United States Referral Probe Request Targets Platforms
What the FTC Referral Probe Is An FTC referral probe is a review in which the Federal Trade Commission examines suspected misconduct. It may send the matter to another enforcement authority rather than resolve it only within the agency. This means FTC referrals are not the same as a final FTC enforcement action. They can involve an early transfer of information or a fuller case record for another agency. Recent allegations involving Zillow and Zillow Home Loans show how referral-related conduct in real estate and mortgage markets can raise broader consumer protection concerns. How the Process Functions The FTC can investigate business conduct, practices, management, and organization across commerce, except in certain banking categories. It may use subpoenas, interviews, complaints, document requests, and 6(b) orders to gather evidence. When facts suggest possible criminal behavior, the matter can shift toward criminal coordination with local, state, federal, or international authoriti...