Massachusetts AG secures $52 million in consumer debt relief and permanently bars three affiliated debt collection companies from operating in the state.
FTC Targets Payment Processor in Proposed $12 Million Sham-Merchant Settlement
The Federal Trade Commission has reached a proposed $12 million settlement with Humboldt Merchant Services based on allegations that it processed payments for merchants that were shell companies or engaged in fraud.
If entered, the proposed order would permanently prohibit Humboldt from processing payments for certain high-risk merchant categories and from engaging in credit card
Vermont Imposes Licensing and Disclosure Requirements for Sales-Based Financing and Factoring Transactions
Vermont enacted H.648, requiring certain commercial financing providers and brokers to obtain licenses and provide standardized disclosures.
FTC Issues FAQs on ‘Junk Fees’ Rule
The Federal Trade Commission’s Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees, sometimes called the “Junk Fees Rule,” took effect on May 12, 2025. In advance of that effective date, the FTC published Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to provide guidance to consumers and businesses regarding the Rule.
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CFPB Will Not Enforce Small Business Lending Rule
On April 30, 2025, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced that it “will not prioritize enforcement or supervision actions” related to obligations imposed by its Small Business Lending Rule (under Regulation B) against entities not covered by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals’ stay in Texas Bankers Association v. CFPB, No. 24-40705.
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CFPB Urges States to Fill Gaps in Federal Financial Privacy Statutes
On Nov. 12, 2024, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released a report examining federal and state privacy protections for consumers’ financial data. In the report, the CFPB “critiques” the privacy protections available under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), asserting that the federal framework has “limitations.” The CFPB then
CFPB Issues Personal Financial Data Rights Rule
On Oct. 22, 2024, the CFPB issued a final rule that will require covered financial institutions to provide consumers and authorized third parties with access and portability options for their financial data. The CFPB’s final rule, called the “Personal Financial Data Rights Rule,” implements Section 1033 of Title X of the Dodd-Frank Act, a to-date
FTC Announces Final ‘Click-to-Cancel’ Rule for Subscription Services and Other Negative Option Offers
On Oct. 16, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission announced its final “Click-to-Cancel” Rule for subscription services and other negative option offers. The rule requires sellers to make it as easy for consumers to cancel subscriptions as it was to sign up for them. The rule also changes businesses’ marketing, disclosure, consent, and recordkeeping requirements and
FTC Targets Adobe for Hidden Fees and Deceptive Subscription Practices
On June 17, 2024, the FTC filed a federal court complaint against Adobe and two of its executives. The complaint alleges that Adobe deceived consumers by failing to adequately disclose that its annual subscription plans were subject to an ETF and by making it difficult for consumers to cancel their annual subscription plans.
FTC 2023 Enforcement Highlights: A Closer Look at Auto Financing, Electronic Fund Transfers, and Consumer Leasing
- The agency targeted deceptive practices in auto financing, taking enforcement actions against companies allegedly using misleading tactics