The Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act (ICFA) prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the conduct of trade or commerce. Deceptive practices are actions that mislead or create a false impression, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
(A) General deception. A person commits a deceptive practice when, with intent to defraud, the person does any of the following: (1) He or she knowingly causes another, by deception or threat, to execute a document disposing of property or a document by which a pecuniary obligation is incurred.
Companies can face significant civil damages for making false advertising claims under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Consumer class action lawsuits often recover or settle for amounts in the millions of dollars, which are then divided among affected consumers.
Document the deceptive advertising and your interactions with the company, including any purchases you made based on the false claims. File complaints with the FTC and your state consumer protection agency. These agencies can investigate the company and take enforcement action if necessary.
The Illinois Trade Secrets Act (“ITSA”) serves as a crucial legal framework for protecting businesses from the unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information. Enacted under 765 ILCS 1065/1 et seq., the ITSA establishes a cause of action for individuals harmed by the improper access of trade secrets.
The Act prohibits the use of unfair or deceptive acts or practices, including the use of deception, fraud, misrepresentation, and suppression of material facts. While the Act provides this general definition, it also contains a number of specific actions that are considered to be violations of the law.
What Are Laws Against False Advertising? Many states have specific laws prohibiting false advertising as a deceptive business practice. In Illinois, the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act prohibits unfair and deceptive business practices in trade and commerce, including false advertising.
The Act prohibits the use of unfair or deceptive acts or practices, including the use of deception, fraud, misrepresentation, and suppression of material facts. While the Act provides this general definition, it also contains a number of specific actions that are considered to be violations of the law.