The Office of the Illinois Attorney General stands ready to protect your consumer protection and fraud prevention interests. According to its statutory mandate, this office is the primary legal authority safeguarding Illinois residents from deceptive business practices and consumer exploitation.
We take direct action against those who would deceive or defraud. Our Consumer Protection Division combines aggressive enforcement with practical assistance. We provide investigative resources and dispute resolution services when you encounter questionable business practices.
Consider us your first line of defense. Have a problem with a shady business deal? Let us know. Our online complaint system makes it simple to report issues, and we’ll work to resolve them. Sometimes, just hearing from our office is enough to get results.
Education remains central to our mission. Look, everyone’s trying to sell you something these days. That’s why we offer free workshops on avoiding scams and protecting your personal information. And if someone does steal your identity? We’ll help you pick up the pieces. We’ve handled thousands of these cases – nothing surprises us anymore.
Legal authority and scope of enforcement
Under 815 ILCS 505/1 et seq. (Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act), this office maintains broad enforcement powers, including but not limited to:
- The authority to initiate legal proceedings
- The power to seek financial compensation
- The right to impose penalties
- The ability to stop illegal practices
- The capacity to secure consumer restitution
We also advocate for fair utility rates. When companies propose increases, we scrutinize every detail. Your monthly bills matter to us.
Oversight of charitable organizations
This office supervises charitable entities operating within Illinois. We verify that donations reach their intended destinations and take action against fraudulent operators.
Consumer safety notifications
Furthering our protective mandate, this office monitors and alerts the public to emerging threats against consumer interests.
The bottom line? We’re here when you need us. Whether you have a complaint to file or need help understanding a scam, reach out. No issue is too small when it comes to protecting Illinois consumers.
