Dominican Republic joins U.S. FTC agreement to combat cross-border consumer fraud

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic, through the National Institute for the Protection of Consumer Rights (Pro Consumidor), has joined an agreement led by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) aimed at enhancing cooperation among government agencies in combating cross-border fraud and deceptive practices. This agreement also includes consumer protection authorities from Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Costa Rica, and Panama, all of which are part of the Ibero-American Forum of Government Agencies for Consumer Protection (FIAGC), chaired by Eddy Alcántara.

The announcement was made during a three-day conference hosted by the FTC in Washington, D.C., which brought together over 250 representatives from law enforcement and consumer protection organizations worldwide to address challenges in the digital age, including online gaming and artificial intelligence. The Dominican Republic’s leadership in the FIAGC and its role as pro tempore president of the Consumer Protection Council of Central America and the Dominican Republic (CONCADECO) have reinforced its inclusion in this agreement, promoting international cooperation for consumer protection.

The Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding establishes a framework for information exchange, investigative assistance, and enforcement cooperation. The Dominican Republic’s contributions, particularly the proposal for a Declaration on cross-border conflict resolution and consumer compensation, have garnered support from over twenty nations, further emphasizing its commitment to protecting consumers from illegal practices and enhancing international collaboration in consumer rights enforcement.