Information on the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act Statute of Limitations

The Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act is intended to combat businesses that prey on consumers. Consumers wishing to file a claim based on the act must be aware of the statutes of limitations.

The Act

The Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practice Act makes the use of unfair methods of competition and/or using deception, fraud, false or misleading information and the omission, concealment or suppression of a material fact illegal. The use of any of these methods does not depend on whether anyone was actually harmed by the practice.

Purpose

The purpose of the act is to protect Illinois consumers from businesses that prey on consumers. For instance, the act specifically allows a consumer to void a purchase contract for merchandise in the amount of $25 or more if the salesperson was present at the consumer's house when the transaction was completed.

Statute of Limitations

Consumers that feel they have been harmed by an act that is illegal under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practice Act must file a claim within three years after they knew, or reasonably should have known, that they suffered harm. In the event the Illinois attorney general has commenced related action against the business the the statute of limitations is tolled while that action is pending and for one year after it is completed.

References

• Illinois Legal Aid: How to Help Clients in Consumer Fraud Vehicle Cases
• Illinois General Assembly: Concumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act