FTC investigations typically last from several months to over a year, with no set time limit, depending heavily on the complexity of the case. While initial document compliance via a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) usually has a 30-day deadline, the overall investigation, including review and potential litigation, can span 12–14 months or longer.
How long does it take for the FTC to respond to a FOIA request? Our goal is to respond within the timeframe outlined in the Freedom of Information Act, which is twenty working days, or approximately one month, but this may vary with the complexity of the request.
When conducting investigations, the FTC uses several different types of investigative tools to gather information. These include interviews, target letters, civil investigative demands (CIDs), and administrative subpoenas—among others. However, the FTC is not able to use all of these tools in all circumstances.
The typical antitrust class action lasts 3 years or even longer. Because it may be some time before any potential settlement is reached or there is a trial judgement, you should ensure that you retain documentation related to the litigation so you can participate in any recovery, if eligible.
They typically last weeks or months, and even years for the more complex and complicated cases. In fact, the investigations can last for the length of time of the statute of limitations. For most federal cases, the statute of limitations is five years.
A settlement can take anywhere from a few weeks to over five years to close. Straightforward personal injury cases, like a car accident lawsuit from a rear-end collision, are more likely to resolve quickly. A medical malpractice case is more likely to take several years.
Other triggers for investigations include formal requests from members of Congress, publications (such as media, blogs, tweets) or reports by advocacy groups or competitors that happen to be reviewed by the FTC.
The FTC says that complaints can help it and its law enforcement partners detect patterns of fraud and abuse, which may lead to investigations and stopping unfair business practices.
Premerger notification filings, correspondence from consumers or businesses, Congressional inquiries, or articles on consumer or economic subjects may trigger an FTC investigation. Generally, FTC investigations are non-public to protect both the investigation and the individuals and companies involved.
The Cooling-Off Rule gives you three days to cancel certain sales made at your home, workplace, or dormitory, or at a seller's temporary location, like a hotel or motel room, convention center, fairground, or restaurant. The Rule also applies when you invite a salesperson to make a presentation in your home.
If so, information about how to file a claim will be available at www.ftc.gov/refunds. It is our goal to send payments within 6 months of receiving the data and money necessary for distribution.
The FTC doesn't resolve individual complaints, but your report helps law enforcement detect patterns and might lead to an investigation. Tell your story at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
You can notify the consumer protection division of your local district attorney's office of any violations, or file a complaint with our office using our online complaint form.
If you haven't received a requested refund, it may still be processing. For additional information on a refund that is due contact Customer Service at 888-218-5050.
On the consumer protection side, most cases involve alleged violations of Section 5 of the FTC Act, which prohibits “unfair or deceptive acts or practices”. This covers a wide range of alleged misconduct—from false advertising and online scams to privacy violations.
Section 5 of the FTC Act prohibits, in part, "unfair ... acts or practices in or affecting commerce."3 This is commonly referred to as the Commission's consumer unfairness jurisdiction. The Commission's jurisdiction over "unfair methods of competition" is not discussed in this letter.
The FTC does not resolve individual consumer reports. The FTC enters the reports it receives into Consumer Sentinel, a secure online database that is used by civil and criminal law enforcement authorities worldwide. The FTC also uses the information to track patterns and trends.