Free Publications for Businesses About Email Scams, Data Security, Internet Frauds, Identity Theft and How to Report Frauds
Now you can get free, useful free information about internet and data security from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for your business. The publications are either in a plain text format, a PDF file (which prints just like the original publication) and in a few cases, a RAM or MP3 for an audio file that features one minute of related information from Shirley Rooker, director of WTOP's Call for Action. If you want the PDF version, you'll need Adobe's free reader, which is loaded on most pc's these days already. If not, you can obtain the free version here, from CNET or Adobe.
This information is direct from the Federal Trade Commission's website!
Advertising
- A Businessperson's Guide to Federal Warranty Law - Business guide to federal warranty law. Explains the Magnuson-Moss Act.
- A Dealer's Guide to the Used Car Rule [PDF - A compliance checklist for car dealers. 8.5"x11", 18 pages.
- Ads for Business Opportunities: How to Detect Deception [PDF] [en español - Provides advertising sales staff with claims that are tip-offs to fraudulent business opportunity offers. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
- Advertising Consumer Leases [PDF - Answers frequently asked questions about the advertising requirements of the Consumer Leasing Act and Regulation M. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
- Advertising FAQ's: A Guide for Small Business [PDF] - Guide for small businesses explains the truth-in-advertising laws. 8.5”x 11”, 36 pages, color.
- Advertising and Marketing on the Internet: Rules of the Road [PDF - Explains how businesses can comply with truth-in-advertising laws when marketing on the Internet. 8.5"x 11", 16 pages, color.
- Advertising Retail Electricity and Natural Gas [PDF - Advises utilities suppliers how to make truthful marketing claims. 8.5"x 11", 14 pages, color.
- Big Print. Little Print. What's the Deal? How to Disclose Details [PDF - Advertising and disclosure requirements for sellers of "free" or low-cost computers. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
- Business Guide to the Mail and Telephone Order Merchandise Rule [PDF - Explains what the Rule covers, how to comply, questions and answers about the Rule, and where to go for more information. Includes a copy of the Rule. 8.5"x11", 20 pages, color.
- Complying with the Appliance Labeling Rule: A Guide for Retailers [PDF - Explains how sellers must use the EnergyGuide label on appliances and how they can comply with the disclosure requirements of the FTC's Appliance Labeling Rule. 8.5”x 11”, 4 pages.
- Complying With the Appliance Labeling Rule: Labeling Light Bulbs - Explains labeling requirements for the package labeling, catalog, and point-of-sale disclosure rules for lamps.
- Complying with the Environmental Marketing Guides [PDF - The Guides indicate how the Federal Trade Commission will apply Section 5 of the FTC Act, which prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices, to environmental marketing claims. 8.5"x11", 36 pages.
- Complying with the Funeral Rule [PDF] [en español - Outlines guidelines to help funeral providers comply with the FTC's Funeral Rule. 8.5"x11", 49 pages.
- Complying with the Made In USA Standard [PDF] - How to comply with the "all or virtually all" Made in USA standard; includes information about "country of origin" labeling. 8.5"x11", 44 pages.
- Dietary Supplements: An Advertising Guide for Industry [PDF - Advises dietary supplement marketers how to comply with federal truth-in-advertising laws. 8.5"x 11", 32 pages, color.
- Dot Com Disclosures: Information About Online Advertising [PDF - Describes the information businesses should consider as they develop online ads to ensure that they comply with the law. 8.5"x11", 83 pages, color. [Packaged: 34 copies per case.]
- Down But Not Out: Advertising and Labeling of Feather Down [PDF - Helps businesses comply with truth-in-advertising laws concerning the labeling and advertising of feather and down products. 8.5"x 11", 4 pages.
- Environmental Marketing Claims: Message to Vendors [PDF - Advises businesses on how to make truthful environmental marketing claims. 8.5"x 11", 3 pages.
- Good Pricing Practices? Scan Do! [PDF - Advises businesses how to develop sound pricing practices and improve accuracy of scanned prices. 8.5"x 11", 2 pages.
- How to Comply FTC Fuel Rating Rule [PDF - Helps businesses comply with federal law on the sale and transfer of gas and liquid alternative fuels. 8.5"x 11", 19 pages, color.
