720 ILCS 5/17-5 – Deceptive Collection Practices
This law makes it illegal for debt collectors to lie or use dishonest methods when trying to collect money from someone.
This statute explains what behaviors by debt collectors are considered dishonest or misleading, such as pretending to be an attorney or adding illegal fees. Breaking this law can lead to a fine of up to $3,000.
(a) A debt collector cannot falsely say they are a lawyer, police officer, sheriff, court official, or any other person allowed by law to enforce court orders or laws.
(b) A debt collector cannot lie about the company name or business name they are using when trying to collect money. They must use their real, legal business name.
(c) A debt collector cannot add extra service fees, interest, or penalties to a debt unless the law allows it.
(d) A debt collector cannot threaten to harm someone’s credit score unless they also tell that person that, under federal law, they have the right to see their credit report.
(e) A debt collector cannot take money that they know is not actually owed by the person paying.
Sentence: Anyone who commits a deceptive collection practice has committed a Business Offense and can be fined up to $3,000.
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