What does the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) protect consumers from?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is primarily focused on protecting consumers from unfair business practices, which encompasses a wide range of deceptive, fraudulent, and misleading conduct by businesses. This includes actions such as false advertising, misinformation about products or services, and other forms of manipulation that could harm consumers or distort fair competition in the marketplace.

The FTC enforces laws and regulations that are designed to promote fair competition and ensure that consumers have access to accurate information when making purchasing decisions. By addressing unfair business practices, the FTC plays a crucial role in fostering a trustworthy marketplace, which ultimately benefits consumers and promotes healthy economic activity.

Other options, while they may relate to certain aspects of commerce or consumer experience, do not represent the primary mandate of the FTC. For instance, vendor disputes often arise between businesses and suppliers or vendors, service quality issues pertain more to customer satisfaction rather than outright deception, and market competition addresses economic principles rather than direct consumer protection. Therefore, the core mission of the FTC aligns closely with combating unfair business practices to safeguard consumer rights and promote transparency.