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 3
June 2004
IN THIS ISSUE
News Flash
Upcoming Events
New Consumer Education
Tip of the Month - Do Not Call
Numbers to Know - Resources
NEWS FLASH
DO NOT EMAIL REGISTRY
FTC released its report to Congress on the feasibility of a National Do Not Email Registry, concluding that a robust authentication system is a prerequisite to any type of Registry. The Commission will hold an Authentication Summit this Fall to help focus efforts on analyzing, developing, and deploying such systems.
Press release: www.ftc.gov/opa/2004/06/canspam2.shtm
Report: www.ftc.gov/reports/dneregistry/report.pdf
WE WARNED YOU. Now spam containing sexually-explicit material must contain the warning "SEXUALLY-EXPLICIT:" in the subject line or senders face fines for violating federal law.
Press release: www.ftc.gov/opa/2004/05/sexexplicit.shtm
CAN IT. FTC announces its first cases brought under the CAN-SPAM Act, which took effect January 2004. The two spam operations generated nearly a million consumer complaints to the agency.
Press release: www.ftc.gov/opa/2004/04/040429canspam.shtm
CREDIT REPORTING. FTC has launched a new system that refers certain consumer complaints to the three national credit reporting agencies. The referred complaints must concern disputed inaccuracies or incomplete information in the credit bureaus' files.
Press release: www.ftc.gov/opa/2004/04/cra.shtm
SEEKING COMMENTS - 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 July 20.
For more information: www.ftc.gov/opa/2004/06/factaaffiliate.shtm
UPCOMING EVENTS
GREEN LIGHTS & RED FLAGS. On July 22, FTC and the Colorado Bar Association present a one-day workshop in Denver on complying with advertising standards. The workshop will feature speakers from FTC, the Colorado Attorney General's office, the Better Business Bureau and other advertising law experts. The registration fee is $89 for Colorado Bar members and government attorneys; $129 for others. The workshop is open to the public.
For more information: www.ftc.gov/opa/2004/06/denveradlaw.shtm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY. 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/2004/04/ftc90th.shtm
NEW CONSUMER EDUCATION
GOT SPAM? 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.
HOW NOT TO GET HOOKED BY A 'PHISHING' SCAM. Alert offers tips on how to avoid falling victim to a new type of spam scam that tries to trick consumers into handing over personal financial information. www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/phishingalrt.pdf
PUTTING YOUR HOME ON THE LOAN LINE IS RISKY BUSINESS. Interagency brochure on predatory lending warns consumers about borrowing pitfalls and offers tips on getting the best financing possible.
English: www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre33.shtm
En Espanol: www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/spanish/credit/s-risky.shtm
TIP OF THE MONTH
The FTC’s National Do Not Call Registry, launched last June, currently contains nearly 62 million phone numbers. A recent Customer Care Alliance survey confirmed its effectiveness: more than 60 percent of all U.S. adults say they've signed up for the registry. Eighty-seven percent of those registered report receiving fewer telemarketing calls. If you're receiving unwanted telemarketing calls, you may choose to add your number to the registry. After your number's been on the registry for three months, you can file a complaint. Here's how:
- To stop most telemarketing sales calls, add your phone number to the Registry. Visit: www.donotcall.gov or call
1-888-382-1222; (TTY) 1-866-290-4236.
- To register by phone, you need to call from the number you want to register.
- If you register online, you will receive an email from donotcall.gov as part of the confirmation process. You need to click on the link in the email within 72 hours after you receive it. If you don't, the number you tried to register won't be added to the registry.
- If you think you're registered but you're still getting telemarketing sales calls, you can check if your number is on the Registry. Visit: www.donotcall.gov (and click on "Verify a Registration") or call 1-888-382-1222; (TTY) 1-866-290-4236.
- If you verify by phone, you must call from the phone number you wish to verify or register.
- If your number has been on the Registry for at least three months and a telemarketer calls, you can complain to the FTC.
Visit: www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 (TTY) 1-866-290-4236.
- To file a complaint, you need:
- the name OR phone number of the company that called AND
- the date of the call
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.