- In the Loupe: Advertising Diamonds, Gemstones and Pearls [PDF - Explains how to describe jewelry products truthfully and non-deceptively and how to disclose material information to consumers. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
- Making Environmental Marketing Claims on Mail [PDF - Advises businesses how to make truthful environmental claims on their mail. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
- Red Flag: Bogus Weight Loss Claims [PDF] [en español - Guide for media on detecting bogus weight loss claims. How to spot false claims for weight loss, and help protect your customers, your bottom line, your reputation, and the good name of your legitimate advertisers. 9.5"x6", 11 pages, color.
- Offering Layaways - Explains the features of layaway plans and the laws affecting them.
- Screening Advertisements: A Guide For the Media [PDF - Guide to help the clearance staff of publishers and broadcasters to identify false and deceptive ads so they can avoid placing them in their publications. 8.5" x 11", 28 pages, color.
- Writing Readable Warranties - Guidance to help businesses write warranties consumers can easily understand.
- Voluntary Guidelines for Providers of Weight Loss Products [PDF - Guidelines designed to help providers of weight loss products and services give consumers clear and easily understood disclosures to help them select the products or services that best meet their needs. 8.5"x11", 16 pages, color.
- FTC Explains 'Made in USA' Standard To Confirm Consumer Confidence [PDF]
- Selling 'American-Made' Products? What Businesses Need to Know About Making Made in USA Claims [PDF]
- Guidance Documents: Advertising - Includes guides, memoranda of understanding, policy statements, public comments, rules and acts, staff comments and letters, workshops, and seminars.
Business Practices
- BBB-Online: Code of Online Business Practices [TEXT]
Children and advertising
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule [TEXT]
- How to Comply With The Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule [TEXT] [PDF]
- Internet Auctions: A Guide for Buyer and Sellers [TEXT] [PDF]
Consumer reports and reporting
- Businesses Must Provide Victims and Law Enforcement with Transaction Records Relating to Identity Theft [PDF]
- Consumer Reports: What Insurers Should Know [PDF - Outlines compliance requirements for insurers who use consumer reports to underwrite insurance policies and to screen high-risk applicants.
- Credit Reports: What Information Providers Need To Know [PDF - Outlines compliance requirements for those who report information about consumers to consumer reporting agencies.
- Using Consumer Reports: What Employers Need to Know [PDF - Outlines compliance requirements when you hire new employees, and when you evaluate employees for promotion, reassignment, and retention.
- Using Consumer Reports: What Landlords Need to Know [PDF - Outlines compliance requirements for landlords who use consumer reports to evaluate rental applications.Disposing of Consumer Report Information? New Rule Tells How [PDF - Informs covered businesses of their responsibilities under the FTC’s Consumer Report Disposal Rule.
- New ‘Red Flag’ Requirements for Financial Institutions and Creditors Will Help Fight Identity Theft [PDF] - Learn about regulations (the Red Flags Rules) requiring financial institutions and creditors to develop and implement written identity theft prevention programs. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
Credit
- Advertising Consumer Leases [PDF - Answers frequently asked questions about the advertising requirements of the Consumer Leasing Act and Regulation M.
- Businesses Must Provide Victims and Law Enforcement with Transaction Records Relating to Identity Theft [PDF]
- Complying with the Credit Practices Rule - Explains who must comply with the Credit Practices Rule, how to comply, and what transactions are covered.
- How to Write Readable Credit Forms - This manual is intended to help you write consumer credit contracts and other forms in "Plain English" so that your customers can easily understand them.Getting Business Credit [PDF - Outlines your rights, as a businessperson, under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.
- New ‘Red Flag’ Requirements for Financial Institutions and Creditors Will Help Fight Identity Theft [PDF] - Learn about regulations (the Red Flags Rules) requiring financial institutions and creditors to develop and implement written identity theft prevention programs. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
- Slip Showing? Federal Law Requires All Businesses to Truncate Credit Card Information on Receipts [PDF] Guidance Documents: Credit - Includes rules and acts.
ECommerce
- Advertising and Marketing on the Internet: Rules of the Road [PDF - Explains how businesses can comply with truth-in-advertising laws when marketing on the Internet. 8.5"x 11", 16 pages, color.
