Originally Posted by
jimmc66
Basically saying that TripAdvisor has NO responsibility for this information, and even attempts absolve the OTA's (booking providers) from any responsibility either! Making the absurd claim that the fault is with the individual hotel! This all while collecting a commission on the fraudulent rates!
That's legal actually. TripAdvisor is not the seller of the accommodation in question. If TripAdvisor has advertised the information as provided promptly, it is shielded from any consumer protection law (as the advertising agent of the seller). As a matter of fact, TripAdvisor is not alone. Many websites have done something similar.
Originally Posted by
jimmc66
With Democrats coming back into power, I am hoping the FTC is renewed with people who genuinely want to work on behalf of consumers and stop what has become rampant online fraud. Meanwhile I've reported the whole incident to the Massachusetts Attorney General's office.
This expresses that you clearly don't know how FTC (or independent agencies) works.
While FTC commissioners are presidential appointees and subject to the Senate confirmation, their appointments are based on a defined period, not per administration. Also, because of the independent structures, there are always 2 Democrats and 2 Republican for each commissions. The chairpersons, i.e. the last vote, are always aligned with the administration. In short, just because there will be a new president, it does not mean anything will change soon.
Also - the focus of FTC, as well as State AGs, is significant cases. Therefore, in the U.S., the vast majorities of consumer protection enforcement is actually done by class actions instead of government agencies.
In short - you have a case? Find a class action lawyer. Otherwise, good luck with MA AG.