Consumer News: Wholesale inflation increased in March, but not as much as expected

The agency took action against three companies this week

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The FTC launched a nationwide Made in the USA enforcement sweep targeting deceptive origin claims.

• Three companies face law enforcement actions for allegedly misleading consumers about where products were made.

• The move signals intensified crackdown amid growing scrutiny of patriotic marketing claims.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced a new enforcement sweep targeting deceptive Made in the USA claims, bringing legal action against three companies it has accused of misleading consumers about the origin of their products.

In a press release, the agency said the cases involve businesses that allegedly marketed or labeled goods as American-made when they were not, violating federal truth-in-advertising laws.

The FTC did not frame the actions as isolated cases but as part of a broader initiative to protect consumers and ensure fair competition for domestic manufacturers. Officials said false origin claims can mislead shoppers who specifically seek to support U.S. workers and businesses.

Made in the USA claims are subject to strict standards. Under FTC rules, products advertised as American-made must be all or virtually all produced domestically, meaning that final assembly and nearly all components must originate in the United States.

Wider crackdown on misleading claims

The sweep comes amid heightened federal focus on country-of-origin labeling. A March 2026 executive order directed the FTC to prioritize enforcement against companies making unsubstantiated Made in America claims, signaling a tougher regulatory environment.

The FTC has increasingly used sweeps and coordinated actions to address deceptive practices across industries, similar to past initiatives targeting misleading claims related to artificial intelligence and other emerging marketing trends.

Regulators say false Made in the USA claims harm not only consumers but also businesses that legitimately manufacture products domestically.

Consumer demand for American-made goods remains strong, making such claims a powerful marketing tool but also one that can easily be abused. Enforcement efforts are intended to ensure that companies making these claims can substantiate them and that consumers can trust product labeling.

Its part of a restructuring to meet changing consumer expectations

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• 7-Eleven has announced plans to close several hundred underperforming stores across North America.

• The move is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and focus on higher-performing locations.

• Company officials cite shifting consumer habits, inflation, and changing urban traffic patterns as key factors.

It seems there is a 7-Eleven store on every street corner. By next February, there will be a lot fewer.

7-Eleven, one of the worlds largest convenience store chains, has announced plans to shutter more than 600 locations by February 2027 in a sweeping effort to reshape its North American footprint.

The closures, which are expected to roll out over the coming months, mark one of the companys most significant restructuring moves in recent years.

Industry analysts say the company is responding to recent changes regarding what consumers expect from convenience stores. They are no longer a place to gas up and buy a cup of coffee. Theyre larger and have morphed into quick-serve restaurants.

Targeting under-performing locations

The Irving, Texas-based retailer said the decision follows an extensive review of store performance, with a focus on eliminating underperforming locations while investing more heavily in stores with stronger sales and growth potential. While the company has not disclosed a full list of affected sites, executives indicated that the closures will be spread across multiple regions.

Industry analysts say the move reflects broader shifts in consumer behavior. Convenience stores have faced mounting pressure from inflation, evolving shopping habits, and increased competition from grocery chains, dollar stores, and delivery services. In urban areas in particular, reduced foot traffic following pandemic-era changes in commuting patterns has continued to weigh on sales.

Long-term strategy

7-Eleven emphasized that the closures are part of a long-term strategy rather than a sign of financial distress. The company plans to reinvest in technology, store upgrades, and expanded food and beverage offerings at remaining locations. Executives also highlighted growth opportunities in newer formats, including larger stores and locations tailored to electric vehicle charging and delivery services.

Employees at affected stores may be offered opportunities to transfer to nearby locations, according to the company, though some job losses are expected.

Text messages claim their iCloud storage is full

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Scammers are sending fake alerts to iPhone users claiming their iCloud storage is full to trick them into clicking malicious links

• The messages often mimic official Apple notifications and urge immediate action to upgrade or secure storage

• Cybersecurity experts warn that victims risk losing personal data, passwords, and financial information

If you receive a message on your iPhone warning that your iCloud storage is full, proceed carefully. A new wave of phishing is targeting iPhone users with alarming messages.

The scam typically arrives via text message or email and appears to be an official Apple notification. It tells recipients their cloud storage has reached capacity and urges them to click a link to upgrade or prevent data loss. The sense of urgency is designed to push users into acting quicklybefore they have time to question the messages legitimacy.

