A department of the Federal Trade Commission is the Bureau of Consumer Protection, and its "mandate is to protect consumers against unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices. ? There are six division of the Bureau of Consumer Protection as follows:

Division of Advertising Practices: Consumers are protected from deceptive or unsubstantiated advertising. The focus is on advertising of the following products: tobacco and alcohol, food and over-the-counter drugs, energy-related products, environmental products, and infomercials.

Division of Enforcement: Consumers are protected by enforcing compliance with court orders in consumer protection cases, investigating and prosecuting civil actions to stop fraudulent, unfair, or deceptive marketing and advertising practices, and enforcing consumer protection laws.

The Division of Financial Practices: Many consumer credit statutes are enforced including the Consumer Leasing Act, the Credit Practices Rule, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, and the Fair Credit Billing Act. The text of these laws can be found on the Federal Trade Commission's website www.ftc.gov.

The Division of Marketing Practices: Enforces federal consumer protection laws by filing legal actions to stop scams and help victims of scams

The Division of Planning and Information: Measures the impact of FTC activities to protect consumers, including the Identity Theft Program.

The Office of Consumer and Business Education: Establishes public education programs for consumers and industry about fraud, deception, and unfair practices using print, broadcast, and electronic media.

It would be prudent for you or your attorney to visit the FTC's website, read the regulations, and set up systems to be sure you are in and stay in compliance. If the FTC determines that you are violating any of its regulations, it has the authority to seize your assets pending investigation. If the FTC gets a court judgment against you, the fines are significant and the FTC could shut down your business.

Jo Ann Joy

Jo Ann Joy is the CEO and owner of Indigo Business Solutions. She has a law degree, an MBA, and a degree in Economics. Her legal background includes commercial, corporate, bankruptcy and real estate law. She has expertise in accounting, financial planning, mortgages, marketing, product development, and business strategies.

Jo Ann ran a successful business for 10 years, and she has written and given presentations on many different legal and business subjects. Jo Ann started Indigo Business Solutions, and she strives to help small businesses make decisive improvements in their start-up, direction, growth, and performance. Jo Ann is passionate about helping businesses succeed.

Indigo Business Solutions is a “one stop shop” for small businesses. We differ from other business consulting firms, because we offer comprehensive legal and business counseling. We work with our clients to develop strategies that create value and competitive advantage. Jo Ann is not a traditional attorney. Rather, she is a strategic business attorney who works closely with clients to create and implement strategies that will greatly improve their performance and success.

Jo Ann will her talents, expertise, and education to inspire enterprising and imaginative people to make their goals a reality and enjoy professional and personal growth. She promises to consistently deliver quality and reliable service to earn your trust and create lasting relationships. She promises that she will make a positive difference in your business.

If you are not getting what you want from your business or if you want to reach higher goals, Indigo Business Solutions delivers the strategic planning that will provide you with the right tools and methods to grow and gain market share. Please look at our website and found out how we can help you expand and achieve your goals.

We offer straight talk, sound advice, and practical solutions. Your small business deserves to be a success, and