Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

The FTC plays a central role in helping victims of identity theft. It operates a comprehensive resource where individuals can: Report identity theft incidents. Receive a personalized recovery plan. Access pre-filled letters to send to credit bureaus, businesses, and debt collectors. Find step-by-step guidance on recovering from identity theft. While the FTC doesn't have criminal enforcement powers, it shares identity theft reports with over 1,400 law enforcement agencies to support investigations and prosecutions.

The FTC collects complaints on a broad array of consumer protection issues, including: Identity theft and fraud : Unauthorized use of personal information. Deceptive advertising : False or misleading marketing claims. Privacy violations : Improper handling of personal data. Unwanted communications : Violations of the Do Not Call Registry. Financial scams : Including pyramid schemes and phishing attacks. These complaints help the FTC identify patterns of wrongdoing and take action against violators.

The duration of FTC investigations varies based on complexity and scope. While the FTC aims to respond to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests within 20 working days, investigations into consumer complaints can take longer. For example, in cases of employment discrimination complaints, the FTC must complete the investigation within 180 calendar days of the complaint being filed. However, timelines for other types of investigations are not strictly defined and can extend beyond this period.