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Office of Customer Education and Outreach (OCEO)
Trading commodity futures, options, foreign currency, or crypto assets is complex and highly leveraged. Whenever people enter markets without knowing the terrain or risks, they can unknowingly become targets for fraud. Billions of dollars every year are lost to investment scams and fraudulent activity. OCEO was established to help individuals protect themselves through awareness, education, and direct outreach.
Introduction
The Office of Customer Education and Outreach (OCEO) was created to combat fraud and provide tools to help individuals recognize, avoid, and report fraudulent activities. OCEO collaborates with both internal and external stakeholders to identify emerging fraud trends, develop educational materials, and implement effective outreach strategies. Our goal is to alert the public about fraudulent products, situations, or behaviors that could make them targets for crime.
Leveraging social and traditional media, public events, and organizational outreach, OCEO raises awareness about fraud prevention and reporting resources. We partner with private, non-profit, and public-sector organizations to build financial literacy, enhance investor education, and fight fraud effectively.
To learn more, email education@cftc.gov or visit Learn & Protect for Advisories & Articles, or explore our Videos and Publications.
OCEO Staff
About the Office
OCEO operates through three main work streams: Research and Evaluation, Educational Content Development, and Outreach. Research and Evaluation identifies emerging fraud trends, evaluates the effectiveness of initiatives, and provides insights into audience demographics and media preferences. Educational Content Development focuses on designing and producing multi-media educational materials that are engaging and informative. Outreach manages public engagement, builds strategic partnerships, and fosters relationships with key stakeholders to enhance fraud prevention efforts.
OCEO regularly collaborates with private, non-profit, and public-sector partners to build financial literacy, improve investor education, and combat fraud effectively. To learn more, email education@cftc.gov, or visit Learn & Protect for Advisories & Articles, or explore our Videos and Publications.
Federal Compliance & Public Resources
The Office of Customer Education and Outreach (OCEO) upholds its commitment to transparency and accountability through strict adherence to multiple federal statutes and guidelines. Below are key references and resources for the public:
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
Members of the public have the right to request access to federal agency records or information under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. § 552). To learn more about submitting a FOIA request, visit the CFTC FOIA portal or consult FOIA.gov.
Paperwork Reduction Act Notice
Certain information collected by OCEO may be subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The average time to review instructions and complete forms is estimated to be 15–20 minutes per response. OMB Control No. 3038-XXXX.
Accessibility & Section 508
OCEO is committed to providing access to our webpages for individuals with disabilities, in accordance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. § 794d). If you encounter any issues accessing information on our site, please contact us for assistance or to request an alternative format.
Ready to Report or Get Help?
If you suspect fraud or have specific information about potential wrongdoing, let us know. Your tips help us take action and protect others from fraudulent schemes.
Report Fraud Whistleblower Program