The Commission's experience is that fraud operators are always among the first to appreciate the potential of a new technology to exploit and deceive consumers.
Internet technology is the latest draw for opportunistic predators who specialize in fraud.
The testimony notes that the FTC has used a variety of tools to combat online fraud. Since 1994, the Commission has brought 170 Internet related cases against over 573 defendants. The testimony notes that the FTC is using some new approaches to tackle Internet fraud. The testimony says in 2000, Consumer Sentinel received over approximately 100,000 consumer complaints. The testimony says that the FTC has provided training seminars and held sessions on new technology, investigative techniques and Internet case law to other law enforcement agencies.