FTC Investigates Secret Pricing Tactics by Big Brands

Imagine checking the price of a flight online. Your neighbor looks at the exact same seat and sees a cheaper rate. The government wants to know if businesses do this on purpose.

The Federal Trade Commission opened an inquiry into custom prices. Regulators call this practice surveillance pricing. The agency sent orders to nine major corporations, including Walmart and Delta.

These companies gather data about your shopping habits. They look at your web history and your location. Officials want to see if computer models use this private data to raise prices for specific buyers.

Shoppers deserve clear prices and honest business practices. Check prices on different devices to protect your wallet. Clearing your web cookies helps you spot standard rates while regulators investigate.

Source: Fox Business