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Consumer News: Match to pay $14 million, overhaul cancellation and guarantee practices in FTC settlement

Details
Category: Consumer Daily Reports

The settlement affects Match, OkCupid, PlentyofFish and other popular dating sites

By Truman Lewis Consumer News: Match to pay million, overhaul cancellation and guarantee practices in FTC settlement of ConsumerAffairs
August 12, 2025

  • Match Group will pay $14 million and stop misleading users about dating guarantees after FTC charges.

  • Company must simplify Match.com subscription cancellations and end account lockouts tied to billing disputes.

  • FTC says the changes will protect consumers from hidden restrictions and unfair practices.

Match Group, the parent company of Match.com, OkCupid, PlentyofFish, and other popular dating platforms, has agreed to a $14 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission over allegations it misled consumers and unfairly restricted access to paid accounts.

The settlement resolves a 2019 FTC lawsuit claiming Match deceived users by promoting a six-month meet someone special guarantee without clearly disclosing the strict conditions required to qualify. The FTC also alleged the company locked out customers who disputed charges keeping their money while denying them access to the services they had paid for and made cancellation unnecessarily difficult.

Under the proposed federal court order, Match must clearly disclose all terms and conditions of its guarantees, refrain from misrepresenting material restrictions, and stop punishing customers who file billing disputes. The company is also required to provide straightforward ways for subscribers to cancel.

The FTC said the $14 million will be used to compensate affected consumers. The Commission approved the settlement in a unanimous 3-0 vote, and the order will take effect once signed by a judge in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas.




Posted: 2025-08-12 16:47:47

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Consumer News: Ford and GM reportedly considering a plan to extend the EV tax credit

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:07:11 +0000

The $7,500 credit on electric vehicles expires today

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs
September 30, 2025

  • Reports suggest Ford and GM are preparing arrangements through their financing arms to effectively extend the $7,500 federal EV tax credit beyond its scheduled September 30, 2025 cutoff

  • Under one plan, the automakers would purchase electric vehicles in dealer inventories (making qualifying down payments) so that dealers can continue offering leases with the credit built in

  • The move is being framed as a bridge measure to soften a steep drop in EV demand after the credits lapse and preserve momentum in a fragile market

Ford Motor Company and General Motors are reportedly coordinating a financial strategy to maintain the U.S. federal electric vehicle (EV) tax credit, at least in practice, despite its official expiration at the end of today.

Reuters cites people familiar with the matter and internal documents reviewed by industry press who say both automakers are leveraging their captive financing arms to continue making down payments on EVs held in dealer inventory.

Under the plan, those purchases would qualify for the $7,500 tax credit, enabling dealers to roll the subsidy into lease offers to consumers as though the credit were still active.

According to the report, Fords program would extend through December 31, while GM has confirmed coordination with its dealers to maintain incentive-backed leases beyond the September 30 deadline.

How it might work

  • The automakers financing arm buys the EV from the dealership via a down payment or similar mechanism, making the purchase eligible for the tax credit.

  • The dealership then leases the same vehicle to the end customer, embedding the $7,500 benefit in the lease structure.

  • The arrangement hinges on prior consultation with the Internal Revenue Service; sources say both firms have held talks with the IRS to validate the maneuver.

Automotive analysts describe the strategy as a clever workaround less a legislative extension and more a transactional extension intended to shield EV demand from collapsing sharply when the tax credit vanishes.

Why this matters and the risks

The $7,500 tax credit has been a pillar of the U.S. EV market, helping narrow the cost gap between electric and internal combustion vehicles. Its removal is widely expected to dampen consumer demand sharply.

Ford and GM are reportedly racing to blunt that shock. In recent months, both companies have lobbied for more gradual phase-outs of the subsidy and preservation of the leasing loophole that allows automakers finance arms to claim the credit.

Yet the strategy is not without risk. Legal and regulatory scrutiny could challenge whether the transactions genuinely qualify under tax law. If the IRS or Congress disputes the arrangement, the financial risk could be substantial for the automakers and their dealers.


