FOR THE CONSUMER
The FTC's monthly newsletter for the Congressional community
It's the news you—and your constituents—can use.
Volume 2 – Number 3
March 2003
IN THIS ISSUE
News Flash
Coming Events - Spring into Workshops
New Consumer Education
Tip of the Month — Advance Fee Loan Scams
Resources — Numbers to Know
NEWS FLASH
CELL-U-SHORT. Rexall Sundown to pay up to $12 million to settle FTC charges regarding unsubstantiated claims for its cellulite treatment product, Cellasene. The money will be directed to consumer redress. Press release at: www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/03/rexall.htm
HOW SWEET IT IS. FTC receives largest COPPA civil penalties to date in settlements with Mrs. Fields cookies and Hershey Foods. The companies each violated COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) by collecting personal information from children without parental consent. Press release at: www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/02/hersheyfield.htm
COMING EVENTS - Spring into Workshops
SPAM. The FTC will host a three-day workshop to address various issues surrounding unsolicited commercial email (spam.) The workshop, which is free and open to the public, will be held from April 30 - May 2, 2003 at the Federal Trade Commission's offices at 601 New Jersey Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. For more information: www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/02/spamforum.htm
PRIVACY. The FTC will host two one-day workshops on the role of technology in helping consumers and businesses protect personal information. "The Consumer Experience" will be held May 14; "The Business Experience" will be held June 4. Free and open to the public, both workshops will be held at the FTC conference center, 601 NJ Ave., NW, Washington, DC. For more information: www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/02/techwrkshp.htm
NEW CONSUMER EDUCATION
New in Spanish: Como Comprar un Auto Usado (Buying a Used Car) www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/autos/saut03.shtm
TIP OF THE MONTH
Consumer Credit Privacy
Operation Cure.all is FTC's law enforcement and education initiative to target false and unsubstantiated health claims on the Internet. Do you know the signs of a fraudulent health claim?
- "Lose 30 Pounds in Just 30 Days." As a rule, the faster you lose weight, the more likely you are to gain it back. Unless your doctor advises it, don't look for programs that promise quick weight loss.
- "Lose Weight While You Sleep." Claims for diet products and programs that promise weight loss without effort are phony.
- "Scientific Breakthrough...Medical Miracle" There are no miracle weight loss products. To lose weight, you have to reduce your intake of calories and increase your physical activity. Be skeptical about exaggerated claims.
When you see claims like these on the Internet, use the Internet to check them out. Look for confirmation from objective medical sources, for example, government health sites. For more tips on evaluating health, diet or fitness claims, go to: www.ftc.gov/cureall
RESOURCES
The FTC's Office of Congressional Relations, 202.326.2195.
To order free FTC consumer information: Email fortheconsumer@ftc.gov with your name, Member or Committee affiliation and mailing address.
To file a fraud complaint, use our online complaint form or call our toll free hotline, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
To Subscribe or Unsubscribe to this newsletter: Send email to fortheconsumer@ftc.gov with your name, Member or Committee affiliation, email address and the word "subscribe" or "unsubscribe" in the body of the message.