Penalty Amount
$370,000
Consumers Affected
20,044
The FTC settled with CafePress for failing to implement reasonable data security measures, leading to multiple breaches that exposed Social Security numbers and other sensitive data. As part of the settlement, over $370,000 in refunds are being distributed to 20,044 consumers who filed valid claims.
The FTC is sending payments totaling more than $370,000 to 20,044 consumers who filed a valid claim before the deadline, via checks and PayPal.
In-house legal teams should review vendor agreements, customer contracts, and any data processing agreements (DPAs) that involve the handling of sensitive personal data (e.g., Social Security numbers). Focus on clauses addressing data security obligations, data retention limits, and breach notification requirements. Specific changes may include: mandating encryption for sensitive data at rest and in transit; implementing clear data minimization and retention schedules; requiring prompt breach notification to affected individuals and regulators (e.g., within 72 hours); and adding provisions for regular security audits and vulnerability assessments. Contracts should also prohibit storing sensitive data in clear, readable text and require reasonable access controls.
Entity
CafePress
Industry
TechnologyOfficial Press Release
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/09/ftc-sends-refunds-consumers-harmed-cafepresss-data-security-failures
ftc takes action against cafepress data breach cover
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/03/ftc-takes-action-against-cafepress-data-breach-cover
ftc announces claims process consumers affected cafepresss d
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/01/ftc-announces-claims-process-consumers-affected-cafepresss-data-security-failures
Federal Trade Commission Enforcement Page
https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement
"CafePress"
"CafePress failed to implement reasonable security measures to protect the sensitive information stored on its network. In addition to storing Social Security numbers and password reset answers in clear, readable text, CafePress retained the data longer than was necessary. As a result of its shoddy security practices, CafePress’ network was breached multiple times allowing hackers to access sensitive user data including Social Security numbers. The company also failed to adequately inform consumers about these breaches."
"20,044 consumers"
$500K
The FTC finalized an order against CafePress for failing to secure consumer data and covering up a data breach. The company must implement comprehensive security measures, and its former owner must pay $500,000 in redress to victims.
$2.0M
New Jersey joined a multistate $2 million settlement with online retailer CafePress over a 2019 data breach that exposed personal information of approximately 22 million consumers nationwide, including over 540,000 in New Jersey. The settlement requires CafePress to implement a comprehensive cybersecurity program, incident response plan, and third-party assessments for five years, with payment suspended pending compliance.
$750K
The FTC finalized an order against Vanilla Chip LLC (doing business as TruHeight) and its principals for deceptively advertising height-enhancing supplements for children and teens without scientific evidence. The company also used fake reviews and incentivized 5-star ratings. The order requires a $750,000 payment and prohibits false health claims and deceptive review practices.
$2.3M
The FTC alleged that RentGrow, a tenant screening company, violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) by failing to use reasonable procedures to ensure the accuracy of its reports, including by reporting duplicate records and failing to disclose data sources. RentGrow agreed to pay a $2.25 million penalty and is prohibited from further FCRA violations and from misrepresenting dispute outcomes.
The FTC and New York Attorney General took action against Handy Technologies for deceptive earnings claims and failure to disclose fees and fines that led to millions of dollars being withheld from workers' wages. The FTC is sending over $2.7 million in refunds to 62,893 affected consumers.
$35.0M
The FTC alleged that Hopper, a travel booking app, charged consumers hidden and pre-selected fees (Tip and VIP Support) without their consent, misrepresented the benefits of VIP Support and Price Freeze services, and failed to clearly disclose total prices. Hopper agreed to pay $35 million for consumer redress and is prohibited from misrepresenting fees under a proposed order.