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Office of the
Illinois Attorney General
Kwame Raoul

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Consumer Protection

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Consumer Protection: Learn more about these topics

The Attorney General’s Office takes consumer complaints and can engage in informal dispute resolution on behalf of consumers having problems with:

  • Purchases
  • Identity Theft
  • Health Care Services or Providers
  • Home Repair and Construction Services
  • Auto Sales and Repairs

Although the Attorney General’s Office will do its best to assist you, the Attorney General’s Office is prohibited from representing citizens privately. If you need a lawyer, please see our list of legal aid referrals or contact The Illinois State Bar Association.

The Office of Attorney General can be an advocate for residents considering purchases or payments using financing and loans

  • School Loans and Debit Assistance
  • Consumer Credit and Lending

The Attorney General informs the public on emerging fraud risks and protects residents from harmful business practices and products

  • An important part of the Attorney General’s work is to provide Illinois residents with the information necessary to avoid becoming victims of consumer fraud and to aid in making wise purchasing decisions. To this end, our website contains a number of fact sheets, news releases, and links to other consumer-related sites. The office regularly releases information about products that pose a safety risk to children.

Downloadable Resources

Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s Consumer Protection Division protects Illinois consumers and businesses from fraud, deception, and unfair business practices.

Additional Resources

Decrease the number of unwanted phone solicitations with this federal program.

Small Claims Court

The Illinois Court System operates the Small Claims Court to handle certain types of cases to where the rules are simpler than in most court proceedings and where a lawyer may not be required. Small claims court is a civil court where you can sue someone for $10,000 or less (excluding interest of costs).

You may want to consider small claims court if, for example…

  • someone owes you money
  • your landlord failed to return your security deposit even though you did not damage the rental property
  • you paid for merchandise, but the store never delivered it and won't give you a refund

Any individual or corporation doing business in Illinois can sue or be sued in small claims court. The court may require the appointment of a guardian for those under 18 years of age.

Small claims court is under the jurisdiction of the Clerks of Courts Act (705 ILCS 105) and Supreme Court Rule 282. Fees are based on the population of the county and designated by county boards.

How do I start a small claims court case

The process starts by first filing a Summons and Complaint. The needed forms are downloaded and are filed with the court clerk electronically with only a few exceptions. The Illinois Courts has a self-help guide that explains the process from the initiating the suit, through preparing and presenting your case, and the possible outcomes.

The tutorial is provided by the Illinois Legal Aid organization and can be specific to your county.