Overview of OIG Investigations
The OIG investigates allegations of fraud, waste, abuse and/or misconduct involving the programs and operations of the FTC. OIG investigations address criminal, civil, and administrative violations of laws and regulations. The OIG adheres to the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency's Quality Standards for Investigations.
The OIG generally receives complaints through the OIG Hotline. The subject of an OIG investigation can be an FTC employee, contractor, consultant, or any person or entity involved in alleged wrongdoing affecting the FTC's programs and operations.
If an investigation reveals evidence of criminal activity, the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended, requires that the OIG refer the matter to the Department of Justice for possible prosecution. If the OIG substantiates that an employee engaged in misconduct, the OIG will issue a Report of Investigation to FTC management for consideration of disciplinary or remedial action.
FTC Employee Responsibilities and Rights
FTC employees have a duty to cooperate with all OIG investigations and must respond to questions posed by the OIG unless the answers may tend to incriminate them.
As appropriate, the OIG will provide interviewees (including employees) with applicable warnings and assurances. The OIG will permit interviewees to have counsel present at interviews pursuant to OIG policy and/or where required by law.
How to Submit a Complaint
| Please report fraud or scam issues—such as impersonation scams, job/investment/money-making opportunities, credit/debt/loan offers, or any other consumer fraud—directly to the FTC here: |
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| Please report identity theft directly to the FTC here: | |
| Please report fraud, waste, abuse, and misconduct involving the programs and operations of the FTC directly to the OIG here: |
Public Reports of Investigation
Federal law limits the OIG in sharing Reports of Investigation (ROIs). If an ROI is deemed appropriate for release, reports or summaries may be linked below.
In the Media
FTC OIG Investigations supported the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, in their indictment of a former U.S. Army soldier charged with multiple offenses, including making 21 counts of false statements to the FTC.
FTC OIG Investigations supported the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas, in their 25-count indictment of a multi-layered fraud scheme to defraud mortgage lending businesses, banks, the Small Business Administration and the Federal Trade Commission.