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Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces a variety of federal antitrust and consumer protection laws to ensure that the nation's markets function competitively, and are vigorous, efficient, and free of undue restrictions. The Commission also works to enhance the smooth operation of the marketplace by eliminating acts or practices that are unfair or deceptive. In general, the Commission's efforts are directed toward stopping actions that threaten consumers' opportunities to exercise informed choice. You can reach the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4375).
Securities and Exchange Commission
The primary mission of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is to protect investors and maintain the integrity of the securities markets. They also oversee other key participants in the securities world, including stock exchanges, broker-dealers, investment advisors, mutual funds, and public utility holding companies. Contact the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 (732).
Investor Online Resource Center
The Investing Online Resource Center is an independent, non-commercial organization dedicated to serving the individual consumer who invests online or is considering doing so.
Investor Protection Trust
The Investor Protection Trust provides information needed by consumers to make informed investment decisions. The Trust's charter consists of two major functions: serving as an independent source of non-commercial investor education materials and assisting in the prosecution of securities fraud.
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (NASD) registers every securities firm doing business with the U.S. public. They also write rules to govern securities firms' behavior, examine them for compliance and discipline those that fail to comply. NASD also provides education to industry professionals and investors. They also operate a securities dispute resolution forum -- with arbitration and mediation programs. Consumers in Northern California can contact them at (415) 882-1200. In Southern California call (213) 627-2122.
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants can take disciplinary action against its member CPAs who are certified by U.S. states and territories. You can contact them at 1-888-777-7077.
National Fraud Information Center
The National Fraud Information Center offers the only nationwide toll free hotline for consumers to get advice about telephone solicitations and report possible telemarketing fraud to law enforcement agencies. You can reach them at 1-800-876-7060.
National White Collar Crime Center
The National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C) provides a nationwide support network for enforcement agencies involved in the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of economic and high-tech crime.
North American Securities Administrators Association, Inc.
The North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) is a voluntary associated devoted to investor protection. Its membership consists of 66 state, provincial, and territorial securities administrators in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico.
Public Investors Arbitration Bar Association
The Public Investors Arbitration Bar Association (PIABA) is a national bar association whose member attorneys represent investors in disputes with the securities industry.
Commodity Futures Trading Commission
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) licenses and regulates commodity contracts and futures contracts sold on commodity exchanges. They also license and regulate Commodity Brokers, Futures Commission Merchants, Commodity Trading Advisors, and Commodity Pool Operators. You can reach them at (310) 443-4700.
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) charters and regulates national banks. Contact them at (415) 545-5900.
Office of Thrift Supervision
The Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) is responsible for the regulation of all federally chartered and many state-chartered thrift institutions, such as Savings Banks and Savings and Loan Associations. Their phone number is (202) 906-6000.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is the independent deposit insurance agency created by Congress to maintain stability and public confidence in the nation's banking system. The FDIC insures deposits in banks and savings associations. Contact the FDIC at 1-877 ASK-FDIC (275-3342).
National Credit Union Administration
The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is an independent federal agency that supervises and insures approximately 6,000 federal credit unions and insures approximately 3,300 state-chartered credit unions. You can reach them at (703) 518-6300.