This page sets out the 12 listed practices and the Act's few numbers. For the big picture, start with the overview, then use the checklist and FAQs. Shops and restaurants can pair it with our page on restaurants and retail.
What the law requires
The Act treats each of these as a deceptive trade practice when done in the course of business, vocation or occupation.
| Requirement | In plain words | Section |
|---|---|---|
| Passing off | Selling goods or services as another business's | 2(a)(1) |
| Source confusion | Likely confusion about source, sponsorship, approval or certification | 2(a)(2) |
| Affiliation confusion | Likely confusion about a connection with another business | 2(a)(3) |
| False origin | Deceptive claims about geographic origin | 2(a)(4) |
| False features | Claiming sponsorship, uses, benefits or quantities goods lack, or a status or affiliation the seller lacks | 2(a)(5) |
| Old as new | Calling used, altered, reconditioned or secondhand goods "original" or "new" | 2(a)(6) |
| Wrong grade | Claiming a standard, quality, grade, style or model the goods or services do not have | 2(a)(7) |
| Disparagement | False or misleading statements of fact about another's goods, services or business | 2(a)(8) |
| Bait advertising | Advertising with intent not to sell as advertised | 2(a)(9) |
| No supply | Advertising with intent not to supply reasonably expected demand, unless the ad discloses a quantity limit | 2(a)(10) |
| Price-cut claims | False or misleading statements about the reasons for, existence of or amounts of price reductions | 2(a)(11) |
| Catch-all | Other conduct that similarly creates likely confusion or misunderstanding | 2(a)(12) |
Key numbers and dates
| Item | Amount or date | Year in force | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listed practices | 12 | 2026 | Sec. 2(a) |
| Remedy | Injunction on reasonable terms; no proof of money loss, lost profit or intent to deceive | 2026 | Sec. 3 |
| Costs and attorney fees | Only if the court finds willful conduct | 2026 | Sec. 3 |
| Civil penalty in this Act | None | 2026 | Whole Act |
| Time limit | None stated in this Act | 2026 | Whole Act |
| Approved | 1965-08-05 | 1965 | Consumer Fraud Act Sec. 2 |
| Sec. 2 last amended | P.A. 92-16, effective 2001-06-28 | 2001 | Sec. 2 note |
Source: 815 ILCS 510/2(a), Illinois General Assembly
Recent and pending changes
No amendment since 2001 appears in the source notes of the text read in October 2026 (final).
Penalties and enforcement
The Act's remedy is an injunction sought by a person likely to be damaged (Sec. 3). It names no state agency and sets no civil penalty. The same practices are unlawful under the Consumer Fraud Act, where the Attorney General acts.
| Tier | What can follow | Section |
|---|---|---|
| Injunction | A court order for a person likely to be damaged, on terms the court considers reasonable | Sec. 3 |
| Costs and fees | Assessed against a defendant only after a finding of willful conduct | Sec. 3 |
| Civil penalty | None in this Act | Whole Act |
| Through the Consumer Fraud Act | Attorney General or State's Attorney civil penalty up to $50,000; private damage suits | Consumer Fraud Act Secs. 7, 10a |
Official sources
- Illinois General Assembly: Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act (815 ILCS 510)
- Illinois General Assembly: Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act (815 ILCS 505)
This page is a plain-language summary. The official source controls if there is any difference.