What Does the FTC International Do?

The FTC INTERNATIONAL is an independent agency of the U.S. government that promotes consumer protection and works to maintain fair and competitive markets.

Founded in 1914, the FTC enforces a broad range of civil laws designed to protect consumers, businesses, and the public interest.

Core Functions of the FTC

1. Consumer Protection

The FTC protects individuals from unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices in the marketplace.

Examples include:

  • False or misleading advertising

  • Telemarketing scams

  • Data privacy violations

  • Deceptive billing or subscriptions

  • Impersonation scams (e.g., fake government or tech support calls)

2. Antitrust Enforcement

The FTC enforces antitrust laws that prevent monopolies and promote fair competition.

This includes:

  • Blocking illegal mergers or acquisitions

  • Investigating price fixing or market manipulation

  • Preventing abuse of market dominance

3. Business Guidance & Education

The FTC provides free tools and information to help businesses stay compliant with consumer protection laws.

Resources include:

  • Best practices for advertising

  • Guides for handling customer data

  • Legal disclaimers and compliance checklists

4. Consumer Education

Through campaigns, websites, and print materials, the FTC educates the public on how to avoid scams and understand their rights.

Examples include:

  • Identity theft recovery toolkit

  • Guides on buying cars or dealing with debt collectors

  • Scam alerts for trending fraud schemes

Investigative Powers

The FTC can:

  • Subpoena documents or witnesses

  • Conduct investigations and audits

  • File civil lawsuits in federal court

  • Impose fines or penalties

  • Secure consumer refunds via settlements or court judgments

Refund Programs

The FTC often returns money to consumers through its Consumer Redress Program. When it wins a case or settles with companies that defrauded consumers, it may issue refunds, credits, or debt forgiveness.

Partnerships & Global Role

Although it's a U.S. agency, the FTC works with international partners to combat:

  • Cross-border fraud

  • Global privacy violations

  • International data breaches

  • Deceptive marketing in digital commerce

Noteworthy Cases

  • Cambridge Analytica: Investigated for misusing Facebook data.

  • Equifax: Sued for failing to protect personal data in a major breach.

  • Deceptive robocalls: Ongoing campaigns to shut down fake IRS or tech support call centers.

In Summary

The FTC’s mission is to:

  • Protect consumers

  • Promote competition

  • Ensure marketplace transparency

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