Round-Up of FTC Consumer Resources

The Federal Trade Commission is the government agency designed to "protect America's consumers." It was created in 1914, and has gained greater and greater authority through the years. Here's a round-up of the key online resources the FTC offers you:

• FTC Complaint Assistant: The FTC accepts consumer complaints about particular businesses, complaints related to credit reports and credit bureaus, and complaints of identity theft.
• National Do-Not-Call Registry: You can sign up to be on the telemarketer "do-not-call" list. If you're still getting calls from telemarketers 31 days after you sign up here, you can use the Complaint Assistant (above) to file a complaint. 
• Free Annual Credit Reports:  The FTC ensures that consumers have easy access to the free credit reports they are entitled to on a yearly basis.
• Summaries of Consumer Laws: The FTC website contains information about consumer protection laws like the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. 
• Resources for Kids: The FTC website even has interactive games for kids in grade school to learn how to be smart consumers. 
• Video Library: In addition to supplying tons of written information, the FTC tries to reach consumers through other media as well. Below is a round-up of a few succinct videos warning consumers about several types of scams to avoid.

Avoid phishing scams

Avoid foreclosure rescue scams

What the FTC is doing about foreclosure scams

Avoid credit repair scams