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FTC accuses Amazon of running a ‘secret ad surcharge scheme’ in new lawsuit 31 August 2026 at 23:20

FTC accuses Amazon of running a ‘secret ad surcharge scheme’ in new lawsuit

31 August 2026 at 23:20

Amazon is facing a new lawsuit from the FTC and 22 states for allegedly secretly charging businesses more for advertising.

NYT > Top Stories
FTC and 22 States Sue Amazon Over Advertising Practices 1 September 2026 at 00:44

FTC and 22 States Sue Amazon Over Advertising Practices

NYT > Top Stories

By: Karen Weise

1 September 2026 at 00:44

Regulators say the e-commerce giant forced more than a million advertisers to pay more than they should have. The company denies the claims.

The Federal Trade Commission and the states said Amazon misled brands and sellers into paying more for ads; the company is denying the accusations.

The Guardian
US trade regulator and 22 states accuse Amazon of taking $20bn with secret surcharges 31 August 2026 at 22:41

US trade regulator and 22 states accuse Amazon of taking $20bn with secret surcharges

The Guardian

By: Dara Kerr and Blake Montgomery

31 August 2026 at 22:41

FTC alleges in lawsuit that online retailer ‘secretly and systematically overcharged’ advertisers for years

The US’s main trade regulator and 22 states sued Amazon on Monday, alleging the online retailer “secretly and systematically overcharged” advertisers on Amazon.com.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said these practices led to higher costs for customers on items like groceries and other essential goods that are sold on Amazon.

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