If you have ever had to fill a Federal Trade Commission Complaint Form then I'm assuming that You have at one time or another been searching for and thought that you found a legitimate way to earn an income online.
In the event that You are searching the internet to find out out to file an FTC Complaint Form and have questions, View the FAQ Frequently Asked Questions on the official site to have your questions answered correctly.
If You feel that You have been a victim of fraud, identity theft or any unscrupulous business dealings then you can file a formal complaint at the FTC.GOV Official website.
Lately there has been a lot of activity with the Online Business Education arena with the Shut Down of MOBE (Known as My Online Business Education & formerly known as My Online Business Empire) by the Federal Trade Commission. Read more about this recent news by clicking on any and/or all of the links below:
- Federal Trade Commission MOBE FTC My Online Business Education Empire
- Traffic to MOBE FTC Shutdown Federal Trade Commission Post
- MOBE Member Federal Trade Commission Shutdown
- Have You Googled MOBE Federal Trade Commission?
What exactly is the Federal Trade Commission and how did it come about as a part of our Governement?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is an independent company of the United States government, established in 1914 by the Federal Trade Commission Act. Its primary goal is the promo of customer protection and the elimination and also prevention of anticompetitive service techniques, such as coercive monopoly.
The Federal Trade Commission Act was one of President Woodrow Wilson's major acts against counts on. Trusts and trust-busting were significant political problems throughout the Progressive Era. Given that its beginning, the FTC has actually applied the provisions of the Clayton Act, a crucial antitrust law, in addition to the stipulations of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. § 41 et seq. Gradually, the FTC has been entrusted with the enforcement of additional service guideline laws and has actually promulgated a number of policies.
Complying With the Supreme Court decisions against Standard Oil as well as American Tobacco in May 1911, the initial variation of a costs to establish a commission to regulate interstate trade was presented on January 25, 1912, by Oklahoma congressman Dick Thompson Morgan. He would certainly make the first speech on the House flooring supporting its development on February 21, 1912. Though the preliminary costs did not pass, the inquiries of counts on and antitrust dominated the 1912 political election. A lot of political celebration systems in 1912 backed the facility of a federal trade commission with its regulative powers put in the hands of a management board, as a choice to functions previously and always exercised so gradually via the courts.
With the 1912 presidential political election made a decision in favor of the Democrats and Woodrow Wilson, Morgan reintroduced a somewhat changed variation of his expense during the April 1913 special session. The nationwide argument culminated in Wilson's signing of the FTC Act on September 26, with added firm of laws in the Clayton Antitrust Act 3 weeks later. The new Federal Trade Commission would certainly absorb the personnel and duties of Bureau of Corporations, previously established under the Department of Commerce and also Labor in 1903. The FTC can furthermore test “unjust approaches of competitors” and implement the Clayton Act's more specific prohibitions versus certain rate discrimination, upright plans, interlocking directorates, and also stock acquisitions.
The best ways to File a Complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, from the FTC.
Bureau of Consumer Protection
The Bureau of Consumer Protection's mandate is to secure customers versus unreasonable or deceitful acts or practices in commerce. With the created consent of the Commission, Bureau lawyers impose federal regulations associated with consumer events and guidelines promoted by the FTC. Its functions consist of investigations, enforcement actions, and also customer as well as service education and learning. Locations of primary issue for this bureau are: advertising and marketing, financial items and techniques, outbound telemarketing fraud, privacy as well as identity defense, etc. The bureau additionally is accountable for the United States National Do Not Call Registry.
Under the FTC Act, the Commission has the authority, in most cases, to bring its activities in federal court via its very own lawyers. In some consumer security issues, the FTC appears with, or supports, the U.S. Department of Justice.
Bureau of Competition
The Bureau of Competition is the department of the FTC charged with elimination as well as avoidance of “anticompetitive” company techniques. It achieves this with the enforcement of antitrust regulations, evaluation of proposed mergings, as well as examination into other non-merger organisation practices that could impair competitors. Such non-merger techniques consist of horizontal restrictions, involving agreements between direct competitors, and vertical restraints, entailing arrangements amongst services at different levels in the exact same sector (such as vendors and commercial purchasers).
The FTC shares enforcement of antitrust legislations with the Department of Justice. Nevertheless, while the FTC is accountable for civil enforcement of antitrust legislations, the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice has the power to bring both civil as well as criminal action in antitrust matters.
Bureau of Economics
The Bureau of Economics was established to support the Bureau of Competition as well as Consumer Protection by offering expert understanding pertaining to the economic influences of the FTC's regulation and also operation.
The FTC explores problems raised by records from consumers as well as organisations, pre-merger alert filings, congressional inquiries, or reports in the media. These problems consist of, as an example, incorrect advertising as well as other forms of fraudulence. FTC investigations might pertain to a single company or a whole sector. If the outcomes of the examination expose unlawful conduct, the FTC might seek voluntary conformity by the upseting organisation via a permission order, submit an administrative grievance, or start federal lawsuits.