Read More ...

Consumer News: Tainted meals sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s linked to four deaths

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:07:11 +0000

The ready-to-eat meals may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs
September 30, 2025

  • USDA issues public health alert for select ready-to-eat pasta meals over potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

  • Walmart Marketside and Trader Joes items named; multiple best if used by dates span Sept. 20Oct. 1, 2025.

  • Positive test on pre-cooked pasta matches the outbreak strain tied to chicken fettuccine alfredo; consumers urged not to eat affected products.

The U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for several ready-to-eat pasta meals that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked the meals of at least 19 hospitalizations and four deaths.

The federal warnings cover products sold at Walmart and Trader Joes and follow new test results linking contaminated pasta to the ongoing listeria outbreak associated with chicken fettuccine alfredo meals.

FSIS said one of the producing companies collected samples of the FDA-regulated, pre-cooked pasta used in its meals. The linguine tested positive for listeria, and further analysis showed it is genetically related to the current outbreak strain.

FSIS previously announced a recall connected to this outbreak in June and continues working with FDA, CDC, and state health partners as the investigation evolves. The agency expects additional updates and urged consumers to check back frequently for new information.

Products under the alert:

  • Sold at Walmart: MARKETSIDE LINGUINE WITH BEEF MEATBALLS & MARINARA SAUCE, 12-oz clear plastic trays, best if used by SEP 22, 2025; SEP 24, 2025; SEP 25, 2025; SEP 29, 2025; SEP 30, 2025; OCT 01, 2025. The label shows EST. 50784 or EST. 47718 inside the USDA mark of inspection.

  • Sold at Trader Joes: TRADER JOES CAJUN STYLE BLACKENED CHICKEN BREAST FETTUCINE ALFREDO, 16-oz plastic trays, best if used by 9/20/2025, 9/24/2025, or 9/27/2025, with P-45288 inside the USDA mark of inspection.

What to do

FSIS is concerned that affected items may still be in home refrigerators or freezers. Shoppers who purchased these products should not consume them. Throw them away or return to the store for a refund.

Questions and contacts:

  • Product inquiries: Nates Fine Foods, 916-677-7303 (MonFri, 9 a.m.4 p.m. PT).

  • Food safety help: USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or email MPHotline@usda.gov.

  • Report a problem with meat, poultry, or egg products: Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System (available 24/7) at foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.

FSIS said it will update the public health alert as new information becomes available.


Read More ...

Consumer News: FTC, states secure settlement in fundraising fraud case

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:07:10 +0000

Donors thought they were helping veterans, childrens hospitals, and other humanitarian programs

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs
September 30, 2025

  • The FTC and multiple states have secured a settlement with Kars-R-Us.com, Inc. over alleged deceptive charity fundraising practices.

  • The company and its operators allegedly misled donors into believing contributions would benefit veterans, children, and other charitable causes.

  • The settlement imposes strict compliance measures, financial penalties, and bans from future fundraising activities.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in partnership with several state attorneys general, has announced a sweeping settlement with Kars-R-Us.com, Inc. (Kars) and its operators, after uncovering alleged charity fundraising fraud that misled thousands of donors nationwide.

According to federal and state officials, Kars falsely represented itself as a legitimate fundraising entity working on behalf of well-known charitable organizations. The complaint alleged that donors were led to believe that their contributions often in the form of used cars or monetary gifts would directly support veterans, childrens hospitals, and other humanitarian programs.

Instead, investigators allege, the majority of proceeds were diverted to the companys operators and overhead costs, with little to no benefit provided to the causes donors intended to support.

Kars-R-Us ran a shameful scam to enrich its operators by preying on the generosity of donors who believed they were saving lives through breast cancer screenings, said Connecticut Attorney General William Tong. In coordination with our state and federal law enforcement partners, we will not tolerate deceit and misuse of charitable funds.

Terms of the settlement

Under the terms of the agreement, Kars and its principals are:

  • Prohibited from engaging in future fundraising activities for charities or non-profit organizations.

