As part of its mission to protect American consumers, the FTC works to get money back to people who are harmed by illegal business practices. The Bureau of Consumer Protection enforces a variety of consumer protection laws enacted by Congress, as well as trade regulation rules issued by the Commission. Its actions include individual company and industry-wide investigations and administrative and federal court litigation. In all of its activities, the Bureau works to provide consumer refunds whenever feasible, and then develops customized refund programs that are designed to get as much money back to as many injured consumers as possible.
This year, the Commission’s efforts led to billions of dollars in refunds for people across the nation. The data presented in this report will be used to inform future decisions about FTC refund programs, and to continue to ensure that the agency’s efforts are effective and efficient.