Typically a management issue is listened to before an independent management legislation judge (ALJ) with FTC personnel serving as district attorneys. The instance is reviewed afresh by the complete FTC commission which after that may be interested the U.S. Court of Appeals as well as finally to the Supreme Court.
Under the FTC Act, the federal courts retain their typical authority to issue equitable relief, consisting of the appointment of receivers, displays, the charge of property freezes to guard against the contamination of funds, prompt access to service premises to protect evidence, as well as other relief consisting of financial disclosures and also expedited discovery. In various situations, the FTC employs this authority to combat severe consumer deceptiveness or fraudulence. Furthermore, the FTC has rulemaking power to address worries relating to industry-wide techniques. Rules promoted under this authority are called Trade Rules.
In the mid-1990s, the FTC introduced the scams brushes up idea where the agency and also its federal, state, and regional partners submitted synchronised lawsuits versus multiple outbound telemarketing fraud targets. The initial sweeps operation was Project Telesweep in July 1995 which punished 100 service opportunity scams.
In 1984, the FTC began to regulate the funeral chapel sector in order to protect consumers from misleading practices. The FTC Funeral Rule needs funeral chapels to supply all customers (and potential customers) with a General Price List (GPL), especially describing products as well as services in the funeral industry, as specified by the FTC, and also a listing of their costs. By legislation, the GPL must exist to all individuals that ask, nobody is to be rejected a written, retainable duplicate of the GPL. In 1996, the FTC set up the Funeral Rule Offenders Program (FROP), under which “funeral homes make a voluntary settlement to the U.S. Treasury or ideal state fund for a quantity much less compared to exactly what would likely be looked for if the Commission authorized submitting a legal action for civil fines. Additionally, the funeral chapels participate in the NFDA compliance program, that includes a testimonial of the price lists, on-site training of the staff, and follow-up testing and also accreditation on compliance with the Funeral Rule.”
One of the Federal Trade Commission's various other significant focuses is identification theft. The FTC serves as a federal repository for individual consumer issues regarding identification burglary. Even though the FTC does not deal with private issues, it does make use of the aggregated information to determine where federal action could be taken. The issue type is available online or by phone (1-877-ID-THEFT).
The FTC has been associated with the oversight of the online marketing sector as well as its practice of behavior targeting for a long time. In 2011 the FTC proposed a “Do Not Track” device to permit Internet users to opt-out of behavioral targeting.
In 2013, the FTC released a comprehensive revision of its Green guides, which stated standards for ecological marketing.
Unfair or deceptive methods affecting consumers.
Area 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. § 45 gives the FTC power to examine and also stop deceitful trade techniques. The law declares that “unjust techniques of competition in or affecting commerce, as well as unjust or deceitful acts or methods in or impacting commerce, are hereby proclaimed illegal.” Unfairness as well as deception towards customers represent two distinct locations of FTC enforcement and authority. The FTC additionally commands over unreasonable techniques of competitors in between companies.
Deceptiveness methods
In a letter to the Chairman of your home Committee on Energy and Commerce, the FTC specified the aspects of deception instances. First, “there have to be a depiction, noninclusion or practice that is likely to misinform the customer.” In the case of omissions, the Commission thinks about the suggested representations understood by the consumer. A deceptive omission happens when info is not divulged to fix affordable customer expectations. Second, the Commission examines the practice from the point of view of an affordable customer being targeted by the method. Lastly the depiction or noninclusion should be a product one– that is one that would certainly have transformed consumer actions.
In its Dot Com Disclosures overview, the FTC stated that” [d] isclosures that are required to prevent deception or to offer consumers material info concerning a deal should be presented clearly and conspicuously.” The FTC suggested a number of various variables that would certainly assist identify whether the info was “clear and also obvious” including yet not limited to:
- the positioning of the disclosure in an ad as well as its distance to the case it is certifying,
- the importance of the disclosure,
- whether items in other components of the promotion sidetrack attention from the disclosure,
- whether the advertisement is so lengthy that the disclosure needs to be repeated,
- whether disclosures in audio messages exist in a sufficient volume as well as cadence and aesthetic disclosures appear for an enough period, and
- whether the language of the disclosure is understandable to the designated audience.
However, the “trick is the total web impact.”
In F.T.C. v. Cyberspace.com the FTC discovered that sending customers mail that seemed a look for $3.50 to the customer connected to a billing was deceitful when paying the check constituted an arrangement to pay a monthly charge for web gain access to. The back of the check, in small print, disclosed the presence of this arrangement to the customer. The FTC ended that the practice was deceiving to sensible consumers, especially since there was proof that much less compared to one percent of the 225,000 individuals and also companies billed for the net solution in fact browsed through.
The FTC declared that Gateway dedicated unreasonable and deceitful trade practices by making retroactive adjustments to its privacy plan without notifying consumers as well as by violating its very own privacy policy by marketing consumer info when it had said it would not. Entrance settled the issue by participating in an authorization decree with the FTC that required it to give up some profits and also positioned limitations after Gateway for the following 20 years.
