For whatever it's worth, I contacted the FTC about a company last year, and they seemed to be dealt with fairly quickly.
My complaint was about promotional emails. I "opted out" month after month, each time thinking "no more of that", only to get a new email the following month. I contacted the company (which required I provide an email address and create an account) several times and finally just gave up on them ever helping.
I contacted the FTC and the emails stopped for 2 months, then started up again...at which point I contected the FTC once more, providing all of the case numbers and information from the previous experience, and I haven't seen an email from that company since. Finally!
Granted, my situation wasn't the same as what some may potentially need the FTC's help with here, but they DO take action based on the information you submit via their online form. I was never contacted directly. All I wanted was for the emails to stop. Mission accomplished!