International Consumer Protection Act of 2004

H.R. 4996, the International Consumer Protection Act of 2004, aims to strengthen the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) ability to fight fraud and deceptive practices that cross international borders. The bill clarifies that the FTC has the authority to pursue cases where foreign commerce causes harm to people within the United States or involves illegal activity occurring on U.S. soil.

For everyday citizens, this legislation is designed to provide better protection against international scams, such as cross-border telemarketing fraud or deceptive internet schemes. It allows the FTC to seek restitution for victims, share information more easily with foreign law enforcement, and coordinate with international agencies to track down and prosecute scammers operating outside of U.S. borders.