The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) seeks to protect consumers and competition by preventing anticompetitive, deceptive, and unfair business practices through law enforcement, advocacy, and education.

The FTC is the only federal agency with both consumer protection and competition jurisdiction in broad sectors of the economy. The FTC pursues vigorous and effective law enforcement; advances consumers’ interests by sharing its expertise with federal and state legislatures and U.S. and international government agencies; develops policy and research tools through hearings, workshops, and conferences; and creates practical and plain-language educational programs for consumers and businesses in a global marketplace with constantly changing technologies. FTC’s work is performed by the Bureaus of Consumer Protection, Competition, and Economics. That work is aided by the Office of General Counsel and seven regional offices.

In Montana, as in all states, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) plays a crucial role in protecting consumers and ensuring fair competition. The FTC enforces federal consumer protection and antitrust laws, preventing deceptive, fraudulent, and unfair business practices, and promoting competition. While the FTC operates at the federal level, its actions impact consumers and businesses in Montana. The agency conducts investigations, sues companies and individuals that violate the law, develops policy, and provides educational resources to help consumers and businesses understand their rights and responsibilities. The FTC's work is supported by its Bureaus of Consumer Protection, Competition, and Economics, as well as the Office of General Counsel and regional offices. Although the FTC is a federal agency, its enforcement actions and policies often complement Montana's own consumer protection and antitrust statutes, which are enforced by the Montana Department of Justice's Office of Consumer Protection.