What are the ways the government protects consumers against exploitation?

The government
uses laws, called "consumer protection laws," to help prevent the exploitation of
consumers by fraudulent businesses and unfair business practices. Consumer protection laws are
responsible for food labeling standards, prohibitions against knowingly deceptive advertising,
and statues requiring the fair collection of debts. In the United States, these laws are
enforced by a number of agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration, the Federal Trade
Commission, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Many states also have their own
Department of Consumer Affairs, which handles complaints about fraudulent or misleading business
practices and is in charge of enforcement. It is also permissible for consumers to directly sue
businesses they feel have defrauded them and to include legal fees in the desired settlement
amount.