- Big Print. Little Print. What's the Deal? How to Disclose Details [PDF - Advertising and disclosure requirements for sellers of "free" or low-cost computers. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
- The CAN-SPAM Act: Requirements for Commercial Emailers [PDF - Explains the federal requirements and penalties for those who send commercial emails, including consumers' right to ask emailers to stop spamming them. 8.5"x 11", 4 pages.
- Dot Com Disclosures: Information About Online Advertising [PDF - Describes the information businesses should consider as they develop online ads to ensure that they comply with the law. 8.5"x11", 83 pages, color. [Packaged: 34 copies per case.]
- Securing Your Server: Shut the Door on Spam [PDF - Encourages computer owners to secure their network servers to prevent unauthorized users from hijacking them to send spam. 8.5"x 11", 4 pages.
- Security Check: Reducing Risks to your Computer Systems [PDF - Explains the federal requirement that businesses have a security plan to safeguard customer's personal information. 8.5"x 11", 2 pages.
- You, Your Privacy Policy and COPPA - How to Comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act [PDF - Explains the components of a COPPA-compliant privacy policy, offers Qs & As, and features a Compliance Checklist. 8.5"x11", 24 pages, color.
- Childrens Online Privacy Protection Rule: Not Just for Kids' Sites [PDF]
- Electronic Commerce. Selling Internationally: A Guide for Business [PDF]
- "Remove Me" Responses and Responsibilities: Email Marketers Must Honor "Unsubscribe" Claims [PDF]
- Selling on the Internet: Prompt Delivery Rules [PDF]
- What's Dot and What's Not: Domain Name Registration Scams [PDF]
Employment
- Avoid Fake-Degree Burns By Researching Academic Credentials [PDF] [en español] - Encourages businesses to research prospective employees to avoid phony academic credentials from "diploma mills." 8.5" x 11", 4 pages.
Energy and Environmental Marketing Claims
- Advertising Retail Electricity and Natural Gas [PDF - Advises utilities suppliers how to make truthful marketing claims. 8.5"x 11", 14 pages, color.
- Complying with the Appliance Labeling Rule: A Guide for Retailers [PDF - Explains how sellers must use the EnergyGuide label on appliances and how they can comply with the disclosure requirements of the FTC's Appliance Labeling Rule. 8.5”x 11”, 4 pages.
- Complying With the Appliance Labeling Rule: Labeling Light Bulbs - Explains labeling requirements for the package labeling, catalog, and point-of-sale disclosure rules for lamps.
- Complying with the Environmental Marketing Guides [PDF - The Guides indicate how the Federal Trade Commission will apply Section 5 of the FTC Act, which prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices, to environmental marketing claims. 8.5"x11", 36 pages.
- Environmental Marketing Claims: Message to Vendors [PDF - Advises businesses on how to make truthful environmental marketing claims. 8.5"x 11", 3 pages.
- How to Comply FTC Fuel Rating Rule [PDF - Helps businesses comply with federal law on the sale and transfer of gas and liquid alternative fuels. 8.5"x 11", 19 pages, color.
- Labeling Alternative Fueled Vehicles - Guide to help businesses properly label alternative fueled vehicles.
- Labeling Alternative Fuels - Guide to help businesses properly label alternative fuels.
- Making Environmental Marketing Claims on Mail [PDF - Advises businesses how to make truthful environmental claims on their mail. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
- Sorting Out 'Green' Advertising Claims [PDF - The FTC, in cooperation with the EPA, has developed guidelines for advertisers to ensure that their environmental marketing claims don't mislead consumers. Here are six tips to help you sort through environmental claims. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
Fraud Prevention
- Ads for Business Opportunities: How to Detect Deception [PDF] [en español - Provides advertising sales staff with claims athat are tip-offs to fraudulent business opportunity offers. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
- Avoiding Office Supply Scams [PDF] [en español - Describes ploys used by telemarketers, how to protect your organization, and what to do if you're victimized. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
- Donating to Public Safety Fund Raisers [PDF] [en español - Helps businesses make wise decisions when donating to police, firefighter or other public safety charities. 8.5"x 11", 4 pages.
- Raising Funds? What to Know About Hiring a Professional [PDF - Helps nonprofits who hire professional fund-raisers to ensure they comply with the law. 8.5"x 11", 4 pages.
