News from 2017
Seventh Circuit, on Volvo ‘pick-off’ case: Timing of offer has no effect
The proposed class action, Laurens v. Volvo, is about a car buyer’s disappointed expectations. The dispute, in particular, centers on the difference between Volvo’s model XC90 and the XC90 T8. Both are luxury SUVs, but the XC90 runs on gas, whereas the T8 is a plug‐in hybrid.
FTC settles with telemarketing operators who targeted seniors, veterans
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Aug. 31 that the operators of a telemarketing scheme that allegedly pitched phony business accounts and grant opportunities will settle and agree to be banned from those lines of business.
FTC targets North Carolina debt collection scheme for alleged abusive tactics
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Aug. 29 that it has charged a debt collection ring in North Carolina with allegations of using intimidation and deception to take money from consumers for debts not owed or debts that the defendants had no right to collect.
FTC orders Mars to divest 12 vet clinics before completing acquisition of VCA
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Aug. 30 that Mars Incorporated will divest 12 veterinary clinics across the country to settle allegations that its $9.1 billion acquisition of pet care company VCA Inc. would violate federal antitrust laws.
FTC announces defendants in IWorks scheme owe more than $280 million
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Aug. 29 that a federal court determined Terrason Spinks and his company, Jet Processing Inc., are liable for the consumer harm caused by a scheme called IWorks at an amount of roughly $280 million.
FTC settles with final defendant in alleged illegal debt scheme case
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Aug. 30 that the final defendant in a debt collection scheme that allegedly threatened consumers has been banned from debt collection activities after a settlement.
FTC settles with TaxSlayer
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Aug. 29 that TaxSlayer LLC, an online tax preparation service headquartered in Georgia, will settle allegations of violating federal rules related to financial privacy and security.
EEOC accuses Maryland auto wash company of class-based discrimination against Hispanics
BALTIMORE (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced a lawsuit Aug. 28 against Maritime Autowash Inc. for allegations of subjecting a class of workers to a hostile work environment and disparate treatment based on their race and national origin.
EEOC targets Estée Lauder, alleging discriminatory paid parental leave program
PHILADELPHIA (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced a lawsuit Aug. 30 against Estée Lauder Companies Inc. - a global manufacturer of skin care, makeup fragrance and hair care products - for allegations of creating a paid parental leave program that provides male employees with fewer benefits than female employees.
Florida staffing agency to change business practices after disability lawsuit
TAMPA, Fla. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced Aug. 28 that KB Staffing LLC, a staffing firm in central Florida, has agreed to create a class damages fund and furnish other relief after allegations of unlawful pre-offer health inquiries of applicants.
CFPB proposes penalty of $150,000 against Prime Marketing Holdings
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced Aug. 30 that it has filed a proposed final judgment in federal court that seeks to resolve a credit repair practices lawsuit against Prime Marketing Holdings LLC.
New York attorney general secures $800,000 from Energy Plus in settlement
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced Aug. 30 that Energy Plus Holdings LLC and Energy Plus Natural Gas LLC (collectively, “Energy Plus”) will pay $800,000 after allegations of deceiving consumers.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau sets new thresholds under Truth in Lending Act
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced Aug. 30 that it has made its annual adjustments to the dollar amounts of various thresholds under the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) regulations, based on the annual percentage change in the Consumer Price Index.
Trucking company that rejected veteran with service dog looks for way out of EEOC lawsuit
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Legal Newsline) – CRST Trucking has petitioned the Florida federal court in Jacksonville to either change the venue or dismiss a lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for allegations of failing to accommodate a job candidate who used a service dog.
TCPA defendants could be looking at longer, more expensive legal battles
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, recently denied defendant DePaul University’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought against it over a series of allegedly unsolicited text messages sent to a man’s personal cell phone.
Seventh Circuit: Settlement in case over length of Subway’s footlong sandwiches ‘utterly worthless’
The plaintiffs in the case alleged foot-long sandwiches sold at Subway restaurants were marketed as being 12 inches in length, when, in fact, they were not. According to their complaint, Subway’s alleged business practices violated state consumer protection statutes.
Duty free stores at Dulles Airport win at Va. SC; Decision significant for Import-Export Clause
RICHMOND, Va. (Legal Newsline) – The Virginia Supreme Court on Aug. 24 reversed a circuit court ruling against Dulles Duty Free LLC in its challenge of Loudoun County’s attempt to collect a Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) tax on its sales.
Ga. courts won't set aside St. Louis default judgment against company
ATLANTA (Legal Newsline) – The Georgia Supreme Court has ruled against Lemcon USA Corp. as it fights against a default judgment entered against it in another state.
Walgreens fighting class actions in two states over alleged price-fixing
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) – Walgreens continues to fight a class action lawsuit over alleged price-fixing in a lawsuit being heard before in an Illinois federal court.
The Gap defeats claims over inferior clothing at outlet stores; Lawsuit had no merit, attorney says
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – A California appeals court has ruled against a woman's claims she was tricked into buying inferior clothing products at The Gap and Banana Republic outlet stores.