Who We Are
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is an independent federal agency with a unique dual mission to protect consumers and promote competition. The agency consistently ranks as one of the best places to work in the federal government.
The mission of the FTC’s Division of Consumer and Business Education (DCBE) is to give people the tools they need to make informed decisions – and give businesses the tools they need to comply with the law. DCBE creates free, plain language information online, in print, and on video. The objective advice – sometimes targeted to a particular audience – helps people understand their rights and recognize, avoid and report frauds. FTC encourages you to use their resources, in English, Spanish, and other languages, and share them in your communities.
DCBE publishes hundreds of blog posts and sends free email alerts to several hundred thousand subscribers. It also participates in hundreds of outreach events nationwide, including webinars, trainings and presentations. DCBE collaborates closely with many public and private sector partners.
Jump$tart Clearinghouse Links:
- Consumer.gov – What to Know and Do
- IdentityTheft.gov – Report Identity Theft and Get a Recovery Plan
- Used Cars
- Free Credit Reports
- Credit Scores
- Are Car Ads Taking You for a Ride?
- Understanding Vehicle Financing
What We Offer
Use FTC.gov/bulkorder to order FREE publications for consumers and businesses. Shipping also is free and takes 3-4 weeks. You also can download, print and share additional publications at FTC.gov.
The Division of Consumer and Business Education manages multiple websites with information for consumers, including:
- consumer.ftc.gov – find hundreds of articles, blog posts, and videos on a wide range of issues. You can also sign up to receive blog posts by email.
- consumer.gov – get plain and simple tips on managing and using your money wisely, using credit and loans carefully, and protecting your identity and money.
- Pass It On – find materials and videos for active older adults. Pass It On is a research-based campaign to share information about fraud and encourage people to share the information. Millions of pieces of Pass It On educational material have been distributed.
- MilitaryConsumer.gov – helps servicemembers, veterans and their families find resources on avoiding fraud and making better-informed decisions when managing money. This site is part of the Military Consumer campaign with the U.S. Department of Defense, the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection and Military Saves.
- IdentityTheft.gov – report identity theft, create a user account, and get a detailed, customized recovery plan. Hundreds of thousands of identity theft victims have created personalized recovery plans using this innovative, award-winning website, which the Division operates with the Division of Consumer Response and Operations.
- ftc.gov/OnGuardOnline – get free online security tips and resources to help protect your personal information and devices safe, whether you’re at home or on the go.
- Kids Online – find out how to keep kids safe online. DCBE has distributed millions of free copies of the guide for parents, Net Cetera: Chatting with Kids About Being Online, to schools, school districts, law enforcement, libraries and other community organizations nationwide.
- ftc.gov/weatheremergencies – It’s one thing to prepare your family, pets, and property for extreme weather situations. It’s another to protect your personal information and finances from scammers who use weather emergencies to cheat people. This page has information to help you prepare for, deal with, and recover from a weather emergency.
What’s New
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: The FTC in Action
Scammers follow the headlines. Whenever there is widespread public concern about particular health threats, we see unscrupulous marketers who try to take advantage of consumers’ fears. We saw this with the anthrax scare, Zika, Ebola, bird flu, and SARS. We’re now seeing it with the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The FTC offers help in these ways:
- Consumers – Tips to avoid Coronavirus scams, a library of timely blog posts and alerts, and links to other government resources.
- Businesses – Guidance for businesses on how to get support, avoid scams, and follow appropriate practices in the marketplace.
- Enforcement – The FTC is tracking complaint data related to COVID-19 and taking actions against scammers using the pandemic to deceive or defraud consumers.
- Resources – Robocall recordings, videos, social media shareables, infographics, and materials in other languages.
FTC also has dedicated information about the Financial Impact of the Coronavirus with tips on dealing with job loss, trouble paying bills – including mortgages and car payments – and, if it comes to it, your rights in debt collection. Also included is information for small businesses.
Keep up to date with the FTC’s COVID-19 enforcement actions, complaint data, scams and more. Sign up for the Coronavirus Updates at ftc.gov/stay-connected.
The FTC wants to hear from you about the types of Covid-19-related scams you’re encountering. Please report them to ftc.gov/complaint. Your complaints help stop rip-off artists, scammers and fraudsters.
Connect With FTC
Twitter: @FTC
Facebook: facebook.com/federaltradecommission
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/federal-trade-commission/
YouTube: youtube.com/ftcvideos
