The FTC has sued to shut down an operation that allegedly took in millions of dollars by placing “crammed” or unauthorized charges on people's mobile phone bills. The complaint against Wise Media, LLC, Brian M. Buckley and Winston J. Deloney is the first FTC case against mobile cramming. According to the FTC, the defendants allegedly billed mobile users – without their permission – for charging $9.99 per month for so-called “premium services.” The FTC’s complaint asked the court to immediately freeze the defendants’ assets and order them to stop their deceptive and unfair practices.

A statistical survey of fraud in the United States during 2011 showed that an estimated 25.6 million adults – 10.8 percent of the adult population – were victims of fraud. While online shopping offers greater choice and convenience, the FTC survey indicates that, as of 2011, buyers also were most likely to hear about fraudulent offers on the internet. An estimated 17.3 percent of African-Americans and 13.4 percent of Hispanics were victims; among non-Hispanic whites, 9 percent were victims.

FTC staff strongly supported a proposed ordinance in Alaska that would increase the number of new entrants into taxicab services, and would eliminate all restrictions on the number of taxicabs, sedans and limos by 2022. The comments also suggest that the Alaska Assembly may want to modernize its regulatory framework to respond to the development of smartphone apps that provide ways to arrange for transportation services.

The FTC is hosting three events on consumer issues at 601 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. They are free and open to the public. To pre-register, email your name and affiliation to the appropriate address below.

Life of a Debt: The FTC and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will co-host this roundtable on June 6 to examine the flow of consumer data throughout the debt collection process and the costs and benefits of providing people with additional disclosures about their debts and debt-related rights. It also will be streamed live online. Email LifeofaDebt@ftc.gov.

Jewelry Marketing: This event on June 19 will explore the marketing of alloy products containing precious metals and surface applications of precious metals. Email lkoss@ftc.gov.

All Things Connected: Many people already use mobile phones to open their car doors or turn off their lights remotely. The ability of everyday devices to communicate with each other – sometimes called “The Internet of Things” – may raise security and privacy concerns. FTC staff is having a workshop on November 21 to discuss those issues. Submit your comments by June 1electronically or on paper.