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Consumer Protection
The City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) provides consumers with information about their rights and helps in protecting them from fraud and deceptive practices.
BACP relies on feedback from our customers to improve services. We take customer satisfaction seriously and measure our performance based on your input. Click the button above or the link below to provide feedback on your interaction with BACP. The survey will take no more than two minutes to complete.
Home Owners & Renters
BACP helps homeowners and renters protect themselves from scams by providing helpful information on topics such as mortgage fraud, home repair fraud, and storm damage. Other helpful information is also available about condominium ordinance, residential energy disclosure, and bed bugs.
Retail Shoppers & Parents
BACP provides information for retail shoppers on purchasing a mattress, what to be aware of when holiday shopping, and button battery dangers. We also have shopping tips for parents, information on the BPA-Free Kids Ordinance, safety requirements for new cribs, and recalls for children's products.
Financial Information
BACP helps consumers protect themselves from scams by providing helpful information on topics such as credit repair and mortgage and foreclosure fraud. Other helpful information on tax preparation services, such as refund anticipation loans and the bill of rights for consumers using tax preparation services.
Immigration Services
BACP helps those new to the U.S. by providing information on Immigration Assistance Providers Rules and Regulations.
Vehicle Owners
If you own or are thinking of purchasing a vehicle, BACP make the following information available to help you: CNG Vehicle Purchase Guide, 10 Consumers tips auto repair, and information on private booting companies.
Filing a Consumer Complaint
If you have been scammed, let us know about it. BACP prosecutes businesses for unlawful business practices. In some cases, BACP may collect restitution for the consumers that have been ripped off.
Once a complaint is filed, either online or by calling 311, you will be sent a consumer complaint affidavit. This affidavit allows you to fully explain what occurred in detail. It also requires a notarized signature so that BACP can begin to investigate your case. It is important that you compete the affidavit and mail it back within the allotted time frame so that we can assist you. Forms that are not returned will not be investigated. You can get started by filing a consumer fraud complaint here.
Research a Business
It is important to see if a business has a license and its history. You can check to see if a business in the City of Chicago is licensed using this online business license look-up tool. You can find company and individual that have disciplinary actions from the Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection here.
Consumer Connection
Consumer Connection is a series of public service announcements that keep Chicago's consumers informed on potential fraudulent business practices and current scams in the marketplace. You can watch current or past episodes of Consumer Connection.
Consumer Education and Workshops
Mark your calendar Shredder Day 2013 is scheduled for Saturday, June 22 at Untied Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Click here for more information.
Alerts (Consumer Protection)
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Apr 20, 2013 | Weather-Related Warning to Consumers |
Most Recent News (Consumer Protection)
| Apr 19, 2013 | Repeat Consumer Fraud or Home Repair Violators in the City of Chicago |
| Feb 14, 2012 | Mayor Rahm Emanuel Takes Measures to Protect Chicagoans as They Receive Help Preparing Taxes |
Services
Supporting Information
- 10 Shopping Tips for Parents
- 10 Things Every Consumer Should Know About Auto Repair
- 10 Things Every Consumer Should Know About Credit
- 2013 Consumer Recalls
- BPA-Free Kids Ordinance Information
View all Supporting Information
Other Resources
Department Main Office
Business Affairs and Consumer Protection
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Phone: 312.744.6060
TTY: 312.744.1944
Fax: 312.744.0246 -
121 N. LaSalle Street
8th Floor
Chicago, IL 60602 Get Directions
