A Federal Trade Commission joint operation with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is investigating about 20 mortgage and real-estate advertisers that imply that loans are affiliated with the federal government. The investigation follows the study of some 800 online ads, e-mail campaigns and broadcast spots. Some advertisers were using President Barack Obama's image, as well as seals and logos that resembled official government ones. The undisclosed companies could face penalties under the Mortgage Acts and Practices Advertising Rule.