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 Washington State, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) operates to safeguard consumers and maintain competitive markets by targeting anticompetitive, deceptive, and unfair business practices. The FTC has the unique federal mandate to oversee both consumer protection and competition across various economic sectors. It enforces laws, engages in advocacy, and provides educational resources. The FTC's enforcement is robust, aiming to protect consumer interests and inform both lawmakers and other government entities at different levels, including state legislatures like those in Washington. The agency also focuses on policy development and research, and it disseminates information through various programs designed to educate consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities in the marketplace. The FTC's efforts in Washington are supported by its Bureaus of Consumer Protection, Competition, and Economics, as well as the Office of General Counsel and regional offices, which may include one that covers the Pacific Northwest region.