FTC Suspends Fraud Complaint Services During US Government Shutdown

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has ceased operations for consumer fraud complaints, spam call blocking, and early merger approvals due to a federal government shutdown starting October 1, 2025. While some services like the Consumer Sentinel Network remain available to law enforcement, most consumer-facing functions, including the National Do Not Call Registry and fraud reporting websites, are offline, leaving Americans unprotected against fraud and deceptive business practices. The FTC's shutdown plan, implemented under President Donald Trump, mirrors the previous approach during President Biden's administration, with around 400 employees working without pay to meet critical deadlines. Consumer advocates warn that this shutdown, alongside prior staffing cuts and budget constraints, severely jeopardizes consumer protections in housing, food safety, financial services, and investor protection, exacerbating risks amid ongoing crises. Merger filings can still be submitted, but early clearances are suspended, potentially delaying transactions and decreasing market predictability. Overall, the shutdown hampers regulatory enforcement and oversight, exposing millions of Americans to increased financial and consumer risks.