The Federal Trade Commission, often referred to as FTC, is an independent agency of the United States government and its main purpose is to promote consumer protection and to prevent anti-competitive business practices such as a monopoly. The FTC was established in 1914 by the Federal Trade Commission Act. http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/about.shtm

The Federal Trade Commission work is performed by the Bureau of Consumer Protection, Competition and Economics, Commissioners, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Bureau of Competition and the Bureau of Economics.

The Commission consists of five Commissioners who serve a seven year term. They are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Commissioners report to Congress on all its actions.

The Bureau of Consumer Protection's purpose is to protect consumers against unfair, deceptive and fraudulent practices via consumer protection laws that were enacted by Congress and trade regulation rules that the Commissioners issued. Their work includes investigations into industries and companies, court litigation, rulemaking proceedings and anything else that could impact consumers.

The Bureau of Consumer Protection consists of The Division of Advertising Practices, The Division of Consumer and Business Education, The Division of Enforcement, The Division of Financial Practices, [[The Division of Marketing Practices[[, The Division of Planning and Information and Division of Privacy and Identity Protection.

The Bureau of Competition enforces antitrust laws, oversees mergers, and investigates existing business practices.

The Bureau of Competition consists of Merger Enforcement, Nonmerger Enforcement, and Research and Policy Studies.

The Bureau of Economics provides economic analysis, research and support to the Bureau of Consumer Protection and the Bureau of Competition.

The Bureau of Economics' main duties are to provide economic advice for enforcement, guidance and investigations of anticompetitive acts or practices and to provide advice on economic merits of alterations in antitrust actions. It studies the effects of legislative options and regulations and analyzes market processes.

The Federal Trade Commission is brought to action as the result of a letter from a consumer or a business. They review the allegation and complete an investigation whenever necessary to determine if the person or company has violated any law or that a proposed merger does not violate any law. http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/general/gen03.shtm