The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the U.S. government agency responsible for protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, and preventing deceptive or unfair business practices. The FTC enforces federal consumer‑protection laws, investigates fraud and scams, regulates advertising and marketing claims, and oversees data‑privacy and cybersecurity standards for businesses. Through enforcement actions, rulemaking, and public guidance, the FTC works to stop anticompetitive behavior, safeguard consumer rights, and maintain a fair, transparent marketplace across the United States.
Do you know how to spot online scams?
To educate consumers about online scams, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) set up a Web site for Esteemed Lending Services, an online company that looks reliable and reputable, and promises easy advance-fee loans to anyone. But the company and the site are fictitious, designed to tip you off to the signs of loan scams. The FTC also has other “phony sites” for scam awareness for products such as diet aids (FatFoe) and made-up diabetes treatment (Glucobate.) Remember that as part of our investigation strategies for business transactions, SI includes Web site reviews to detect incredulities, too-good-to-be-true statements, boasts of unrealistic investment returns, and even wording that is unfitting for the particular industry.