Timeshare News and Legislation

The industry continues to evolve, and timeshares are adapting. Flexibility and unique experiences are driving renewed interest, especially among millennial and Gen X owners. Timeshares are transforming from the traditional fixed-week model of ownership into more flexible, vacation clubs with exclusive perks. These new options are appealing to younger generations and reshaping the image of…

Deceptive Sales Techniques in the Home Security Industry

SACRAMENTO — The security industry has come a long way since the trunk-slammers of the 1970s, but deceptive sales tactics remain a problem. Door-to-door alarm salespeople continue to employ misleading high-pressure tactics that frighten consumers, and some companies are still engaging in this behavior after being caught and punished by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)….

Consumer Protection Against Deceptive Sales

SACRAMENTO — Consumers can often become victims of deceptive sales, when they purchase products or services from companies that use dishonest tactics. Several groups, including the Electronic Security Association (ESA), the Better Business Bureau and ADT, are working together to fight these bad practices. According to federal law, an unfair or deceptive act or practice…

How the FTC and State Laws Prohibit Deceptive Sales

From trunk slammers to “agents” who lure unsuspecting homeowners into signing costly, hard-to-break contracts, deceptive sales are sadly all too common. Fortunately, consumers are starting to stand up against these scams. Last year alone, SDM reported on the industry-wide efforts led by ADT and its reputable competitors to crack down on bad apples in the…

The Importance of Consumer Defense

The term consumer defense can be used to refer to a variety of regulatory and legal initiatives designed to protect consumers from wrongful conduct. These efforts may include requiring disclosures about a product’s safety or quality, combating discriminatory marketing practices, and policing the activities of market participants. While some of these interventions are aimed at…

Insurance Deceptive Sales

Deceptive sales are practices that mislead consumers. They include making misleading cost or price claims, using bait-and-switch tactics, offering to provide a product or service that is not in fact available, and failing to provide promised services. The FTC Act defines unfair or deceptive trade practice as “an act or practice that misleads a consumer…