consumer protection basics, plain and simple new resources from the federal trade commission...
TRANSCRIPT
Consumer Protection Basics, Plain and Simple
New Resources from theFederal Trade Commission
Jennifer Leach, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC
October 22, 2013
Who is the FTC?
• Small, independent agency of 1,100 people– Lawyers, investigators, economists, educators– Offices in DC, New York, Atlanta, Cleveland, Chicago,
Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle
• Protecting America’s consumers– Litigation, regulation, education
Consumer education at the FTC
• Educate consumers about their rights; educate businesses about their responsibilities– Plain language– Practical and actionable advice– Value-neutral
• Our normal audience: all consumers
Consumer education at the FTC
• All FTC resources are free and in the public domain• Find FTC resources here:– consumer.ftc.gov – 200+ articles on consumer protection– ftc.gov/subscribe – follow FTC blogs, newsletters, all the
latest news on scams and frauds– bulkorder.ftc.gov – order free copies in bulk– Admongo.gov – critical thinking/ad literacy for kids– OnGuardOnline.gov – online safety made easy
A different way of thinking
• FTC’s Legal Services Collaboration– New audiences– Different needs– New educational approach
A different way of thinking
• Input from:– Legal services– Non-profits– Teachers, especially TESOL teachers
• Identified issues• Helped define the approach and audience
A different way of thinking
• Training in:– Rethinking the message– Writing– Design
• Question: Not what we need to say, but what the audience needs to know.
How to use consumer.gov
• Link to it• Use the text in your site, newsletters• Print and distribute• Order free printed materials
Your feedback
• Let us know how it’s working!– Suggestions for new topics– Ideas for more handouts or presentations
