FTC Probes Big Companies Over Secret Pricing
The FTC wants to know if big companies track your personal habits to change the prices you pay.
You and your neighbor might pay different prices for the exact same item. Government officials want to know why.
The Federal Trade Commission sent legal orders to nine major corporations. The list includes retail giant Walmart and ride-share company Uber. Regulators call this practice surveillance pricing. Companies use your search history and your location to guess what you will spend.
The agency demands answers on how these automated tools work. Credit score firms and software sellers also received the orders. Officials want to see if these pricing systems harm everyday families.
Watch your checkout totals when shopping online. Compare prices on a private browser window before you buy. Clear your cookies to protect your wallet while the inquiry continues.
Source: Fox Business
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