  • Required to pay financial penalties and restitution, which will be distributed to legitimate charities and affected donors where possible.

  • Subject to strict compliance monitoring, ensuring they cannot re-enter the nonprofit fundraising sector under different names or entities.

The settlement does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing but resolves years of litigation and investigations into Kars activities.

Here are some detailed, practical ways consumers can protect themselves from charity fundraising pitches that might not be what they seem:

1. Verify the charitys legitimacy

  • Check registration: In the U.S., most states require charities and fundraisers to register with the state attorney general or a charity regulator. You can search state databases to confirm.

  • Use trusted sites: Tools like Charity Navigator, Candid/GuideStar, and the Better Business Bureaus Wise Giving Alliance can help you verify financial transparency and accountability.

  • Confirm tax-exempt status: Use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search to ensure the charity is officially recognized.

2. Watch for red flags

  • High-pressure tactics: Scammers often push for immediate donations, saying time is running out or act now. Legitimate charities dont pressure you.

  • Vague claims: Be cautious if the fundraiser cant explain exactly how donations will be used or gives evasive answers.

  • Look-alike names: Fraudulent groups often use names resembling well-known charities (e.g., Childrens Wish Network vs. Make-A-Wish Foundation).

  • Unclear financials: If most donations appear to go toward administrative costs or marketing rather than direct aid, its a warning sign.

3. Control how you give

  • Avoid cash or gift cards: These are hard to trace and often requested by scammers. Stick to credit cards or checks payable directly to the charity, not the fundraiser.

  • Dont click on suspicious links: If you receive an email, text, or social media post, go directly to the charitys official website instead of donating through the link provided.

  • Ask questions: If contacted by a telemarketer, ask how much of your donation goes to the actual cause. By law, legitimate fundraisers must disclose this.

4. Keep records and monitor

  • Save receipts and confirmations: This helps for tax purposes and in case you need to dispute a fraudulent charge.

  • Monitor bank/credit card statements: Look for unauthorized or recurring charges.

  • Opt out of lists: Ask charities not to share or sell your information to reduce unsolicited fundraising calls.

5. Report suspected fraud

If you believe youve encountered a fraudulent fundraiser:

  • Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

  • Contact your state attorney generals office.

  • File a complaint with the BBB Wise Giving Alliance.

Always pause and research before giving. A few minutes of checking can ensure your donation goes where its truly needed.


Read More ...

Consumer News: Online shopping comes to ChatGPT

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:07:10 +0000

Baby steps for now but ...

By Truman Lewis of ConsumerAffairs
September 30, 2025

There's almost no place to buy anything online these days but fortunately, ChatGPT is about to change all that. The AI-powered chatbot is introducing limited online commerce, so far offering only single purchases from a few sellers but, obviously, planning to bury the likes of Amazon and Walmart one of these days.

We read about it in the paper this morning and thought we should check with ChatGPT to be sure we had it right. "Is ChatGPT really getting into online commerce?" we asked. Here's the reply:

"Yes that is true (at least in part). OpenAI has recently introduced a feature called Instant Checkout that lets U.S.-based ChatGPT users purchase items directly through the chat interface, from U.S. Etsy sellers and soon some Shopify merchants. (Wall Street Journal)

Here are the details and caveats:

What is true now

  • Users in the U.S. can buy single items from certain merchants (Etsy, etc.) without leaving ChatGPT. (Wall Street Journal)

  • Payments are processed via Stripe. (Wall Street Journal)

  • Merchants pay a small fee to OpenAI; users are not charged extra just for using the checkout feature. (Reuters)

  • This is an expansion of ChatGPTs role from a conversational assistant into an e-commerce platform. (AP News)

What is not (yet) true / current limitations

  • For now, only single-item purchases are supported. You cannot check out a full shopping cart with multiple items in one transaction within ChatGPT. (Reuters)

  • It doesnt (yet) cover all merchants. Big names like Amazon, Walmart, and many others are not part of this system (at least initially). (Reuters)

  • The rollout is geographically limited (U.S. merchants, U.S. buyers) at this stage. (Wall Street Journal)

  • Its new and evolving. OpenAI is likely to expand merchant participation, support multi-item carts, and more features over time. (Reuters)

That pretty well sums it up. We don't see the need to add more.


