Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is an independent agency of the U.S. government that protects consumers from harmful and deceptive practices by enforcing federal laws related to advertising, antitrust, credit, ID theft, privacy, unfair business practices, and other matters related to competition and consumer protection. The agency's aim is to ensure that all businesses involved in the marketplace — including online, traditional, and mail-order sellers — compete honestly and fairly. The FTC operates by investigating complaints, conducting studies, and enacting and enforcing regulations. In addition, the FTC educates consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities in the marketplace.