National Consumer Protection Week Kicks Off Sunday

The Federal Trade Commission and more than 100 federal, state and local agencies, consumer groups and national advocacy organizations will participate in the 19th Annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) March 5–11. NCPW is a nationally coordinated campaign to inform Americans of their consumer rights and protections while providing them access to free consumer-related resources.

The campaign’s website, NCPW.gov, hosts a variety of resources for consumers and their advocates on topics that can help consumers make informed buying decisions and avoid scams.

Since its creation, the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection has focused agency resources and national experts on safeguarding American identities, financial records and other elements related to consumer activity. “Protecting and educating consumers are top priorities for the FTC,” said Thomas Pahl, acting director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “The tools available at NCPW.gov can help consumer advocates get the word out about NCPW.”

Manufacturers and distributors of products for the home and workplace are legally obligated to ensure their products are reasonably safe for their intended use—and to label products properly. The Federal Trade Commission provides guidelines about truth in marketing and advertising, as well as additional rules that may apply to specialized products or services (such as those that make health claims).