U.S. Government News

Seizure of Animal Food Products at PETCO Distribution Center

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 20:45:01 PST

U.S. Marshals seized all FDA-regulated animal food susceptible to rodent and pest contamination. The seized products violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because it was alleged in a case filed by the United States Attorney that they were being held under unsanitary conditions. (The Act uses the term "insanitary" to describe such conditions).

FCC Approves Transfer of Control of Direct TV to Liberty Media Subject to Conditions

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 10:33:49 PST

Four years ago, I strenuously dissented to the Commission’s decision to allow News Corp. to acquire DirectTV. At the time, I said that the consolidation of so many media properties under News Corp.’s control could not be good for localism, diversity and competition. Nothing in the past four years has alleviated my concerns.

Consumer Fraud: FTC Releases List of Top Consumer Fraud Complaints in 2007

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 09:14:58 PST

The FTC today released the list of top consumer fraud complaints received by the agency in 2007. The list, contained in the publication “Consumer Fraud and Identity Theft Complaint Data January-December 2007,” showed that for the seventh year in a row, identity theft is the number one consumer complaint category. Of 813,899 total complaints received in 2007, 258,427, or 32 percent, were related to identity theft.

Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 10:29:07 PST

Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has launched the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program (Coupon Program), as authorized in the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005.

Free Virtual Tours from the U.S. Government

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 22:22:15 PST

Free online U.S. virtual tours

FTC Offers Tutorial for Businesses on Protecting Personal Information

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 07:03:22 PST

Protecting the personal information of customers, clients, and employees is good business. The Federal Trade Commission has a new online tutorial to alert businesses and other organizations to practical and low- or no-cost ways to keep data secure

Renting a Car for the Holidays? The I.I.I. Provides Rental Car Insurance Tips

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:00:15 PST

With so many people planning to visit family and friends over the holidays, there are likely to be long lines at rental car companies across the country. Properly insuring a rental car can be tricky. Unfortunately, many consumers don’t even think about car rental insurance until they get to the counter, which can result in costly mistakes, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

Thinking About Buying an Expensive New Bicycle?

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 08:27:31 PST

Almost 1,000,000 bicycles were stolen in the U.S in 2006, according to the FBI and most of them were never seen again. With the increasingly popularity of cycling as both a sport and a means of transportation, bicycles have become a target for thieves, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

Holiday Shopping Countdown -Returns and Exchanges: Know the Rules Before Buying

Tue, 19 Dec 2006 14:52:10 PST

Attention, Holiday Shoppers. It's important to learn about a retailer's return policies before buying gifts.

Renting a Car for Thanksgiving? The I.I.I. Provides Rental Car Insurance Tips

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 06:53:45 PST

With so many people traveling to visit family friends over Thanksgiving, there are likely to be long lines at rental car companies across the country, Properly insuring a rental car can be tricky. Unfortunately, many consumers don't even think about car rental insurance until they get to the counter, which can result in costly mistakes, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

190,500 Target Toys Recalled due to Laceration and Lead Hazards

Sun, 19 Nov 2006 00:06:03 PST

Some of these toys contain lead paint, which is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. Also, some of the toys have sharp points, posing laceration or puncture wound hazards.

Residential Natural Gas Prices: What Consumers Should Know

Sat, 18 Nov 2006 14:11:02 PST

Typically, residential natural gas consumers have some basic questions as the winter approaches: How much will natural gas cost and will enough be available this winter heating season?

Update: California Car Buyer's Bill of Rights

Wed, 08 Nov 2006 14:50:03 PST

A new law establishing the Car Buyer's Bill of Rights substantially impacts the purchase of new and used vehicles. This new law, which takes effect July 1, 2006, affects retail vehicle sales handled by licensed car dealers in California. This new law does not apply to transactions between private parties, motorcycles, or off-highway vehicles.

Social Networking Online:The Buddy System for Safe Social Networking Online

Wed, 01 Nov 2006 06:41:22 PST

The Federal Trade Commission today announced a new game that quizzes players on their online social networking practices and offers tips to help keep kids and teens safe online. The game, Buddy Builder , is available in English and Spanish .

How can I get rid of SPAM mail?

Mon, 16 Oct 2006 17:39:00 PST

If you have an email address, you've likely been spammed with unsolicited commercial messages. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to get rid of this electronic junk mail, but there are steps you can take to reduce the amount of unwanted spam and precautions to take to avoid falling victim to bogus offers slipping into your in-box.

Homework Happens � Find Answers Fast

Thu, 24 Aug 2006 06:57:00 PST

Are you a reporter covering science education in need of a new angle or a student looking for homework help or that next science fair project? Never fear, the USGS has thousands of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to help you out.

Need to Reach Uncle Sam? He's Only a Toll-free Phone Call Away.

Thu, 24 Aug 2006 06:41:00 PST

Need to find out what immunizations are required for your African safari? Or how you can start a small business? Just dial up Uncle Sam at 1 (800) FED-INFO to get help with your questions. It's the one-stop source for information about the agencies, programs, and activities of the Federal government. From purchasing surplus government property to preparing for emergency situations, 1 (800) FED-INFO can get you to the information you need.

Fact Sheet: Wedding Dress Labeling Requirements

Sat, 05 Aug 2006 12:13:00 PST

If you manufacture, import or sell wedding dresses, you must ensure that consumers have certain garment information. The Textile Act, its regulations and the FTC's Care Labeling Rule require that labels be attached to imported and domestic textile products such as wedding gowns. These rules apply to sample gowns, as well as to gowns that are for sale.Wedding dress labels must contain four pieces of information.

FTC Provides Tips for Saving Money on Cooling Costs

Wed, 02 Aug 2006 07:40:00 PST

With the heat of summer bearing down, consumers want to keep their cool without losing their cold hard cash. The Federal Trade Commission is offering tips to consumers on keeping their energy costs lower in Cooling Your Home: Don�t Sweat It .

Understanding Wireless Telephone Coverage Areas

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 08:57:00 PST

Wireless telephones work by communicating via radio waves using a system of base stations (sometimes known as cell sites) that send and receive calls and relay them to other networks, like the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).