But the links dont lead to Apple.

Instead, victims are redirected to convincing lookalike websites that prompt them to enter their Apple ID credentials, credit card details, or other sensitive information. In some cases, clicking the link can also trigger the download of malicious software.

According to cybersecurity experts, these messages are crafted to look real, often using Apple logos, branding, and language that closely mirrors legitimate alerts. The goal is to steal login credentials or financial data.

What legitimate alerts look like

Apple does notify users when their iCloud storage is nearing capacity, but those alerts typically appear within the devices settings or official system notifications, not through unsolicited text messages with external links.

Experts recommend that users avoid clicking any links in unexpected messages. Instead, they should check their storage status directly by going to Settings on their iPhone and reviewing their iCloud usage.

Other warning signs include generic greetings, suspicious URLs, spelling errors, and requests for sensitive information. Apple said it will never ask users to provide passwords or payment details through text messages or unofficial websites.

Anyone who receives a suspicious message is encouraged to delete it and report it to Apple. If a user believes they may have fallen victim to the scam, they should immediately change their Apple ID password and monitor financial accounts for unusual activity.

The products contain sesame, an undeclared allergen

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• The USDA issued a public health alert for certain raw beef and pork products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen.

• The products may contain sesame, which is not listed on the labels and could pose a risk to people with allergies.

• No recall was issued because the items are no longer being sold, but consumers are urged not to eat them if still in their homes.

The U.S. Department of Agricultures (USDA)Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for several raw beef and pork products after discovering they were misbranded and may contain an undeclared allergen.

According to the agency, the affected products may contain sesame a federally recognized allergen that is not declared on the product labels. Sesame can trigger serious or potentially life-threatening reactions in individuals with allergies.

The alert applies to products produced between Dec. 1, 2025, and April 6, 2026, under the Quality Meat Sky Ranch Premium Provisions brand. Items were sold in 1.5-pound clear plastic containers with various sell by dates extending into April 2026.

Inspection detected sesame oil

The FSIS said the issue was identified during a routine label review, which found that sesame oil had been used in the products but not disclosed on packaging. The products were distributed to retail locations in several states, including Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Florida.

Although the agency did not request a recall because the products are no longer available for purchase it warned that consumers may still have them in refrigerators or freezers.

FSIS is advising anyone who purchased the affected items not to consume them. Instead, consumers should throw the products away or return them to the place of purchase.

No confirmed reports of illness have been linked to the products, but officials say the alert is intended to reduce the risk of allergic reactions among consumers who may still have the items at home.

The agency took action against three companies this week

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• FTC launched a nationwide Made in the USA enforcement sweep targeting deceptive origin claims

• Three companies face law enforcement actions for allegedly misleading consumers about where products were made

• Agency signals intensified crackdown amid growing scrutiny of patriotic marketing claims

The Federal Trade Commission has announced a new enforcement sweep targeting deceptive Made in the USA claims, bringing legal action against three companies it has accused of misleading consumers about the origin of their products.

In a press release, the agency said the cases involve businesses that allegedly marketed or labeled goods as American-made when they were not, violating federal truth-in-advertising laws.

The FTC did not frame the actions as isolated cases but as part of a broader initiative to protect consumers and ensure fair competition for domestic manufacturers. Officials said false origin claims can mislead shoppers who specifically seek to support U.S. workers and businesses.

Made in the USA claims are subject to strict standards. Under FTC rules, products advertised as American-made must be all or virtually all produced domestically, meaning that final assembly and nearly all components must originate in the United States.

Wider crackdown on misleading claims

The sweep comes amid heightened federal focus on country-of-origin labeling. A March 2026 executive order directed the FTC to prioritize enforcement against companies making unsubstantiated Made in America claims, signaling a tougher regulatory environment.

The FTC has increasingly used sweeps and coordinated actions to address deceptive practices across industries, similar to past initiatives targeting misleading claims related to artificial intelligence and other emerging marketing trends.

Regulators say false Made in the USA claims harm not only consumers but also businesses that legitimately manufacture products domestically.

Consumer demand for American-made goods remains strong, making such claims a powerful marketing toolbut also one that can easily be abused. Enforcement efforts are intended to ensure that companies making these claims can substantiate them and that consumers can trust product labeling.