FOR THE CONSUMER
The FTC's monthly newsletter for the Congressional community
It's the news you—and your constituents—can use.
Volume 3– Number 4
July 2004
IN THIS ISSUE
News Flash
Upcoming Events
New Consumer Education
Tip of the Month - Do Not Call
Numbers to Know - Resources
NEWS FLASH
CHANGES. Howard Beales III, Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection, will leave the Commission on August 6 to return to academic life as Associate Professor of Strategic Management and Public Policy at George Washington University. BCP's Deputy Director, Lydia Parnes, has been named Acting Director and will assume Beales' duties following his departure.
Press release: www.ftc.gov/opa/2004/07/beales.shtm
THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT. FTC issued a follow-up Report to Congress on the marketing of violent entertainment to children. The report shows continued progress in providing rating information in ads and improvement in limiting sales of R-rated movie tickets, but little overall change in industry ad placement.
Press release: www.ftc.gov/opa/2004/07/mvreport.shtm
COMMENT PERIOD EXTENDED - AFFILIATE MARKETING. FTC seeks public comments on proposed regulations that would give consumers the chance to "opt out" of certain marketing solicitations. The regs would generally prohibit a company from using certain information received from an affiliate to market products or services to a consumer, unless the consumer has been given the chance to opt out of receiving such solicitations. Comments due by August 16.
For more information: www.ftc.gov/opa/2004/07/affiliate.shtm
INTERNATIONAL SPAM SQUAD. FTC joins forces with other law enforcers in the U.S., U.K., and Australia to share resources to fight spam. A memorandum of understanding allows the agencies to share information and facilitates law enforcement.
Press release: www.ftc.gov/opa/2004/07/mou.shtm
UPCOMING EVENTS
A CLASS ACT. FTC and Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics will host a workshop on class action lawsuits, bringing together judges, lawyers, academics, economists and advocacy groups to explore whether certain aspects of class action suits can be improved to better protect consumers' interests. Mark your calendar for September 13 and 14 at the FTC's Conference Center, 601 New Jersey Ave, NW, Washington, D.C.
Press release: www.ftc.gov/opa/2004/07/classactworkshop.shtm
Agenda: www.ftc.gov/bcp/workshops/classaction/index.shtm
WE DON'T LOOK A DAY OVER 89. In celebration of its 90th anniversary, the FTC will host a public symposium September 23-24 at the Commission's Conference Center, 601 New Jersey Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.
Press release: www.ftc.gov/opa/2004/07/90th.shtm
NEW CONSUMER EDUCATION
FRAUD: RECOGNIZE IT. REPORT IT. STOP IT. Brochure to educate consumers about how to recognize and report various types of fraud.
GOT SPAM? WE'VE GOT A NEW MAILBOX FOR IT. FTC accepts consumers' unwanted or deceptive spam into a database and uses it to pursue law enforcement actions against spammers. Consumers should send their spam to: spam@uce.gov.
TIP OF THE MONTH - Kids and Violent Entertainment
The FTC has created a new Web site, www.ftc.gov/ratings, to help parents and kids learn more about entertainment ratings, and file complaints about advertising or sales of violent entertainment to children.
The FTC is tracking complaints based on:
(1) the content of ads;
(2) ad placement;
(3) ratings consumers feel are inappropriate for the content;
(4) cross-marketing of products to a young audience; and
(5) the sale or rental of violent entertainment to children, such as at a retail outlet or movie theater.
For more information or to file a complaint: www.ftc.gov/ratings
NUMBERS TO KNOW
FTC'S OFFICE OF CONGRESSIONAL RELATIONS: 202-326-2195.
Check out the CONGRESSIONAL RESOURCES portion of our Web site at www.ftc.gov/ftc/congress.shtm No password needed to access.
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, go to www.ftc.gov or call FTC's toll-free line 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