News

Avoiding Holiday Shopping Scams: Your Fun & Festive Guide to Safe Holiday Shopping! ✨

The holiday season is full of cheer, but it’s also prime time for scammers! Stay safe while you shop with these tips: 1. Check the List Twice 📜 Before purchasing, verify the retailer’s website or app. Look for secure payment options and “https:” in the URL. 2. Spot the Scam Before You Click 🔍       Be wary of ads offering...
December 9, 2024
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Consumer Protection
Department of Commerce
Uncategorized

NEWS RELEASE: Utah Secures $42.5 Million Landmark Victory in Real Estate Investment Fraud Case

Judge Orders Defendants to Pay $42.5 Million in Restitution, Fines, and Penalties in Case Brought by Utah Department of Commerce’s Division of Consumer Protection Against Real Estate Workshop SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Division of Consumer Protection (Division), through the Utah Attorney General’s Office, won a landmark case against Real Estate Workshop (REW) and its principals Troy Stevens, Cory...
September 4, 2024
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Uncategorized

Buyer Beware: Deceptive Tactics Auto Dealers May Use

Buying a vehicle is a major investment and can be a complex process. Be cautious and informed to ensure a fair, transparent purchase and avoid deceptive practices from some auto dealers. Beware of the Following Tactics: You deserve clear pricing, accurate information, and transparency when purchasing a vehicle. Don’t be swayed by dishonest tactics or high-pressure sales pitches. If you...
September 3, 2024
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Uncategorized

When Contractors Can’t Be Trusted

Source: National Insurance Crime Bureau When your home is damaged by a storm, fire, or even a water leak, your life is disrupted and may even be turned upside down. You rely on professional contractors to repair and reconstruct your house to get back on track. Unfortunately, some contractors are not worthy of the trust you place in them. During...
May 23, 2024
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Uncategorized

How Can Consumers Protect Their Personal Data?

The Utah Consumer Privacy Act (UCPA), a law that grants consumers several important rights regarding their personal data, became effective December 31, 2023. It is important that Utah consumers understand their rights under the new law and how they can exercise them. At the same time, businesses that operate in Utah must also understand their responsibilities under this new law....
January 2, 2024
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Consumer Protection
Department of Commerce

Diabetes Patients – The Utah Division of Consumer Protection Wants to Hear From You

Are you or someone you know struggling to afford insulin? If so, you’re not alone. Share your experience at dcp.utah.gov/insulin...
November 16, 2023
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Uncategorized

Utah sues Meta for child addiction harm and deceiving parents about dangers of Facebook and Instagram 

SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox and Attorney General Sean D. Reyes today announced a lawsuit against Meta Platforms, Inc. and its subsidiary Instagram, LLC, over their flagship social media products, Facebook and Instagram. The state alleges that the social media giant has violated the Utah Consumer Sales Practices Act by designing the platforms to trap children in excessive, harmful use that causes serious mental health issues. Meta also deceived parents and young users about the safety of using Instagram and Facebook....
October 24, 2023
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Consumer Protection
Department of Commerce
News and Announcements

Rule for Social Media Regulation Act Published

SALT LAKE CITY—The Utah Office of Administrative Rules has published the Utah Social Media Regulation Act (SMRA) rule, crafted and submitted by the Department of Commerce’s Division of Consumer Protection (Division). The Division invites the public to submit comments on the rule and share experiences with minors on social media platforms at socialmedia.utah.gov until February 5, 2024. A public hearing will be held at the Capitol Senate Building in room 220 on November 1, from 9:00 to 11:00 am....
October 16, 2023
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Department of Commerce
News and Announcements

Utah sues TikTok over child addiction harm, targets “enmeshment” with its China-based parent company

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH — Today, Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox and Attorney General Sean D. Reyes announced a lawsuit against TikTok. After extensive investigation, the state alleges the social media giant illegally baits children into addictive and unhealthy use, blatantly misrepresents the app’s safety, and deceptively portrays itself as independent of its China-based parent company ByteDance....
October 11, 2023
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Consumer Protection
Department of Commerce
News and Announcements

Utah and Law Enforcers Nationwide Announce Enforcement Sweep to Stem the Tide of Illegal Telemarketing Calls to U.S. Consumers

SALT LAKE CITY— The Utah Division of Consumer Protection, a division within the Utah Department of Commerce, along with the Federal Trade Commission and other law enforcement partners nationwide, which includes attorneys general from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, announced a new crackdown on illegal telemarketing targeting operations responsible for billions of calls to U.S. consumers....
July 18, 2023
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Consumer Protection
News and Announcements