- Business Directory Scams Try to 'Give You the Business' [PDF]
- Five Steps to Avoiding Office Supply Scams [PDF] [en español]
- FTC Explains 'Made in USA' Standard To Confirm Consumer Confidence [PDF]
- When Yellow Pages Invoices Are Bogus [PDF]
- Protecting Your Organization From Fraud [PDF - It may pay for businesses and other organizations to answer the following question: Could we be the victims of an office supply scam? If a group doesn't have adequate purchasing controls, the answer is probably yes.
Identity Theft
- Protecting Personal Information: A Guide for Business - Offers tips for business on creating and implementing a plan for safeguarding personal information.
- Businesses Must Provide Victims and Law Enforcement with Transaction Records Relating to Identity Theft [PDF - Explains Section 609(e) of the FCRA: the rights of identity theft victims and the responsibilities of covered businesses. Businesses must provide victims and law enforcement with transaction records relating to identity theft. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
- Consumer Reports: What Insurers Need to Know [PDF - Outlines compliance requirements for insurers who use consumer reports to underwrite insurance policies and to screen high-risk applicants. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
- Financial Institutions and Customer Information: Complying with the Safeguards Rule [PDF - Tips for business on complying with the FTC's Safeguards Rule, which requires financial institutions to protect the consumer information they collect. 8.5"x11", 5 pages.
- The FTC's Privacy Rule and Auto Dealers: FAQs [PDF - Guide to help auto dealers comply with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and the FTC Privacy Rule. 8.5"x 11", 6 pages.
- Getting Noticed: Writing Effective Financial Privacy Notices [PDF - How to develop an effective privacy notice: invite consumer feedback; use plain-language; include easy-to-read messages and attractive graphics. 8.5"x11", 2 pages, color.
- How to Comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule [PDF - Compliance tips for website operators. 8.5"x11", 20 pages, color.
- How To Comply with the Privacy of Consumer Financial Information Rule of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act [PDF - Explains the requirements of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act which limits how financial institutions may disclose a consumer's nonpublic personal information. 8.5"x 11", 19 pages.
- In Brief: The Financial Privacy Requirements of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act [PDF - Explains requirements that companies give consumers privacy notices that explain the institutions' information-sharing practice and consumers' right to limit some sharing. 8.5"x 11", 4 pages.
- Info Compromise and Risk of IDTheft: Guidance for Your Business [PDF - Steps you should take and whom should you contact if your customers' personal information is compromised. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
- Protecting Personal Information: A Guide for Business [PDF] - Practical tips for business on creating and implementing a plan for safeguarding personal information. 5.75"x8.75", 24 pages, color.
- Security Check: Reducing Risks to your Computer Systems [PDF - Explains the federal requirement that businesses have a security plan to safeguard customer's personal information. 8.5"x 11", 2 pages.
- Using Consumer Reports: What Employers Need to Know [PDF - Outlines compliance requirements when you hire new employees, and when you evaluate employees for promotion, reassignment, and retention. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
- You, Your Privacy Policy and COPPA - How to Comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act [PDF - Explains the components of a COPPA-compliant privacy policy, offers Qs & As, and features a Compliance Checklist. 8.5"x11", 24 pages, color.
- Disposing of Consumer Report Information? New Rule Tells How [PDF]
- New ‘Red Flag’ Requirements for Financial Institutions and Creditors Will Help Fight Identity Theft [PDF] - Learn about regulations (the Red Flags Rules) requiring financial institutions and creditors to develop and implement written identity theft prevention programs. 8.5"x11", 2 pages.
- Safeguarding Customers' Personal Information: A Requirement for Financial Institutions [PDF]
- Slip Showing? Federal Law Requires All Businesses to Truncate Credit Card Information on Receipts [PDF]
- Protecting Personal Information: Five Steps for Business - Basic principles for securing sensitive customer and employee data
- Take Stock: Conducting a Data Security Audit in Your Office - How a CSI-style information investigation is the first step toward a safer, more secure business
- Scale Down: Why Less is More When Securing Sensitive Information - Tips for trapping the "office packrat" and streamlining your data stream
- Lock It: Protecting Your Office from Info Thieves - Practical guidance on safeguarding your workplace against data theft
- Pitch It: Give Personal Info the Shred Carpet Treatment - How-to steps for maintaining the security of discarded data
- The Lowdown on Laptops: Data Security for the Road Warrior - Keeping data safe at home while spanning the globe
- Privacy Policies: Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say - Tips on making your privacy policy clear, concise, and compliant with the law
Product Labeling
- Appliance Labeling Rule Homepage [TEXT]
Security and Technology for Your Business
- How To Comply with the Privacy of Consumer
Financial Information Rule of. the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.
