WELCOME to FTC's Website on PROJECT SCOFFLAW

The Federal Trade Commission secures court orders that protect consumers from fraud and deception. If these Federal district court orders are violated, law enforcers deploy the full range of powers available — including both criminal and civil actions — to stop repeat offenders and to deter other defendants from ignoring order provisions.

FY 2005 Case Statistics

Criminal Sentences/Restitution. In 2005, seven defendants were ordered to 47 years incarceration or home detention and to pay more than $1.1 million in restitution.

Civil Contempt. In 2005, two companies and their principals were held in civil contempt for violating orders and ordered to pay approximately $60 million in redress. In addition, defendants in two additional actions stipulated to modified orders banning conduct to resolve contempt allegations.