Category: Consumer Protection

Bank of America Fined $150 Million Over ‘Junk Fees’

The bank double-charged overdraft fees, withheld card perks and opened unauthorized accounts, regulators said. It will repay customers more than $80 million.
Tips for Canceling Online Subscriptions

It’s easy to sign up but not always so easy to stop a service. The F.T.C. is proposing rules to change that.
7.5 Million Baby Shark Bath Toys Are Recalled After Reports of Children Being Injured

At least a dozen people have reported being injured by the toy. The top fins pose a risk of “impalement, lacerations and punctures,” the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said.
The Risks of Storing Money in Apps Like Venmo and Cash App

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is warning that the funds may be at risk if the app’s parent company runs into trouble.
Judge Dismisses D.C.’s Privacy Lawsuit Against Meta

The District of Columbia accused the company of sharing user data in deceptive ways. A Superior Court decision said Meta had made its policies clear.
Sam Altman, ChatGPT Creator and OpenAI CEO, Urges Senate for A.I. Regulation

The tech executive and lawmakers agreed that new A.I. systems must be regulated. Just how that would happen is not yet clear.
More Options to Pay for Medical Care, but Some May Be Costly

Consumer experts are warning patients that some offerings charge much higher interest rates than regular credit cards.
Funeral Homes Don’t Have to List Prices Online. That May Change.

The rule on price disclosure was written before widespread use of the internet. Regulators are considering an update.
A Federal Tool Could Soon Make It Easier to Compare Credit Cards

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which already provides some card details, is asking banks for more information about who qualifies for which cards.
Elon Musk Tried to Meet With F.T.C. Chair About Twitter, but Was Rebuffed

Mr. Musk requested a meeting with Lina Khan, the chair of the F.T.C., which has been investigating Twitter’s privacy and data practices.
‘It’s Disgusting’: The Con Artists Who Exploit Mass Shootings

After a gunman killed three students at Michigan State University in February, unlicensed “Spartan Strong” merchandise appeared for sale online. Experts said it’s part of a familiar pattern.
Tips on Buying Tickets the Next Time Your Favorite Singer Is in Town

Our columnist thought she’d gotten a good deal on Bruce Springsteen tickets. But could she have gotten a better one? Here’s what she learned.