Federal Trade Commission

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

A federal agency responsible for maintaining the competitive markets, thereby discouraging restraint of trade and monopoly. The clout and aggressiveness of the FTC vary greatly depending on its membership and the incumbent Presidential administration.

---

Federal Trade Commission

A government organization with the responsibility of protecting consumers from predatory or unfair business practices. As such, it is responsible for the enforcement of antitrust laws, protecting against anti-competitive mergers and acquisitions. Citizens may complain to the Federal Trade Commission for perceived wrongdoings in the business practices of a company. While adjudicating these complaints takes time, the FTC provides a recourse against exploitation of the consumer.

---

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Created in 1914,the FTC (www.ftc.gov) was the successor to the old Bureau of Corporations. It was formed in response to widespread concerns about monopolies and their impact on consumers.

Today, it is comprised of three bureaus:

1. Bureau of Consumer Protection. Created to protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices. It enforces a variety of consumer protection laws enacted by Congress. It also maintains the consolidated consumer Web site (www.consumer.gov) with information and links to over 170 government agencies.

2. Bureau of Competition. The antitrust arm.

3. Bureau of Economics. Helps the FTC evaluate the economic impact of its various policies.