PRACTICE AREAS
CONSUMER FRAUD/ FALSE ADVERTISING
Understand your rights. Fighting unfair and deceptive business practices.
DEBT COLLECTION ABUSE
End debt harassment.
Protecting debtors from abuse and predatory lending.
UNPAID WAGES/OVERTIME
Recover withheld benefits and wages. Skilled representation in labor cases.
CLASS ACTIONS
Complex claims take skill. Knowledgeable
support for multiple plaintiffs.
MARKOFF LEINBERGER - CONSUMER RIGHTS LAW FIRM
CONSUMER RIGHTS LAW FIRM SERVING CLIENTS IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, AND NATIONWIDE
The government has enacted several laws which protect consumers from being victimized by fraudulent and deceptive business practices. Consumer fraud laws also establish potential remedies for consumer fraud victims, including financial compensation for losses, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees. A new concern is consumer fraud over the internet.
This page will provide you with a basic overview of the protections afforded by consumer fraud laws and the Consumer Fraud Act, but it cannot advise you about your specific case. In order to learn more about your rights, we recommend that you speak with one of the lawyers at Markoff Leinberger. We also have extensive experience with federal credit laws designed to protect consumers.
Illinois Consumer Fraud And Deceptive Business Practices Act
Many consumer fraud cases in the state of Illinois are covered under the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act (commonly referred to as the Consumer Fraud Act). This law imposes damages on businesses who do anything that is considered deceptive and who intend that consumers will rely on their actions when making a purchase.
The Consumer Fraud Act provides a broad interpretation of what constitutes deceptive conduct. It not only covers intentionally deceptive behavior, but also careless representations and omissions which make it likely that a consumer will be confused.
There are three different types of deceptive or fraudulent practices addressed by the Consumer Fraud Act:
- Affirmative acts – These actions include egregiously unethical commercial practices, deception, false simulation, fraud, misrepresentation, and false promises
- Knowing omissions – These actions include concealment, suppression, or omission of a material fact
- Violations of specific sections of the Consumer Fraud Act or regulations enacted by the Illinois Division of Consumer Affairs
You do not need to prove that a business intended to violate the law in order to recover compensation under the Consumer Fraud Act. You simply must demonstrate that a section of the law has been violated.
Chicago Fraud Lawyers Markoff Leinberger Can Help
If you have been the victim of consumer fraud, the Chicago fraud lawyers at Markoff Leinberger can help ensure your rights are protected. Our attorneys represent individual and class action plaintiffs in consumer fraud cases. We know the terms of the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act and how it applies to these complex cases.
Our Chicago, Illinois fraud lawyers have the experience necessary to handle just about any case covered by the Consumer Fraud Act, and we regularly work on claims involving:
- Bait and switch practices
- Hidden charges
- Fraudulent misrepresentations
- False advertising
- Deceptive labeling
Both Mr. Markoff and Mr. Leinberger began their careers representing defendants in consumer fraud cases, but have focused entirely on representing plaintiffs for many years now. This unique understanding of both sides of consumer fraud cases will give you the edge you need to achieve a successful outcome.
Additional Resources:
How to Prepare for Your Consumer Fraud Case Review
Common Consumer Fraud and Protection Questions
Chicago Consumer Fraud Lawyers Can Help You
Choosing a consumer fraud lawyer can be a difficult decision. Please read our reviews from satisfied customers and call consumer fraud law firm Markoff Leinberger today to schedule your free consultation. Our consumer protection lawyers serve clients in Chicago, Illinois, throughout the Midwest, and nationwide.
Five Fraud Prevention Tips: Federal Trade Commission (FTC) consumer fraud research indicates that even the most sophisticated and educated consumers can unknowingly stumble into a fraudulent situation.
Seniors and Fraud: Click here to read about how and why the elderly are targeted by scammers.