The Federal Trade Commission announced today that the consumer protection agencies of Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Panama have joined an existing agreement that the FTC reached in 2023 with the consumer protection authorities of Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru to promote cooperation among the agencies to protect consumers from cross-border fraud, deception, and other illegal practices.
The 2023 Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MMOU) provides a framework and mechanism for information-sharing, investigative assistance, and other types of cooperation on consumer protection enforcement. The addition of agencies from Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Panama expands the reach of the MMOU and sends a wider message of the agencies’ shared commitment to protect consumers from unlawful practices.
At the meeting, ICPEN also unveiled a revamped version of its econsumer.gov website, including an updated complaint form, a more mobile friendly format for consumers to report international scams, and updated guidance on additional steps that consumers can take to resolve their complaints.
The lead staffer on this matter is Angel Martinez from the FTC’s Office of International Affairs. Official news published at https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/09/ftc-announces-addition-three-consumer-protection-agencies-international-agreement-aimed-enhancing
