FTC Stops U.S. Online Retailer From Posing As A UK-Based Site

The Federal Trade Commission has cracked down on a California based online electronics retailer for allegedly posing as it was based in the U.K. so it could deceive residents there into thinking they had stronger consumer protections.

When U.K. consumers received the cameras, video games and other electronic items, they discovered they had been charged unexpected import duties, were left with invalid warranties, and would be charged hefty cancellation and refund fees if they tried to send the items back.

The FTC also charged the defendants with deceiving consumers about their participation in a program in which U.S. companies guarantee customers in Europe that they secure their personal information, as required by European law. Known as the EU/US Safe Harbor program, the defendants claimed to participate in it when in fact they did not.

European consumers who want to know if a U.S. company is complying with European law can visit this