FTC Probes Stores Over Secret Data Pricing
The FTC wants to know if major companies use your private data to raise prices.
You look at an airline ticket or a grocery item online. Your neighbor checks the exact same item at the exact same minute. You might see two different price tags.
The Federal Trade Commission wants answers about this practice. Regulators ordered nine major corporations to open their data records. The target list includes big brands like Walmart and Delta Air Lines. Officials want to see if these giants study your private habits to charge you more.
Apps and websites gather details about you every day. They monitor your home location and your past spending patterns. Regulators call this practice surveillance pricing. The government fears companies charge higher rates to shoppers who seem ready to pay more.
Knowing these tactics helps you defend your wallet. Check prices on a different phone or computer before you make a big purchase. Clear your web browser history often to reset the online trackers.
Source: Fox Business
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