Sears Holdings Management Corp., the FTC declared that a research software application given by Sears was deceitful since it gathered info concerning nearly all on-line behavior, a fact that was just divulged in legalese, buried within completion user permit arrangement.
In 2016, the FTC introduced action against the OMICS Publishing Group for its activities in generating predatory journals and also arranging predative seminars took place partly in feedback to on-going stress from the academia. This is the very first action taken by the FTC against an academic journal publisher. The problem alleges that the defendants have actually been “deceiving academics and also scientists about the nature of its publications and concealing magazine charges varying from hundreds to countless dollars” and notes that “OMICS regularly markets meetings showcasing scholastic professionals that were never ever scheduled to appear in order to attract registrants” and that attendees “invest hundreds or countless dollars on enrollment charges as well as travel expenses to go to these clinical seminars.” Manuscripts are also in some cases held hostage, with OMICS choosing not to enable submissions to be taken out and also thereby stopping resubmission to an additional journal for factor to consider. Jeffrey Beall has explained OMICS as the worst-of-the-worst among the predative authors.
Unreasonable techniques
Courts have actually recognized 3 primary elements that must be taken into consideration in customer unfairness instances: (1) whether the method hurts consumers; (2) whether the method breaches well established public policy; and (3) whether it is underhanded or unscrupulous.
FTC activities in the healthcare sector
Along with prospective analysis of the effects of mergings as well as procurements, the FTC has actually just recently considered retrospective evaluation and also monitoring of combined hospitals. Hence, it likewise makes use of retroactive data to show that some health center mergings as well as purchases are hurting customers, especially in terms of greater costs.
Below are some current instances of the FTC's success in obstructing or taking a break of medical facility combinations or associations
- Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital and Palmyra Medical Center in Georgia. In 2011, the FTC efficiently tested in court the $195 million purchase of Palmyra Medical Center by Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. The FTC affirmed that the deal would develop a monopoly as it would certainly “minimize competitors dramatically as well as enable the consolidated Phoebe/Palmyra to elevate costs for general acute-care medical facility service fee to commercial health plans, significantly damaging individuals as well as neighborhood companies and also staff members”. The Supreme Court on February 19, 2013 ruled in support of the FTC.
- ProMedica health system as well as St. Luke's healthcare facility in Ohio. In a similar way, court efforts by ProMedica health and wellness system in Ohio to reverse an order by the FTC to the firm to relax its 2010 acquisition of St. Luke's healthcare facility were unsuccessful. The FTC declared that the acquisition would hurt consumers via greater costs due to the fact that insurance provider would certainly be needed to pay even more. In December 2011, a management court maintained the FTC's decision keeping in mind that the habits of ProMedica health and wellness system and St. Luke's was without a doubt anticompetitive and ordered ProMedica to divest St. Luke's to a purchaser that would be approved by the FTC within 180 days of the day of the order.
- OSF medical care system and also Rockford Health System in Illinois. In November 2011, the FTC filed a legal action alleging that the suggested purchase of Rockford by OSF would drive up prices for general acute-care inpatient solutions as OSF would certainly encounter just one competitor (SwedishAmerican health system) in the Rockford area as well as would certainly have a market share of 64%. Later on in 2012, OSF introduced that it had actually abandoned its plans to acquire Rockford Health System.
FTC Complaint Assistant Site
The eight Basic Consumer Rights:
- Right to Fundamental Demands, which ensures survival, appropriate food, clothing, shelter, health care, education and learning as well as hygiene. With this right, consumers could look forward to the availability of basic as well as prime products at inexpensive rates as well as top quality.
- Right to Safety– the consumer should be secured against the advertising and marketing of goods or the stipulation of solutions that are unsafe to wellness and life.
- Right to Information– the customer ought to be secured versus deceitful or deceptive marketing or labeling and also deserves to be offered the truths and also details should make an educated option.
- Right to Choose– the consumer deserves to pick from among various products at affordable prices with a guarantee of adequate top quality.
- Right to Representation– the right to reveal consumer passions in the making and also implementation of government policies.
- Right to Redress– the right to be made up for misstatement, substandard products or unsuitable solutions.
- Right to Consumer Education, which is the right to obtain knowledge as well as abilities essential to be a notified consumer.
- Right to a Healthy Environment– the right to live and also work in an atmosphere which is neither harmful neither dangerous and which permits a life of self-respect and also health.
Friends,
now that you know how to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and with the proper complaint form, I sincerely pray that you never need to do so and would love to hear about your success while earning an income online in a legal, legitimate as well as rewarding manner.
This is a very detailed information. I have always tried my possible best to be conscious to avoid being scammed off my hard earn money online, a lot of individuals have fallen victim and more will still fall prey to online scams.
Well i urge everyone to be very careful online so as not to fall victim of this scammers. Thank you for sharing this awesome article Tony.
Thank you so much for this information on The Federal Trade Commission as I have been wondering if there was anyone to complain to regarding all the scams floating around and especially if you or one of your family members falls victim to a scam.
I just wonder if anyone can complain, as it says on the site that it protects American Consumers, so I tend to wonder if they will take complaints from the rest of the world seriously. They should though because the internet affects everyone worldwide.
