The Federal Trade Commission announced that it has launched a new website, ReportFraud.ftc.gov, where consumers can go to report fraud and other consumer-related issues to the FTC. This website, which is also available in Spanish at ReporteFraude.ftc.gov, takes the place of the FTC's "Complaint Assistant."
Andrew Smith, the Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, said, “Every time you report scams or bad business practices to the FTC, you’re helping to protect your community. With ReportFraud.ftc.gov, it’s quicker and easier than ever to share your story, and each report helps the FTC, and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, fight fraud."
If you're wondering what some of the issues are that the FTC is concerned about, you don't need to look any further than the graphic which accompanies the announcement. The graphic highlights areas such as, "online shopping," "phone, internet, TV service," and "auto sales and repair."
It will be interesting to see whether this new website, and the publicity surrounding the announcement, will lead to an uptick in consumer complaints -- or any shift in focus in the FTC's enforcement priorities.
"Every time you report scams or bad business practices to the FTC, you’re helping to protect your community" -- Andrew Smith, Director, FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection