International Consumer Protection Act of 2004

The International Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (H.R. 3143) is designed to strengthen the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) ability to combat cross-border fraud, such as international phone and internet scams. The bill clarifies that the FTC has the authority to pursue legal action against deceptive practices that occur overseas but harm people within the United States, or scams that are launched from U.S. soil against foreign victims.

For everyday citizens, this legislation aims to provide better protection against international scammers by allowing the FTC to cooperate more closely with foreign law enforcement agencies. It authorizes the sharing of investigative information across borders and allows the FTC to seek restitution for victims of international fraud. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to protect the privacy of financial records while ensuring that investigators have the tools necessary to track and stop fraudulent transactions that cross national boundaries.