Markets Wired

The Federal Trade Commission and consumer protection agencies in more than 60 other countries that are part of the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) today unveiled an update of ICPEN’s website – www.icpen.org – to help members identify and respond to consumer challenges that cross international borders.

ICPEN is an international network of consumer protection authorities that aims to protect consumers from fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair commercial practices around the world by sharing information about cross-border issues and encouraging global cooperation among law enforcement agencies. ICPEN’s updated website, which includes a mobile-friendly version, provides consumers with information on how to avoid scams and shop safely online. The site also includes information about how consumers can find help and file a complaint in cross-border disputes.

Consumers who believe they have been a victim of an international scam can file a complaint at www.econsumer.gov, ICPEN’s online complaint site. The econsumer.gov website is available in eight languages: English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Spanish, and Turkish.

ICPEN’s updated website also provides new tools for members to share intelligence securely on emerging fraudulent, deceptive and unfair commercial practices.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission led ICPEN’s website update project under the presidency term held by the German Federal Ministry for Justice and Consumer Protection (2016-17). The incoming president, the Turkish Ministry of Customs, will introduce additional improvements during its term, which begins on July 1.

The Federal Trade Commission works with foreign governments to promote international cooperation and sound policy. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases and the FTC International Monthly for the latest FTC news and resources.