reviews and testimonials – including AI-generated reviews – on consumer review platforms like Google and Yelp. At both a federal and state level, regulatory agencies are seeking harsh monetary civil penalties and damages against violators of applicable…
NYC Mayor Mamdani Signs Executive Orders to Stop Junk Fees and Subscription Tricks
By Richard B. Newman |
On January 5, 2025, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, joined by Attorney General Letitia James, City Council Member Julie Menin, and DCWP Commissioner Sam Levine, announced that it has signed two executive orders: to combat businesses’ deceptive use of junk fees and crackdown on subscription tricks and traps that that drain money from New Yorkers and make…
Guide to FTC Made in USA Advertising Do’s and Don’ts
By Richard B. Newman |
The Federal Trade Commission recently enacted the Made in USA Labeling Rule and updated its “Complying with the Made in USA Standard” business guidance. Both reinforce the “all or virtually all” standard. The following constitute key strategies that advertisers and manufacturers should consider when evaulating compliance and remediation programs, or when facing an FTC or…
NY AG and FTC Secure $1.6M from Online Apartment Finder for Allegedly Defrauding Renters
By Richard B. Newman |
On August 28, 2023, the New York Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that they have secured $1.6 million from Roomster, an online apartment search platform, and its owners, for allegedly defrauding millions of renters nationwide by posting unverified apartment listings and fake reviews. The consent order also prohibits Roomster and its…
FTC and State Law Enforcers Announce Lead Generation Telemarketing Enforcement Sweep
By Richard B. Newman |
On July 18, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission and more than 100 federal and state law enforcement partners nationwide, including the attorneys general from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, announced a new crackdown on illegal telemarketing calls involving more than 180 actions targeting operations responsible for billions of calls to U.S. consumers.…