This is a brilliant article,I guess every consumer need to know about the Federal Trade Commission.. They need to know about how it can be of help to them , what are the procedures to seek help with the FTC. In most cases people suffer loss because of knowledge. Thank you for enlightening many that will need this
The more you know, I heard a conversation about the FTC and felt kind of foolish because while I know what is stands for, I was not very familiar with its function or different Bureaus.
I’m glad I found this article and was informed of my rights as a consumer. It is crazy that something like this has to exist due to greed or just zero care for others well being. When the world becomes just how much money you can get out of someone I’m glad things like this exist to stop these practices by some of these shady companies. I appreciate the information specially as a consumer and also awareness as a business owner.
I read about this immediately I heard about it from a friend. This the best thing we the consumers need; stopping unfair, deceptive and fraudulent business practices by collecting complaints and conducting investigations, suing companies and people that break the law, developing rules to maintain a fair marketplace, and educating consumers and businesses. Thanks to the FTCs
Good article on Federal Trade Commission. I’m enlighten by main function of the Commission and various aspect to the Commission and how it works. I think the Commission has an important task to ensure market works well and everyone has a fair opportunity in doing business. A healthy and fair market will be beneficial for the consumers.
Thank you for this post it is important that people know there is a way forward if they fall victim to a scam or fraudulent business opportunity. In the Uk, we have Fraud UK. Sadly if you do need to report a fraudulent business opportunity you may not get the outcome you expected unless numerous people report the same crime
I’ve never filed a complaint but I think it’s a very good idea to be aware of operations like this, who knows when you’re gonna need to file one of those. It’s good that people can say their minds and explain what they don’t like or what the feel is wrong about something to the authorities.
I have never filed a complaint with the FTC before but can understand why some people might. I do come across online training platforms that do a bunch of teaching but always try to get more money out of you. Look, I get it. People have to make a living. I don’t blame them for this, but do blame them for not listening to people. I don’t think this warrants an FTC complaint and I would probably not file one. I entered an online affliate marketing training site in hopes that I would learn how to learn the field. I enrolled in the course and it was great. I paid a monthly subscription to the site. But it was short lived for me. So I found a new company. A new training platform. In this new platform, I told the coach that I could only afford the monthly subscription; that I had recently canceled my previous free subscription to a similar company. Why? They wanted way too much money that I thought I could spend. I had a budget. So I thought that this new one would be different. Well, in the end the two platforms were the same. I appreciate training and education, but when it appears that I am being taken for granted, it is time to go. When it appears that the only good I am is to continue to shell out more money, then it is time to go. I know that it takes money to make money. However, a budget is a budget. Make more sales, spend more money. Borrow to pay for a subscription. Not a good investment in my way of thinking. There are some stories of people spending thousands of dollars and never getting any return on their investment. So I appreciate yours conversation here and it is very helpful. If I am ever in need of this type of service, I will be much wiser. Thanks.
I don’t really do so many things online so I have not really filled any complaints against anybody for any reason before but reading this is good and I have learnt something valuable from what you shared as well. I know the best thing and the best way to make a complaint whenever I have one now.
Well, getting scammed is not a good thing. And no wants ever wants to be in that situation or report that he or she has been scammed. But it’s a good thing to know that there is a service where we can report fraudulent activities. When join hands together to do this, the fraud level will reduce drastically. I really hate it when fraudsters get people ripped off and get away with it.
Thanks for the post. It’s nice to say you care about your loyal readers. I have never had to fill in this form because I live in Finland and I have a different service to use if I am the target of a scam. i hope no one else needs to fill out that form because it means you have been a victim of fraud … but thanks, continue with the same pattern friend!
Howdy Tony, A huge and critical subject for everybody entering the on-line commerce world. I appreciate the data you have got shared – especially the data and direction by the FTC Lawyer on out of line or beguiling strategies influencing shoppers; giving that video is greatly accommodating. In spite of the fact that the closed down of MOBE by the FTC is now somewhat dated, being 1998 and usually presently 2020, as you have got pointed out there are numerous lessons to be learned from their history, and your webpage substance certainly endeavors to cover all of the key issues and give all of the essential notices. The ultimate rundown list of the eight Fundamental Customer Rights is exceptionally supportive.
This is a very helpful article Tony. This article holds so much value and importance to people who have been scammed online and wish to file an official complaint about it. This is a very good thing to know about, that you can file for complaints when you have a problem with a product or you think it should be investigated, it’ll keep the society safe and also free from bad companies.
NO! I have never had to fill the fo because I made sure to always be courteous and always ensure that I follow and stay strictly to all the rules given to me and all to ensure I avoid being scammed online and all. This is really great to see here. Thank you so much for sharing this information here with us all. Thanks
Hello Tony, i have never filed Federal Trade Commission complaint form, it’s good to know about it and it’s useful. It’s valuable to see this article, so that when people get scammed, and they can file up to FTC. It is the way that can stay away from some bad companies and keep the society safe. Because there have a lot of people are running scams, and some of them try to make their loss back, and it’s not the way to get it back, should stay with legitimate as there have plenty ways to generate income nowadays online.
