Author: techempire

Do you work in a non-profit organization? Or you might be on the board of directors of a charity or active in a professional or service organization in your community. If so, you know that this organization collects a variety of private information, including details about members or the people you serve and financial information related to donors. Your own personal information may also exist in the organization’s employee and volunteer records. Cybercriminals are eager to get their hands on this data. You can help protect your organization by implementing the same common-sense principles that security-focused executives use in businesses…

If you watch as much TV as we do, you might be tempted to pick up the phone and order the Snuggie, a sleeved blanket for couch potatoes; the answer to the ever-comfortable, hip spring chair; or one of the many sold by New York-based Allstar Marketing Group Other merchandise. If a Magic Mesh, Cat’s Meow, Roto Punch or Perfect Tortilla wasn’t enough, the ads also lured buyers with a “double offer” buy-one-get-one-free promotion that was misleading, the Federal Trade Commission and New York’s attorney general said . The settlement, totaling $8 million, provides guidance on how to ensure your…

Two products sit side by side on a store shelf, but only one is labeled “Made in the USA.” For many consumers, this is an important consideration when deciding what to buy. That’s why the FTC wants to ensure that a company’s “Made in the USA” claims — like all objective product statements — are true and supported by appropriate evidence. We asked FTC attorney Julia Ensor some of the questions we’re hearing from companies regarding “Made in the USA” claims. Does my company have to disclose U.S. ingredients in products we sell in the U.S.? Julia: It depends on…

A new study published today takes an in-depth look at how a dog’s size affects its health. The study found evidence that larger dogs tend to be at higher risk for many health problems and often live shorter lives, while also suggesting that smaller dog breeds also have their own unique health risks.spider ejected from sexThe research is the latest Dog Aging Project, an initiative hailed as the most ambitious of its kind in the world. The project aims to track companion dogs over a 10-year period to better understand the factors that help dogs and humans live longer, healthier…

Buying a franchise has proven to be a good option for many people, but like any other financial decision, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether a franchise is right. I? ” Purchasing a franchise involves a significant financial outlay, and owning a franchise often requires an “all-in” lifestyle commitment.if If you are considering whether a franchise business is in your future, follow the FTC Business Blog for our series of articles’about call Franchise Basics. We’ll explore some of the factors you need to consider when investigating franchise opportunities. Topic One: Debunking Myths and Misconceptions About Being…

As the holidays and the end of the tax year approach, people may turn to small business owners for charitable donations. But scammers are taking advantage of their holiday rush and are hard at work. To protect your business from fraud and expand the impact of your donations to charities that matter to you, these simple steps can help ensure Giving Tuesday isn’t followed by Regret Wednesday. A standard checklist of questions to help you make a more informed decision. Charitable donations should come from the heart and head. Genuine charities are usually happy to discuss their mission and future…

Not every construction project starts with a flannel-shirted, axe-wielding guy shouting “Tim Burr!” Today, consumers have another option: plastic lumber, often used for decking, fences, outdoor furniture and more. Wisconsin-based NEW Plastics Corporation (you might know it as Renew Plastics) makes two lines of plastic lumber – Evolve and Trimax – and touts their environmental benefits. But under a settlement announced by the FTC, the company’s green claims don’t hold up. New Markets Evolve and Trimax are sold through independent dealers and retailers across the country. One of the focal points of the company’s Evolve marketing campaign is positioning the…

In many ways, gift cards usher in a win-win era. Provide consumers with better ways to give (and get) gifts, and increase sales for retailers. But leave the good stuff to the liars. According to the Federal Trade Commission Data Spotlight, gift cards are now a favorite payment method for many fraudsters. For years, the Federal Trade Commission has been warning consumers to beware of gift card scammers. There’s now a new Stop Gift Card Fraud Toolkit to help retailers do their part to prevent this form of fraud. In the past, say four or five years ago, wire transfers…

CHULA VISTA, Calif. — South Bay residents came together Tuesday night to address the ongoing homelessness crisis. Chula Vista residents say a growing number of homeless people are encamping along Industrial Boulevard. City Council met to discuss issues on the street near the popular Harborside Park and Harborside Elementary School, as well as solutions including increased outreach services, police presence, clean-up efforts, fencing and neighborhood watches. The city was given three additional options to alleviate its growing homelessness problem. One is to pass an unsafe camping ordinance, which is expected to cost $150,000 to develop policy and $400,000 to implement…

Today is National Small Business Week, and we celebrate the businesses that make our communities thrive. For the FTC, this is an opportunity to let business owners know you are not alone when it comes to protecting your business from cyber threats. The federal government has resources to help you address common cyber threats and create a cybersecurity culture in your company. The information at FTC.gov/Cybersecurity is introduceEdited last year Cooperating Working with DHS, NIST and SBA.them iNational Civic Leaguenumber of videos, Interactive quizzes and fact sheets on these topics: Internet security basics Learn about the NIST Cybersecurity Framework physical…