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.
The FTC referred a complaint against REPS & Company Inc. and company executives, alleging they bypassed ticket-issuer security controls and purchasing limits to acquire millions of tickets for resale. The complaint was filed by the Department of Justice, and the case will be decided by the court; the press release does not report a penalty or other remedy imposed.
The FTC sued Digital Forensics Corporation LLC and affiliated defendants, alleging they misled sextortion victims with promises of investigative and monitoring services that often were not provided, and used fake positive reviews. A federal court granted the FTC’s request to temporarily halt the defendants’ activities; the complaint remains for the court to decide.
The FTC alleged that Greenway Auto Group advertised vehicle prices thousands of dollars below the amounts consumers actually paid and used mailers falsely suggesting recipients had won cash prizes. Greenway agreed to an order requiring transparent pricing and prohibiting deceptive prize mailers and other misrepresentations; the press release does not state a monetary penalty.
The FTC sent warning letters to 24 large healthcare services companies, cautioning that incomplete, inaccurate, or untimely pricing information for scheduled medical care may be unfair or deceptive. The letters urge recipients to review their price-disclosure practices and take corrective action; they announce no fine or formal order.