Unfair Business Practices Attorney in Chicago

Fighting Fraud, Misrepresentation, & Consumer Harm in Illinois

State and federal laws regulating the relationship between businesses and consumers govern companies large and small. Most businesses adhere to the laws and to generally recognized ethical practices. However, some companies engage in behaviors that harm the rights of consumers.

If you feel that you are the victim of unfair or fraudulent business practices, Edelman Combs Latturner & Goodwin, LLC (ECLG) is here to help. Since 1985, we have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of consumers in Illinois and across the country in consumer class actions of all types. Our unfair business practices lawyers work exclusively for consumers, not for business interests.

Litigating Fraudulent Business Practice Cases in Chicago

At Edelman Combs Latturner & Goodwin, LLC, our Chicago employment lawyers handle cases on behalf of individual clients as well as large classes of people who have been harmed by the unlawful actions of a business.

The following are some of the many kinds of cases we handle for consumers:

• Unauthorized electronic payments: This includes withdrawals from your bank account or unauthorized credit card charges that appear without your consent.
• Sending junk faxes or spam texts: Unwanted electronic messages that use your fax line or mobile device for marketing without proper permission.
• Robocalling and telemarketing abuse: Robocalling and telemarketing abuse that disregards do-not-call requests or uses prerecorded messages to pressure you into purchases.
• False advertising: Promotions or statements about a product or service that are misleading or omit important facts a reasonable consumer would want to know.
• Bait-and-switch tactics: Advertising one product or price to lure customers in, then pushing a different product or a higher price in an attempt to deceive customers.
• Hidden fees, false charges, or overcharges: Extra amounts added to bills or accounts that were not clearly disclosed and that inflate the cost of goods or services.
• Debt collection harassment: Debt collection harassment that may involve repeated calls, threats, or misleading statements about what will happen if a debt is not paid.
• Predatory lending: Loan terms or practices that trap borrowers in high-cost debt through excessive interest, fees, or unfair conditions.

We also handle litigation under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). We have been involved in FACTA litigation since 2003, when the legislation was introduced. If a business has reported inaccurate information about you to a credit bureau, we can help you understand your options for cleaning up the credit reporting issue.

Common Examples of Unfair Business Practices

• Unfair Contract Terms: Many businesses include hidden or one-sided clauses in contracts that can significantly harm consumers. These terms may not be clearly explained, and they often exploit the consumer’s lack of understanding or knowledge. For example, businesses might add arbitration clauses that prevent consumers from suing in court or include automatic renewal clauses that continue billing without clear consent. These types of unfair terms take advantage of consumers and often result in financial loss and frustration.
• False or Misleading Advertising: False or misleading advertising is another common unfair business practice. Companies may exaggerate the benefits of their products or services or make claims that are outright false, such as “limited-time offers” that are always available or products that do not perform as advertised. These deceptive tactics mislead consumers into making purchases they otherwise would not have, leading to wasted money and dissatisfaction.
• Unlawful Warranty Practices: Many businesses fail to honor warranties or use deceptive practices related to product guarantees. For example, a company might void a warranty for reasons that are not clearly outlined in the contract or refuse to honor a warranty based on fine print that was not disclosed upfront. This leaves consumers without the protection they were promised when purchasing a product, forcing them to bear the cost of repairs or replacements.

Your Rights Under Illinois Consumer Protection Laws

Illinois has consumer protection laws that give residents important tools to challenge unfair or deceptive conduct by businesses. The Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act [815 ILCS 505/1 et seq.] is one of the main statutes that allows individuals to seek relief when companies misrepresent products, hide important terms, or engage in schemes that take advantage of customers. Understanding how these laws apply to your situation can help you decide whether to bring a claim and what type of outcome you may be able to pursue.

To bring a claim under Illinois law, consumers generally need to show that a business engaged in a deceptive or unfair act, that the conduct occurred in trade or commerce, and that the conduct caused actual damage. Evidence can include contracts, account statements, emails, text messages, and records of phone calls or electronic communications. For people living in Chicago, disputes may be filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County or, in some cases, in federal court if a federal statute is involved.

Many consumer protection cases also intersect with federal laws that regulate credit reporting, lending, debt collection, or telemarketing. For example, inaccurate information on a credit report might give rise to claims under the Fair Credit Reporting Act as well as Illinois statutes, and unfair collection tactics might be covered by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. An unfair business practices lawyer in Chicago can help you sort through which laws may apply and how state and federal protections can work together in your favor.

The Impact of Unfair Business Practices on Consumers

• Financial Harm: Unfair business practices can lead to significant financial harm for consumers. Hidden fees, overcharges, fraudulent transactions, or failure to honor warranties often result in unexpected costs that strain household budgets. These charges may accumulate over time, further deepening the financial burden.
• Emotional and Psychological Effects: Beyond financial damage, unfair business practices can take an emotional toll on consumers. Aggressive debt collection, persistent robocalls, or misleading advertising can lead to stress, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness. These mental strains can impact a consumer’s overall well-being.
• Long-Term Consequences: The consequences of unfair business practices can extend far beyond the immediate financial impact. For example, fraudulent transactions or debt collection harassment can damage a consumer’s credit score, making it harder to obtain loans, mortgages, or even employment. This lasting effect on a consumer’s financial stability can have far-reaching consequences.

How Our Firm Approaches Unfair Business Practice Claims

When someone contacts our office about suspected unfair business practices, we start by listening carefully to what happened and reviewing any documents they can share. We look for patterns in billing statements, contracts, or account histories that may show hidden fees, improper charges, or misleading language. This early review allows us to identify whether the issue appears to be an isolated dispute or part of a broader practice that may be similarly affecting many consumers.

After we understand the scope of the problem, we discuss possible strategies, which might include writing demand letters, pursuing an individual lawsuit, or investigating whether a consumer class action is appropriate. We are ready to explain the potential risks and benefits of each option and talk about timelines, court procedures, and what kind of participation may be required from you. Because our practice focuses on representing consumers, we are familiar with how banks, lenders, and other companies defend these cases in Illinois courts and can plan for those tactics from the outset.

Many people who reach out to us are already under significant financial and emotional strain. For that reason, we offer free consultations and, depending on the type of case, may be able to handle matters on a contingency basis so that legal fees are tied to the outcome. This approach allows individuals in Chicago and throughout Illinois to pursue their rights against large businesses and financial institutions without having to pay hourly fees upfront.

Turn to Our Trusted Chicago Consumer Protection Lawyers

If you believe a business is defrauding consumers or engaging in unfair practices, we can help. Our experienced unfair business practices lawyers focus on both consumer protection and employment law. We will guide you through the legal process to seek the compensation you deserve.

Let us help you hold businesses accountable.