Thank god that I never really have to file a complaint with a federal trade commission before. However, it doesn’t hurt to know how to file it for just in case. Thanks for sharing all these useful informations and links on where to file it. I am glad that you shared the 8 consumer rights with us. We can use this as a guideline and determined if we should file for a complaint or not.
So useful Tony. This article provides so much value to people who have been scammed online. I would never have thought to raise a complaint despite having myself been scammed a few times with unrealistic claims. But the way you laid out the process, next time it happens to me (hopefully never again), I will know how to proceed. Of course will need to find equivalent data for UK, but at least I know redress exists.
Thai is a very good thing to know about, you can file for complaints when you have a problem with a product or you think it should be investigated, it’ll keep the society safe and also free from bad companies that are liable to spoil People’s life. Thanks for sharing this amazing article, it’s nice to read.
Due to the line of business that I am getting into, this is something I seriously have to look into, I’m very glad that I always able to get valuable information from your articles and that I can learn something so important for my online business. I haven’t had to file a complaint form, not yet at least, but one never knows for sure so I appreciate this
Hello Tony, I am really happy to be here and it’s really nice seeing this topic of discussion and I am really happy about it. We all need to learn that filling this form is normal and we should try as much as we can to fill this form and report sites that are scam and from there you can be a reason to take out a scam site
Hello,
Fortunately I never had to file a complaint to the FTC. And hopefully I’ll never have to do it. But it’s comforting to see that people who are victims of frauds and scams can take legal action and denounce this kind of websites and people. I also truly enjoyed your article, even if it was quite technical sometimes with all the legal obligations and case law. BUt I have a question: can I file a complaint to the FTC even if I live in France? THank you for your informative post, I really appreciated it.
Rather interesting to see here in the total space here. I value the information you have supplied about FTC. Though I have never had a reason to submit or take their form to report an platform though I have been scammed on multiple occasions. But then, I always take it in good faith. Thank you for sharing this here with us all
This is wonderful as there are a lot of people running scams on the internet. At least now some people know what to do if they feel they have been scanned or if they actually have. It’s a very frustrating thing to be involved in any fraudulent activities especially when you were so sincere about it and all you wanted was the product or service you paid for.
Greetings Tony,
I am an Online Entrepreneur, an individual from Wealthy Affiliate. Be that as it may, I am not, and have never been, inhabitant in the United States or anyplace in North America. Along these lines, gaining admittance to indispensable data, for example, this isn’t simple. Much thanks for taking such a great amount of difficulty to compose such a nitty gritty and all around enunciated article on an issue that is for the insurance of us and the Consumers, the Public that we serve.
Just this week due I run over a training that has truly shaken me. Presently I know where and how I can find support with issues like it.
Much obliged once more!
I had filled a report way back in March but not a commission complaint exactly. I had trouble with a company that was selling a product that I was interested. I have been seeing a lot of people recommending the company along with the product so since it had so much “good reviews” I decided to order one of their products. That was in January. It’s almost September and I haven’t received anything nor have my emails been replied to. The company website was even shut down so that makes me believe it was a scam. Sadly, nothing else has been done in that matter.
No to coercive monopoly, and thanks for the FTC. They must have a heavy workload, as there are a lot of online businesses and scammers out there! I am not from the US, but I learned a lot about this government unit. In one way or another, this is a great model for the whole world–not only for consumer protection but also for fair trade. It makes me feel protected in doing business, as well as transacting around the virtual world. There should never be a deceptive individual allowed even virtually, haha! Thanks and cheers! – A
Very helpful post I’ve needed this a couple of times in my life and not just internet marketing but I’ll bet it’s they busiest out if all the variables because the playing ground is so big like world size.
You, Sir, have a very creative mindset God’s been good to you to thank so much for wanting to share your knowledge and experiences I have copied all these rules for future use
I have never filed a complaint for to the Federal Trade Commission before, perhaps it’s time to get to know everything from you Tony. But I do know how nagging it is to file those complaints and wait forever to be answered. Had I known this before perhaps I would have filed one as well a long time ago when i got into the fraudulent act that left me in pieces. Thanks for letting me know this important info Tony.
Hello, This is a nice write up on Federal Trade Commission Complaints. it is a fact that the FTC encourages consumers to file a complaint whenever they have been the victim of fraud, identity theft, or other unfair or deceptive business practices but the time frame for attending to the cases is another issue
FTC is actually the very beat platform that deals with all these companies that are scamming in nature. So, being able to be where and actually having the zeal enough to help us all get going is really worthy. Well, I have never actually taking the form to suit to them because i don’t see a need to. I always ensure to stay safe enough to avoid being scammed. thanks
Good day Tony, I really appreciate you taking the time to get this useful and helpful information out for anyone who is just starting out in online marketing. Your review of the federal trade commission and the compliant form is really invaluable and you have thoroughly explained all there is to know about the organisation. The form creates an opportunity for people to give their opinion on products which I feel is very important.