Read More ...

Consumer News: White House to launch TrumpRx, Pfizer to cut drug prices

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:07:09 +0000

TrumpRx aims to sell discounted drugs directly to Americans

By James R. Hood of ConsumerAffairs
September 30, 2025

  • White House preparing to unveil TrumpRx, a government-run website for discounted drug sales

  • Pfizer to lower prices on several medications, potentially aiding 100 million patients

  • Company also pledging $70 billion U.S. manufacturing investment alongside cost cuts

The White House is planning to launch a new direct-to-consumer website, dubbed TrumpRx, that would allow Americans to buy certain prescription drugs at discounted prices negotiated by the government. According to officials familiar with the matter, the program would offer cash-purchase options for select medications, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

It remains unclear how many drugs will be included or how much the platform will benefit most Americans, since the majority are already covered by private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. Still, the White House views TrumpRx as a way to showcase its efforts to push down prices and make medicines more affordable.

What TrumpRx means for consumers

Key points at a glance

  • New government platform: TrumpRx will let people pay cash for certain drugs directly from a federal website.

  • Discounted prices: Prices will be negotiated by the government, potentially lower than retail pharmacy costs.

  • Unclear scope: Officials havent said how many drugs will be offered or which ones.

Who might benefit

  • Uninsured Americans: Those without coverage could see the biggest savings by buying directly.

  • Underinsured patients: People with high deductibles or limited prescription benefits may find TrumpRx useful.

  • Cash-pay patients: Anyone who normally pays out of pocket for prescriptions could use the site to compare costs.

Who may not benefit as much

  • Privately insured patients: Most people already have drug coverage through private plans, Medicare, or Medicaid, which may already negotiate competitive rates.

  • Specialty drug users: Its not yet clear whether high-cost specialty medications will be included.

What to do if youre interested

  1. Compare prices: Dont assume TrumpRx will always be cheapercheck what your insurance copay is first.

  2. Check availability: Once the site launches, review the drug list to see if your medication is included.

  3. Ask your doctor: If a drug you take is available at a discount, confirm with your physician that switching to a cash-pay option wont disrupt your treatment plan.

  4. Keep receipts: If you buy through TrumpRx outside of insurance, you may need to manually submit receipts for deductible or HSA/FSA credit.

Pfizer to cut prices, expand U.S. investment

In a parallel move, Pfizer is expected to become the first major drugmaker to announce a formal price-cutting plan following months of pressure from President Trump. A White House official estimated that the lower prices could benefit up to 100 million patients across the country.

Pfizers chief executive, Albert Bourla, is scheduled to join Trump at the White House later today to unveil the initiative. Bourla is also expected to announce a sweeping $70 billion investment in U.S. drug manufacturing facilitiesa move that would position Pfizer to avoid new tariffs threatened by Trump on branded drugs produced overseas.

'A win for patients'

Pfizer spokeswoman Amy Rose described the measures as a win for American patients, a win for American leadership, and a win for Pfizer, arguing that lower prices and greater manufacturing capacity will allow the company to continue advancing new treatments.

White House spokesman Kush Desai echoed the sentiment, saying, President Trump is leveraging the power of the federal government to drastically cut drug prices for everyday Americans. Democrats talked the talk for decades about drug prices, but only President Trump is actually walking the walk.

The announcement follows Trumps earlier push for pharmaceutical firms to join a direct-to-consumer platform and provide most favored nation pricingensuring U.S. consumers would pay the lowest rates available in developed markets.

Quick checklist

Uninsured? TrumpRx may help
Compare TrumpRx price vs. your copay
Check if your drug is on the site
Talk to your doctor before switching
Save receipts for deductible tracking


Read More ...

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