Unfair Business Practices Lawyers in Chicago

Standing Up for Consumer Rights

State and federal laws regulating the relationship between businesses and consumers govern companies large and small. Most businesses adhere to the laws and to generally recognized ethical practices. However, some companies engage in behaviors that harm the rights of consumers.

If you feel that you are the victim of unfair or fraudulent business practices, Edelman Combs Latturner & Goodwin, LLC is here to help. Since 1985, we have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of consumers in Illinois and across the country in consumer class actions of all types. Our unfair business practices lawyers work exclusively for consumers, not for business interests.

Litigating Fraudulent Business Practice Cases

At Edelman Combs Latturner & Goodwin, LLC, our Chicago employment lawyers handle cases on behalf of individual clients as well as large classes of people who have been harmed by the unlawful actions of a business.

Some of the many kinds of cases we handle include:

• Unauthorized electronic payments, including withdrawals from your bank account or unauthorized credit card charges
• Sending junk faxes or spam texts
• Robocalling and telemarketing abuse
• False advertising
• Bait-and-switch in attempts to deceive customers
• Hidden fees, false charges, or overcharges
• Debt collection harassment
• Predatory lending

We also handle litigation under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). We have been involved in FACTA litigation since 2003 when the legislation was introduced. If a business has reported inaccurate information about you to a credit bureau, we can help you understand your options for cleaning up the credit reporting issue.

Common Examples of Unfair Business Practices

• Unfair Contract Terms:  Many businesses include hidden or one-sided clauses in contracts that can significantly harm consumers. These terms may not be clearly explained, and they often exploit the consumer’s lack of understanding or knowledge. For example, businesses might add arbitration clauses that prevent consumers from suing in court or include automatic renewal clauses that continue billing without clear consent. These types of unfair terms take advantage of consumers and often result in financial loss and frustration.
• False or Misleading Advertising: False or misleading advertising is another common unfair business practice. Companies may exaggerate the benefits of their products or services, or make claims that are outright false, such as “limited-time offers” that are always available, or products that do not perform as advertised. These deceptive tactics mislead consumers into making purchases they otherwise would not have, leading to wasted money and dissatisfaction.
• Unlawful Warranty Practices: Many businesses fail to honor warranties or use deceptive practices related to product guarantees. For example, a company might void a warranty for reasons that aren’t clearly outlined in the contract or refuse to honor a warranty based on fine print that wasn’t disclosed upfront. This leaves consumers without the protection they were promised when purchasing a product, forcing them to bear the cost of repairs or replacements.

The Impact of Unfair Business Practices on Consumers

• Financial Harm Unfair business practices can lead to significant financial harm for consumers. Hidden fees, overcharges, fraudulent transactions, or failure to honor warranties often result in unexpected costs that strain household budgets. These charges may accumulate over time, further deepening the financial burden.
• Emotional and Psychological Effects Beyond financial damage, unfair business practices can take an emotional toll on consumers. Aggressive debt collection, persistent robocalls, or misleading advertising can lead to stress, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness. These mental strains can impact a consumer’s overall well-being.
• Long-Term Consequences The consequences of unfair business practices can extend far beyond the immediate financial impact. For example, fraudulent transactions or debt collection harassment can damage a consumer’s credit score, making it harder to obtain loans, mortgages, or even employment. This lasting effect on a consumer’s financial stability can have far-reaching consequences.