Hi Tony,
this is quite interesting. The amount of scams on the internet is quite frustrating. In light of this article, one can only wonder I am left to wonder how effective these organisations have been with web-based businesses.
I also wish to know how many governments have similar systems in place and again how these systems function in regards to web based businesses.
I would imagine that the rise in online businesses would challenge these organisations in terms of tracking and punishing offenders.
Candy Benn
Hi Tony, I’ve read your article “Federal Trade Commission Complaint Form, Have You Ever Had To File One?”
Thank you for this informations.
This is a nice write up on Federal Trade Commission Complaints and what if we have to file one.
It is interesting to know the history behind the Federal Trade Commission.
Thanks again Tony for such an informative article!
You did an amazing job! Congratulations!
This FDC form gives people the chance to tell out what they have in their mind and they can complain about what products are not good and why they’ve said it. This is like a review that calls for action and it’s the responsibility of the FDC to look into such products and confirm the points of the complaints.
Hi Tony,
This is a nice write up on Federal Trade Commission Complaints and what if we have to file one. I think such important issues are normally never covered by people and I’m glad I came across this article of yours. I believe that knowing the procedure can help us if required. It is interesting to know the history behind the Federal Trade Commission and the other bureaus like the Bureau of Economics and Competition. It’s good that there is a consumer agency to protect citizens from fraudulent companies and practices. I thank u for this great piece of information.
Aparna
Hello Tony, we all should learn to file a complaint and from here some scam sites and bad business will Park up before you know it. But if we keep quiet I am sad they bully us continually and wouldn’t stop at all. With this I hope see that we have to do something as the power is on our hands and we should just seize it and make the most of it m
Well I have only had to complain only once but I was later vindicated and my money was restored back to ke. This is really a good one to see here you know. Being able to just get to make money off this and also reporting the bad companies that are all out to just dupe or scam people. Thank you here for this post
It’s a very good thing to have a person to report to in the case that there are so many scams and other companies that do not live up to their claims. I’m happy that I have been able to read about the federal trade commission and also about the different bureau you shared here. I will make sure to lodge my complaints in the event that I have one.
Hello Tony now I know that, thank you for this information..
With so many scams online, people need to know what they can do in case they become a victim of fraud. Thankfully I haven’t been a victim of online fraud. I have bookmarked this article and will share!
Thanks again Tony for such an informative article!
Hey Tony, thank you for this information.. With so many scams online, people need to know what they can do in case they become a victim of fraud. Thankfully I haven’t been a victim of online fraud. I have booked marked this article and will share! Thanks again Tony for such an informative article!
It was interesting to read the history behind the start of the Federal Trade Commission and the other bureaus like the Bureau of Economics and Competition, that assist them. Thank goodness there is a consumer watchdog agency to protect the citizens from fraudulent companies and practices.
Thankfully I have not had the need to file a complaint with the FTC, but great to see how easy it is.
Just great to see how easy we can can file a complaint about any common company that is not seeming to have positive values to the customers except to take from them. I have always been careful when going into the various online business today and I really haven’t filed a complain about anything at all. But seeing the benefits, I will do just just when I see a scam business
We are fortunate to have such a watchdog agency working for us to shut down fraudulent businesses. They certainly have a full-time job, and can save a lot of us unnecessary grief.
There are so many companies out there that seem to be scams. Do you have any idea how long it takes for the FTC to notice and investigate these companies?
It’s interesting to notice the scope of the FTC’s operations. They cover lots of issues. I knew about the Bureau of Consumer Protection but not about the Bureau of Competition and the Bureau of Economics. I guess they stay very busy.
I am glad they are there, as I made the mistake of joining MOBE. I was fortunate, as it was closed down before I had to pay out lots of money to move up in the program. Thank you, FTC.
Hello there! This is an amazing review you have got here. This is actually my first time hearing about Federal trade commission complain form, I Have to save this post so I can go over it again till its part of me. Thank you very much for sharing this with me, its helpful!
Nice post Mr. Tony, you always write very comprehensive and useful article..This is nice and a great insight, i have never filed for complaint with the Federal Trade Commission even though i have been scammed few time, but now i choose to trade consciously in order to avoid falling a victim of scam, i am more careful now and i think everyone should be very careful online, i guess i need to share this article to some of my friends who are victim of online scam..Thanks Mr. Lee
Hi Tony, thanks for sharing again your insight and knowledge on defrauding the mlm industry. I have been involved in mlm for a long time and heard a lot about the FTC but never known how to file a complaint form. It is reassuring to know that if I need to, it is something that we can do. I hope I never need to. Thanks.
Thank you for sharing this post here. Well! I have never really considered the idea of using the FTC because I have always tried my best to stay conscious and very calm online especially towards opportunities to avoid being scammed off my money though I have people who have been scammed and has really taken it but this information is good though.
Hello Tony,Thanks for sharing. This is very detailed information with great resources.so far, I have not had the need to file a complaint but I know that they are everywhere online. A lot have fallen victim and will still fall victim. I just urge everyone to be very careful online so as not to fall victim of this scammers.
