Care.com, an online platform that connects caregivers with families in need of childcare, pet care, and other services, recently settled charges that it inflated job listings and forced membership renewals. This settlement was the result of an investigation by the District of Columbia’s attorney general, which revealed deceptive practices employed by Care.com to attract subscribers and increase its revenue. The settlement requires Care.com to pay $480,000 in restitution to affected consumers and to make changes to its business practices to ensure transparency and compliance with consumer protection laws. One of the key allegations against Care.com was that it inflated job listings on its platform to create a sense of urgency and attract more subscribers. By exaggerating the number of job opportunities available, Care.com misled consumers into believing that they would have a better chance of finding work through the platform than they actually did. This deceptive practice not only harmed consumers by giving them false expectations but also created an unfair advantage for Care.com by increasing its subscriber base and revenue. In addition to inflating job listings, Care.com was also accused of engaging in forced membership renewals. Many consumers reported that they were automatically charged for membership renewals without their consent or knowledge, leading to unexpected charges on their credit cards or bank accounts. This practice took advantage of busy consumers who may not have noticed the automatic renewals and did not provide them with a clear and easy way to opt out of the renewals. As part of the settlement with the District of Columbia’s attorney general, Care.com has agreed to pay restitution to affected consumers who were harmed by these deceptive practices. This payment serves as a form of compensation for those who may have been misled or unfairly charged by Care.com. Additionally, Care.com has committed to making changes to its business practices to ensure compliance with consumer protection laws and to provide greater transparency to its users. Moving forward, Care.com must now accurately represent the number of job listings available on its platform and refrain from inflating these figures to attract subscribers. The company must also obtain explicit consent from consumers before charging them for membership renewals and provide clear information on how to opt out of automatic renewals. These changes are designed to protect consumers from deceptive practices and to hold Care.com accountable for its actions. Overall, the settlement between Care.com and the District of Columbia’s attorney general represents a victory for consumer protection and transparency in the online caregiving industry. By holding Care.com accountable for its deceptive practices and requiring the company to make restitution to affected consumers, the settlement sends a clear message that companies must prioritize honesty and fairness in their interactions with consumers. This case serves as a reminder to businesses that engaging in deceptive practices can have serious consequences and underscores the importance of upholding ethical standards in the marketplace.