Federal Trade Commission December 2010 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Commission announces amendments to the FTC's Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries. The amendments in particular provide guidance on how to mark and describe non-deceptively an alloy of platinum and non-precious metals, consisting of at least 500 parts per thousand, but less than 850 parts per thousand, pure platinum and less than 950 parts per thousand total platinum group metals.

The consent agreement in this matter settles alleged violations of federal law prohibiting unfair or deceptive acts or practices or unfair methods of competition. The attached Analysis To Aid Public Comment describes both the allegations in the draft complaint and the terms of the consent orderembodied in the consent agreementthat would settle these allegations.

The following agenda of Commission proceedings is published in accordance with section 22(d)(1) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. 57b-3(d)(1), and the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), 5 U.S.C. 601 to 612, as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. The Commission's agenda follows guidelines and procedures issued July 23, 2010, by the Office of Management and Budget in accordance with the provisions of Executive Order No. 12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review'' of September 30, 1993, 58 FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 1993).

Pursuant to the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act (Omnibus Appropriations Act), as clarified by the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (Credit CARD Act), the Commission issues a Final Rule and Statement of Basis and Purpose (SBP) concerning the practices of for-profit companies that, in exchange for a fee, offer to work on behalf of consumers to help them obtain modifications to the terms of mortgage loans or to avoid foreclosure on those loans. The Final Rule, among other things, would: prohibit providers of such mortgage assistance relief services from making false or misleading claims; mandate that providers disclose certain information about these services; bar the collection of advance fees for these services; prohibit anyone from providing substantial assistance or support to another they know or consciously avoid knowing is engaged in a violation of the Rule; and impose recordkeeping and compliance requirements.