Thank you so much for sharing us an interesting and informative article. The main theme of this article is the Federal Trade Commission Complaint Form. It is really laudable that you have illustrated this topic so well in your article. I have learned a lot by reading your article and gained a lot of cognition about FTC activities in the healthcare sector. Of the points mentioned in your article, I like Bureau of Consumer Protection. I would say that those who are concerned about the security of their product will get all kinds of security by applying here.
Finally, I have read and enjoyed your article so I would like to share the subject of your article about the Federal Trade Commission Complaint Form in my Facebook group so that everyone can know about it.
In regards to the FTC, I really never had to call them to report scam business and crooked company. But trust me, over the years, especially in the early 70’s and late 80’s, there were so many scam programs. No internet at the time, but we had advertising using newspapers and magazines. It was great back then (At least, I thought). Over-charging, companies not delivering, low-quality products, etc;. I never even considered calling to report these scam companies. These just proved over the years, these scammers are here to stay. Now in 2020, The Federal Trade Commission seems more busier now than ever. I feel consumer protection is needed now because of all the online and off=line scams.
Thank you for providing this information in one concise location! There are so many online scams out there and I needed to know how I could do my part to help report them! I also enjoyed the brief history you provided to better my understanding.
I will definitely take these tips into considerations so I can safely report the next fraud I run into.
As you start a new month in your life today, the seed in your hand will not die. Your pursuits will be spotted for distinction. The walls of your barn shall not be broken. You will not lose your treasures. The waster of efforts will not locate you. Your land shall be fertile. The federal trades committee did the right thing there
Your garden will not dry. You will be a fruitful vine. You will multiply richly and you will be greatly protected .
Tony, – Thanks for sharing. This is very detailed information with great resources – so far, I have not had the need to file a complaint but I know that they are everywhere online. It is always important to be very careful online but even when you have it is great to know what your options are. No one likes to be scammed.
Hello Tony, thanks a lot for sharing this very vital information, I must say it was really interesting to read and I know it would be of great help to the public as it has been of help to me..I have used the FTC once and I wasn’t really satisfied with their response so I decided no to use again..
There’s been a lot of complaints from people and everyday it the rate rises drastically to the point of utmost concern. Filing a Federal trade commission complaint form is a nice step to take but I think it takes a while and sometimes it’s always impossible to dig into some fraudulent activity so it’s better to avoid being scammed.
Great write up indeed. thanks for the information here, with this most people now know the various bodies involved in areas related to setting up businesses online.
Many people have these issues but don’t know where to file complain so that it can be resolved. Knowing the different bodies, what they represent, and how they can be of assistance to us is very important. When issues related to any of theses bodies arise they know exactly what to do. Great work.
Hi Tony, A big and important topic for everyone entering the on-line business world. I appreciate the information you have shared – particularly the information and guidance by the FTC Attorney on unfair or deceptive methods affecting consumers; providing that video is extremely helpful. Although the shut down of MOBE by the FTC is now somewhat dated, being 1998 and this is now 2020, as you have pointed out there are many lessons to be learned from their history, and your webpage content certainly attempts to cover all of the key issues and provide all of the necessary warnings. The final summary list of the eight Basic Consumer Rights is very helpful.
The FTC works on fraudulent or predatory actions against an individual. The FTC is also involved in anticompetitive activity as a monopoly. I hope I never have to file a report with the FTC, it sounds like a bureaucratic nightmare. In online practices, businesses must spell out exactly how their business works and how they are representing themselves to people online. FTC gets involved more if the activity harms, or deprives people of their right to make a living, the right for information, and the right to safety. This article was a bit above my pay grade, but definitely informative.
I remember reading about consumer rights in school. Your article reminded me of that. Not only in the USA but in all countries there are government agencies that try to protect the customers from scams. It is a very important agency as all agencies are. I enjoyed watching the video which gave a quick overview of what you were trying to inform us about. Thank you
Thanks Tony for putting down such an important information here, showing us the best way to file complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, its is good to know that Bureau of Consumer Protection’s mandate is to secure customers versus unreasonable or deceitful acts or practices and also they have power to bring to bring criminal action in antitrust matters, this is very important because fraud and scammer are everywhere, FTC has done so well to introduced the scams brushes idea where the agency and also its federal, state, and regional partners submitted synchronised lawsuits versus multiple outbound telemarketing fraud targets. Thanks so much with this information most online owner will feel safe.
A few years back, I had to file a report with the FTC. Somebody had been using my social security number, but I didn’t notice until I tried to hire cable TV. When they ran the credit check on me, they told me I had to go to one of their offices to prove that the social security number belonged to me.
Searching online, I came across the FTC. I gave them a call and explained the situation. They further directed me to credit bureaus to get my credit report. It was a long process, but I was eventually able to get it solved.
Well! I have never seen a reason to file an FTC form before though I have been scammed before but I never allowed them to get to me. They are always the limited level of scams and not the type that affects me that much. This is really a good post about FTC and how to go about it. For me, I have never attempted it before. Thanks
This is great information. I have been scammed and have dealt with deceptive business practices. I never did anything except voice my opinion which really does not stop the company from doing it to someone else. So now I know that I do have power, and from now on I will use it. Thanks for the great information about the FTC.
