What is the role of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in prosecuting consumer fraud?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) plays an important role in prosecuting consumer fraud in California. The FTC is a federal agency whose mission is to protect consumers by stopping deceptive and fraudulent business practices. It enforces a wide range of consumer protection laws, including the FTC Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Under the FTC Act, the FTC is authorized to take legal action against individuals or businesses that engage in deceptive or unfair business practices. The FTC is tasked with stopping fraudsters from taking advantage of consumers, and it gathers and shares information about fraudulent activities. Additionally, the FTC is responsible for educating consumers about how to identify and avoid scams. By providing correct information to consumers, the FTC reduces their risk of falling prey to fraudsters. The FTC also works with state and local law enforcement agencies to prosecute consumers for fraud. In cases that involve interstate commerce, the FTC typically has exclusive jurisdiction to handle prosecution of cases related to consumer fraud. Additionally, the FTC can work with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to investigate cases of alleged consumer fraud. Moreover, the FTC can impose civil or criminal penalties on perpetrators of consumer fraud. Depending on the severity of the case, the FTC may issue a cease-and-desist order, impose fines and restitution, or impose criminal sanctions. By taking legal action, the FTC can protect consumers and deter other potential fraudsters.

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