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 New York, as in all states, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) plays a critical role in protecting consumers and ensuring a competitive marketplace. The FTC enforces federal consumer protection and antitrust laws, preventing anticompetitive, deceptive, and unfair business practices. While the FTC operates at the federal level, its actions impact New York consumers and businesses. The agency conducts law enforcement, provides guidance to lawmakers, and collaborates with state agencies to align federal and state efforts. The FTC's consumer protection efforts are focused on stopping fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices, and they provide information to help consumers recognize, stop, and avoid them. On the competition side, the FTC challenges anticompetitive mergers and business practices that could harm consumers by leading to higher prices, reduced quality or choice, and less innovation. 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. New York businesses and consumers benefit from the FTC's efforts to educate and protect the public while fostering a fair and competitive economy.