Even though I have never filed a complaint , I look back now after reading your article and wonder if in some cases I should have . I’m very interested in learning more about the laws involved with marketing . No one needs to be taken advantage of. Thank you for bringing me this vast amount of knowledge and insight on the subject . The video and the added link’s will be a great help to get people going in the right direction if they felt they were part of a scam .
A unique type of article with an interesting question… I have never had to file a Federal Trade Commission complaint form YET, but who knows what the future holds. I feel as though it’s hard to exist in the online business community without having to at least once, though. Thanks for sharing the background of the FTC Act. I love a good history lesson.
Hi Tony,
I am an Online Entrepreneur, a member of Wealthy Affiliate. But I am not, and have never been, resident in the United States or anywhere in North America. So, getting access to vital information such as this is not easy. Thank you very much for taking so much trouble to write such a detailed and well articulated article on an issue that is for the protection of us and the Consumers, the Public that we serve.
Only this week due I come across a practice that has really rattled me. Now I know where and how I can get help with issues like it.
Thanks again!
That’s great, thank you, I really enjoyed watching the FTC Video you have, as it has let me know about the FTC Complaint Assistant. The assistant will help guide me through this process, which I thought might have been daunting, but it actually looks really simple. Watching the video also helped me understand the other types of complaints that could be filed with the FTC, so thank you for that, really appreciated 🙂
Thanks for going over the eight basic consumer rights. I believe I was in danger of being scammed before I found your site. But after reading your content, I think I have gotten a bit more knowledgeable in this area. Thank you. I don’t discard I may still be scammed in the future, but I feel I can now at least distinguish what are red flags.
Either way, it’s good to know how to file a complaint.
It is interesting! I didn’t have any idea about how to fill a Federal Trade Commission Complaint Form and it sounds great. I think many people would like to report scams, frauds, and identify theft. Currently, there are many online scams and is uplifting to know that exists an organization that protects us from frauds. Thanks for share this article, I will share it.
I have personally not fill this form but my brother had in the past. He was unknowingly scammed and he had to pay for the debt incurred on his bank due to his reckpessnes switch his cards. So, I can resonate pretty well with the information being apsssed here.thanks so much for sharing this post out here. Well! I believe a lot more could be cahmneled into learning about this more ajs thanks for taking out your time and explaining this to us all. Thanks
This is very powerful and important information. I wonder whether it is best to launch a complaint directly with the FTC or with the BBB first or whether that depends on the nature of the complaint. It seems that the FTC is applying legislation whereas the BBB is more about reasonableness. I would be interested if others have any experience with both of these organizations. Thanks for starting an interesting discussion.
Your image that you used drew my attention.
There are so many scams out there. Just look at the sleazy marketing around COVID-19 “cures”.
I really appreciate articles and videos exposing scams and what we can do about it. Your site is transparent and it builds trust with these kinds of subjects.
I wish that they saw the value in the MOBE program. It is way cheaper than some other programs, although the upsales may confuse people and turn them off.
I spent 7$ with Legendary Marketer and I really got a lot of value out of the course. They also give you some one on one coaching calls and it helped me give develop my business plan.
However, it was too expensive for me to buy in, so I don’t know if the full program would be worth it
Good luck to you. I am following you on Instagram.
I have used the Federal Trade Commission to file a complaint on your online company that scammed me and continued to scam even when the request to stop was ignored by the company. Usually do not leave complaints, with the help of the Federal Trade Commission was successfully able to file complaints without feeling guilty. People need this reminder, to know there is a company protecting them online from scams.
it is great to see that there is an organisation out there to help protect people from scams online. There does seem to be a lot of scams out trying to catch people out, but at least if you do find one you can forward it to the FTC and they can help others avoid them or try and get their money back.
Thanks for sharing
Hello there, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is an independent company of the United States government, established in 1914 by the Federal Trade Commission Act. Its primary goal is the promo of it’s customer protection and the elimination and also prevention of anticompetitive service techniques, such as coercive monopoly, I have failed a lot of compliant over the years and I have seen cahges
Thank you for this very informative post!
As bloggers, we really need to learn about the FTC laws and regulations, at the same time, we need to be informed how to protect ourselves and file reports with the right people if ever we’ve been scammed. I’ll definitely go back to this article once I need more information. Thanks!
Your post is full of a ton of very helpful and important information. Obviously as a blogger, we are all adapting and hearing about the FTC and our affiliate disclosure practices. This is just one personal way that we have been introduced to the FTC.
I do think it is important for people to understand that the FTC helps protect us from being scammed or taken for a ride. I think we all have known someone that has been ripped off in some way. Thank you for sharing this great post.
These brokers are terrible they took me for all I had, luckily for me I was introduced to this recovery website, they helped me recover all of my funds within 3 days, I am so happy to share this with all who have been scammed.
Nicole,
I have no idea who scammed you my friend …. brokers?