1.2: Law Enforcement
Stop fraud, deception, unfairness, and other unlawful practices through law enforcement. Other Information:
The FTC protects consumers by enforcing Section 5 of the FTC Act, which prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices in
or affecting commerce, as well as by enforcing an increasing number of statutes and rules proscribing specific unlawful practices.
The agency initiates civil cases, primarily by filing actions in federal court, which allege that defendants have violated
these laws and rules and seek injunctions and other relief. The Commission also conducts administrative proceedings. Performance
Measures: - The percentage of all cases filed by the FTC that were successfully resolved through litigation, a settlement,
or issuance of a default judgment. - The FTC's effectiveness in stopping prohibited business practices in three high priority
areas over the next five years. - The percentage of redress cases in which the FTC distributes redress dollars designated
for distribution to consumers within 6 months. - Investigations or cases in which the FTC obtains foreign-based evidence or
engages in other mutual assistance that contributes to FTC law enforcement actions or in which we cooperate with foreign agencies
and/or multilateral organizations. The first measure will ensure that the FTC successfully resolves cases, though it aims
to file large, difficult, or precedent-setting cases when appropriate, including cases that raise challenging and legal and
factual issues. The second measure will ensure the agency's success in changing business practices within priority areas and
demonstrate the change through research methods. The high priority areas will be identified by Bureau management in consultation
with Commissioners. The third measure will ensure that the FTC returns redress dollars to consumers as quickly as possible.
Dollars are considered "designated for distribution" when the FTC is in receipt of all funds, legal issues are resolved, and
a usable claimant list is ready. The last measure helps gauge law enforcement efforts from an international perspective, including
continuing to use and further develop new powers authorized under the "Undertaking Spam, Spyware, And Fraud Enforcement With
Enforcers beyond Borders Act of 2006" ("Safe Web") to achieve the objective.
Indicator(s):
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