Federal Trade Commission

The Federal Trade Commission is one of the government’s main watchdogs over how businesses treat consumers and compete with one another. It polices deceptive advertising, unfair sales tactics, and violations of privacy and data security, while also enforcing antitrust laws meant to keep markets competitive. Because so much commerce now happens online, the agency’s reach touches everything from telemarketing calls to the fine print on a subscription service.

Consumer complaints are one of the main ways the FTC learns about scams and shady business practices, and the agency provides channels for people to report fraud, identity theft, or misleading sales tactics. Knowing how to reach the FTC and what happens after a complaint is filed helps explain the agency’s role, covered in How to Contact the FTC: Reporting Fraud, Identity Theft, and Business Violations.

Advertising claims fall squarely under the FTC’s authority, since federal law requires that marketing be truthful and backed by evidence. Origin claims are a common flashpoint, and the rules governing when a product can be marketed as American-made are explained in “Made in USA” Labels: What Products Qualify and How Companies Get Caught.

Pricing practices also draw scrutiny when costs are hidden or disclosed only after a purchase is nearly complete. The commission has taken an interest in these add-on charges, a pattern examined in Junk Fees: The Hidden Costs Americans Pay.