FTC Issues First Summary Announcement of Telemarketing Fraud Enforcement Efforts for 2003

The Federal Trade Commission today issued its first summary announcement that details its aggressive enforcement efforts against telemarketing fraud. The enforcement summary, which can be accessed directly from www.ftc.gov, describes case developments in 42 cases since January 1, 2003. A new Web page containing the enforcement summary also contains a list of cases involving telemarketing that have had developments since October 1, 2002, with links to press releases concerning each of these cases. In addition to helping consumers learn about the Commission’s enforcement actions, the Web page provides consumers with easy access to information about the specific frauds perpetrated using telephone calls and the types of fraud prosecuted by the Commission. The site does not contain enforcement information on the newly implemented National Do Not Call Registry. Once enforcement of the Registry begins on October 1, 2003, those actions will be announced on the main FTC Web site.

“The actions detailed on this new Web page demonstrate the Commission’s ongoing commitment to fighting telemarketing fraud,” said Howard Beales, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Consumers should be wary of marketing claims that sound too good to be true, and they should contact the FTC when they see problems.”

Consumers looking for more information about the Telemarketing Sales Rule or the Commission’s efforts to combat telemarketing fraud can find information at: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/cases/telemarkfraudenforcement/index.html, the location of the new Web page.

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint, or to get free information on any of 150 consumer topics, call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357), or use the complaint form at http://www.ftc.gov. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

Regional Contact:

Charles Harwood, Director
FTC Northwest Region
206-220-6350