This page lists the main rules and numbers in the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act. Start with the overview for the big picture. Online sellers can also read our page on ecommerce and online sellers.
What the law requires
| Requirement | In plain words | Section |
|---|---|---|
| No deception | No fraud, false promise or misrepresentation, and no hiding a material fact meant to be relied on, even if no one was misled | Sec. 2 |
| Deceptive trade practices | The 12 practices in the Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act are also unlawful | Sec. 2 |
| In-home sales | A sale of $25 or more made in person at the buyer's home can be canceled within 3 full business days, with listed exceptions; the seller gives a cancellation form | Sec. 2B |
| Card receipts | No more than the last 4 digits of the account number, and no expiration date, with narrow exceptions | Sec. 2NN |
| Gift certificates | Sold on or after 2008-01-01: life of at least 5 years, no post-purchase fees, with exclusions such as food gift certificates | Sec. 2SS |
| Price lists | Tailors, alteration shops, barbershops, salons, dry cleaners and laundries serving individuals give a list of their 10 most requested services on request | Sec. 2TTT |
| Reviews | A consumer contract may not waive the buyer's right to comment on the seller or its goods or services | Sec. 2UUU |
| Social Security numbers | No public posting, no printing on a card needed for services or on the outside of a file, with exceptions | Sec. 2RR |
| Recurring shipments | No billing for periodic shipments unless the buyer expressly agreed | Sec. 2III |
| Other laws | A knowing violation of listed laws, such as the Automatic Contract Renewal Act, is also a violation here | Sec. 2Z |
Key numbers and dates
| Item | Amount or date | Year in force | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil penalty | up to $50,000; up to $50,000 per violation with intent to defraud | 2026 (text amended 2022-06-10) | Sec. 7(b) |
| Added penalty, victim 65 or older | up to $10,000 per violation | 2026 (text amended 2022-06-10) | Sec. 7(c) |
| Private damages suit | within 3 years after the claim arises | 2026 | Sec. 10a(e) |
| Price-list problem | 30 days to fix; a second violation within 2 years after that brings Sec. 7 penalties | 2026 (since 2018-01-01) | Sec. 2TTT(c) |
Source: 815 ILCS 505/7, Illinois General Assembly
Recent and pending changes
- Secs. 2, 7, 10a and 10b show no amendment after June 2022 in their source notes (final).
- P.A. 104-852 (effective 2026-08-21) is a revisory act that says it makes no substantive change; it fixes numbering in several sector sections (final).
- P.A. 104-854 adds a Vehicle Code section to the Sec. 2Z list on 2027-01-01. It is signed but not yet in effect.
- P.A. 104-472, signed 2026-06-25, adds Sec. 2MMMM on hidden and misleading fees. It starts in 2027 and is not in force yet; official pages differ on the exact date, so check the official text.
- Sector rules added since 2023 include medical-debt credit reporting (P.A. 103-648, effective 2025-01-01) and hemp and cannabis rules (P.A. 104-463, effective 2026-06-12).
Penalties and enforcement
The Attorney General and county State's Attorneys can bring civil actions. An Attorney General investigation can start from a written complaint by a consumer or borrower, or when the office believes one serves the public interest (Sec. 3). A person who suffers actual damage can also sue.
| Tier | What can follow | Section |
|---|---|---|
| State case | Injunction, restitution and a civil penalty up to $50,000, or up to $50,000 per violation if the court finds intent to defraud | Sec. 7 |
| Senior victim | Up to $10,000 more per violation | Sec. 7(c) |
| Private suit | A court may award actual economic damages or other proper relief, an injunction, and fees and costs to the prevailing party | Sec. 10a |
Official sources
- Illinois General Assembly: Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act (815 ILCS 505)
- Illinois Attorney General: Protecting Small Businesses (PDF)
- Illinois Attorney General: File a consumer complaint
This page is a plain-language summary. The official source controls if there is any difference.