Welcome to the Bureau of Consumer Protection

Who We Are


Learn more about Malware.

The Federal Trade Commission is the nation's consumer protection agency. The FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection works For The Consumer to prevent fraud, deception, and unfair business practices in the marketplace. The Bureau:

  • Enhances consumer confidence by enforcing federal laws that protect consumers
  • Empowers consumers with free information to help them exercise their rights and spot and avoid fraud and deception
  • Wants to hear from consumers who want to get information or file a complaint about fraud or identity theft

Learn more...

What's New

Penn Corner
The FTC's monthly email highlights the work the FTC is doing to protect consumers and features free resources to help you avoid fraud.

The BCP Business Center: Your Link to the Law

Tech Support Scams
Scammers call and claim to be computer techs associated with well-known companies like Microsoft. They say that they’ve detected viruses or other malware on your computer to trick you into giving them remote access or paying for software you don’t need.

Money Matters
A website for people dealing with debt; struggling to find a job or keep their home; or trying to create a budget, save, and spend wisely.

Could Free Trial Offers Be ‘Fee’ Trial Offers in Disguise?
Explains online schemes offering "free trial" membership or products that enroll the them in a negative option plan.

Net Cetera: Chatting with Kids About Being Online
The internet offers a world of opportunities, but they can come with certain risks to kids. This guide helps parents protect their kids and talk to them about living their lives online.

Medical Identity Theft
Explains how medical identity theft occurs, how it differs from traditional identity theft, offers tips to minimize your risk and how to recover should you experience a theft.

Other Publications

Today's Tip

WhoCares: Sources of Information About Health Care Products and Services Shopping for a more energy-efficient appliance? Learn about the EnergyGuide label Net Cetera: Chatting with Kids About Being Online Privacy Initiatives

Last Modified: Thursday, October 4, 2012