The FTC, the states, and private citizens may bring civil actions in federal district courts to enforce the Rule. State attorneys general or any other officer authorized by the state to bring actions on behalf of its residents may bring actions by the states. Private citizens may bring an action to enforce the Rule if they have suffered $50,000 or more in actual damages.
If state officials or private citizens bring a legal action under the Rule, they must provide written notice of their action to the FTC before filing a complaint, if feasible, or immediately upon filing the action. The notice must include a copy of the complaint and any other pleadings to be filed with the court. Private litigants and state officials should send such notices to:
Office of the Director
Bureau of Consumer Protection
Federal Trade Commission
Washington, D.C. 20580
State officials also may submit electronic notice, and copies of pleadings, via the Consumer Sentinel Web site.
Information about Consumer Sentinel is available at www.consumer.gov/sentinel.
|
