What type of fine can the Federal Trade Commission NOT impose on violators?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) primarily focuses on protecting consumers and ensuring a competitive marketplace by enforcing laws against deceptive and unfair business practices. While the FTC can impose various forms of penalties and orders, it does not have the authority to impose criminal fines.

Criminal fines are typically the result of prosecution under criminal statutes, which fall within the jurisdiction of criminal courts and law enforcement authorities, not regulatory agencies like the FTC. The FTC can seek civil penalties, issue cease and desist orders to stop unfair practices, and enter into consent decrees that settle investigations and provide remedies, but it does not engage in criminal prosecutions or impose criminal penalties. Therefore, the type of fine that the FTC cannot impose on violators is a criminal fine.