Consumer Alert
Anonymous messaging app NGL barred from marketing to kids, must refund unauthorized charges
NGL, an anonymous messaging app popular with teens, is banned from marketing to kids under 18 and must pay $4.5 million dollars to give money back to customers it deceived.
The Federal Trade Commission and the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office say that NGL marketed the app to children and teens despite being aware of the harms of similar anonymous messaging apps to young users. According to the complaint, one user reported that a friend attempted suicide because of the NGL app.
What’s more, NGL falsely claimed to use AI content moderation to keep kids safe from bullying and harmful language. And by collecting information from children under age 13 without getting parental consent, NGL violated laws designed to protect children’s privacy online.
That’s not all. NGL tricked users into signing up for the paid version of the app, NGL Pro, by making false promises that users could find out who was sending them messages through the app. They couldn’t.
Many NGL users who paid for the Pro version thought they were paying a one-time charge, but the company charged a recurring, weekly fee of up to $9.99 without users’ knowledge and consent. And then ignored customers’ requests for refunds.
Before you download an app, read online reviews to see what other users are saying about it. And learn about your rights when it comes to negative options. If you’ve been charged for a subscription you didn’t agree to, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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Big business has been getting way out of control with stuff like this. Ms Kahn you and your staff ARE restoring hope in our country and government! THANK YOU!
In reply to Big business has been… by Bill Gould
Thanks for putting a stop to folks that intentionally manipulate others in order to make a buck extra... How do these ppl sleep at night?? 🤔🤔 No conscious whatsoever.. unbelievable!!
Don't they realize when it's our turn to go we obviously cannot take it with us!!
😔
I like your posts.
Great Job FTC for catching and warning people about the bad guys!
Thank you so much for move to stop NGL from sacrificing kids to online predators.
I appreciate all the FTC info shared. I'm in the senior-senior citizen range so know I must be alert, but the youngsters are so trusting so hope more parents and grandparents (friends and neighbors) get your info and heed the advice you offer.
THANK YOU, FTC!!!
Thank you ! A job well done!!
Our country is In need of more people like Ms kahn given us hope in the judistric system thank you and your team.
We will announce it over Polish Varieties Radio - WNZK 690 AM in Michigan.
Thank you for sending this info.
In reply to We will announce it over… by Jerzy W. Rozalski
Thank you for sharing the information.
I commend you for all the information you provide for all consumers.
Great job so very appreciative for your hard work and services!!! Keep up the awesome job!!!