- If you believe that you have become victim of unfair business practices, identity theft, media violence or have other complaints about a business, you may file a report with the Federal Trade Commission. Although the FTC does not resolve individual complaints, the FTC will investigate and report patterns of unfair business practices, which can lead to prosecution and fines if the allegations are substantiated.
- The FTC enforces the laws and federal guidelines that apply to companies that offer credit cards, consumer loans, and mortgages. The FTC's website (www.ftc.gov) provides detailed publications on topics that concern consumers and businesses.
- The FTC enforces the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which entitles you to receive a free copy of your credit report from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion every 12 months. You can order your report online using the only third-party, FTC-approved site---www.annualcreditreport.com---by completing and mailing the Annual Credit Report Request Form, or by calling in your request at (877) 322-8228. If you choose to mail your request, send it to: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA, 30348-5281.
- The FTC, Department of Commerce, the IRS, the Department of Homeland Security, and various other government agencies have come together to power OnGuard Online. OnGuard Online provides expert tips for computer security, email scams, cross-border scams, computer disposal, kids' privacy, and other important technology topics. The expert advice is intended to help you guard yourself and your family from potential Internet fraud and identity theft.
- The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is largely enforced by the FTC. The act gives parents complete rights and control over their children's Internet activity and information. The act allows a parent to delete information about their children that can be stored on computers and websites. That information includes email, website accounts, login information and personal information. COPPA also requires websites to obtain parent's permission to collect and share information on children who are 13 years of age and younger.
- The National Do Not Call Registry is also managed and enforced by the FTC. The Do Not Call Registry allows you to register your personal telephone numbers to reduce, or eliminate, telemarketing calls to your home phone or cell phone. Companies have up to 31 days to update their registry information. The number will remain registered until the number is disconnected. You can also choose to cancel your registration if you want to receive telemarketing calls. You can register your number by visiting the National Do Not Call Registry website (www.donotcall.gov) or by calling the National Do Not Call Hotline (888-382-1222). Cancellation requests should also be processed using the hotline number.