Telemarketing
- Business Guide to the Mail and Telephone Order Merchandise Rule [PDF - Explains what the Rule covers, how to comply, questions and answers about the Rule, and where to go for more information. Includes a copy of the Rule. 8.5"x11", 20 pages, color.
- Complying with the 900 Number Rule [PDF - Explains how to comply with the FTC's 900 Number Rule for those who operate, or provide billing for, a pay-per-call service. 8.5"x11", 23 pages.
- Complying with the Telemarketing Sales Rule [PDF - Comprehensive "dos and don'ts" guide for telemarketers. 8.5"x11", 59 pages, color.
- Guidelines for Managers of Telemarketing Enterprises Who Sell Magazine Subscriptions [PDF - Gives guidance to telemarketing professionals who sell magazine subscriptions. 8.5"x11", 4 pages.
- Measuring Up! Good Packaging Practices [PDF - Gives findings from two studies on the accuracy of milk carton net content statements, with compliance and quality control information. 8.5"x11", 3 pages.
- Compliance on the Line: Telemarketers to Start Transmitting Caller ID Information [PDF]
- Q&A For Telemarketers & Sellers About DNC Provisions in TSR [PDF]
- When Yellow Pages Invoices Are Bogus [PDF]
- Guidance Documents: Telemarketing - Includes rules and acts, staff comments and letters, enforcement, and workshops.
Rules, Laws and Enforcement
Cases
- Combating Internet Fraud and Deception (05/01) [PDF]
- Going, Going, Gone... Law Enforcement Efforts to Combat Internet Auction Fraud (2/14/00) [PDF]
- Internet Case List (05/01) [PDF]
Public Comments
- Electronic Signatures In Global And National Commerce Act (2001) [TEXT]
- Electronic Media Issues [TEXT]
- U.S. Perspectives on Consumer Protection in the Global Electronic Marketplace [TEXT]
Rules and Acts
Staff Comments and Letters
- Consumer Privacy in the Online Marketplace (12/96) [TEXT] [PDF]
- Consumer Privacy in the Online Marketplace (12/96) Appendices [PDF]
- Fighting Consumer Fraud: New Tools of the Trade (4/98) [ZIP-WP6] [TEXT] [PDF]
- Fighting Consumer Fraud: The Challenge and the Campaign (01/97) [TEXT]
- Going, Going, Gone... Law Enforcement Efforts to Combat Internet Auction Fraud (2/14/00) [TEXT] [PDF]
- Protecting Children's Privacy Under COPPA: A Survey on Compliance [PDF]
- Privacy Online: A Report to Congress [TEXT]
- Children and Privacy Online [TEXT]
- Protecting Consumers Online: A Federal Trade Commission Report on the First Five Years of Its Internet Law Enforcement Program [PDF]
Testimony
- Chairman Pitofsky: Internet Privacy [TEXT]
- Chairman Pitofsky: Protection of Children's Privacy on the World Wide Web [TEXT]
- Commissioner Anthony: Children's Online Privacy [TEXT]
Workshops & Seminars
- Etail dEtails: A Special Seminar on Internet Marketing (2001) [TEXT]
- The Mobile Wireless Web, Data Services and Beyond: Emerging Technologies and Consumer Issues (2000) [TEXT]
- Joint Workshop on Alternative Dispute Resolution for Online Consumer Transactions (2000) [TEXT]
- U.S. Perspectives on Consumer Protection in the Global Electronic Marketplace (1999) [TEXT]
- Interpretation of Rules and Guides for Electronic Media (1999) [TEXT]
- Public Workshop on Consumer Information Privacy (1997) [TEXT]
- Consumer Privacy on the Global Information Infrastructure (1996) [TEXT]
- Consumer Protection and the Global Information Infrastructure Workshop (1995) [TEXT]
