BACP’s CONSUMER

PROTECTIONPOCKET GUIDE

Keep in Pocket for MAXIMUM Protection

PCABC H I C A G O

BUSINESS AFFAIRSCONSUMER PROTECTION

HOME REPAIR • CREDIT REPAIR • TAX PREP

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BACP ISCONSUMER PROTECTION

The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection protects consumers from deception and fraud in the marketplace. We accept and investigate complaints submitted online or via 311. BACP promotes consumer awareness to help consumers protect themselves.

ALWAYS BE ALERT

See something? Report it to 311! BACP urges consumers to file a complaint when defrauded or scammed.

• Begin: File your complaint online at cityofchicago.org/311, by calling 311 (outside Chicago: 312.744.5000) or by texting 311311.

• Action: Depending on your complaint type, our department or another City department will follow-up by requesting additional information.

• Cite: With the info you provide, the department may issue citations against the individual or company.

• Protect: We track the number and pattern of complaints to ensure a fair marketplace for all consumers.

Your credit report may contain information about where you live, how you pay your bills, when you pay your bills, whether you’ve been sued, any arrest and bankruptcy records.

• Get a free credit report every year.• Dispute inaccurate info on your

credit report.• Seek reputable credit counseling

assistance.• Activate a fraud alert by calling one

of the reporting agencies.• Verify that a credit repair company is

registered with the Illinois Secretary of State. Call 217-782-7017.

CREDIT REPAIR

Be careful when selecting a company to prepare your tax returns.

• Choose a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or licensed Income Tax Preparer.

• Check the preparer’s history with the Better Business Bureau.

• Ensure the preparer is available to file your return by the April 15 deadline.

• Be wary of preparers who claim they can obtain large refunds.

• Know your rights by accessing the Consumer Bill of Rights (English & Spanish) at cityofchicago.org/BACP.

• Find the nearest free tax preparation site at taxprepchicago.org.

TAX PREPARATION

Before starting a home repair project:

• Verify the business has a current Home Repair or General Contractor license issued by the City of Chicago.

• Verify they’re insured up to $300,000.• Receive a detailed estimate before

work begins.• Know you have 3 days to cancel a

signed contract.• Obtain a receipt that includes the

business’s license number, contact info, and total cost of the home repair job.

• Receive the state mandated Consumer Rights Brochure.

HOME REPAIR

HOME REPAIR IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE

Before working with a licensed “notario” or immigration service provider, always ask to see their City license.

• “Notarios” are NOT allowed to provide legal services.

• Call 311 to report an unlicensed notario.

• Know that YOU have the legal right to be provided the following:1. A full explanation of the services to be performed, that includes an identification of ALL costs.2. A statement assuring you that all your documents will be returned to you upon completion.3. A statement that you may rescind the contract within 72 hours.4. A statement declaring that the notario is NOT an attorney and is NOT able to perform legal services or provide legal advice.5. You have the right to request these documents in a language other than English.6. A formal contract that includes ALL services to be performed and ALL costs.7. Return of your original documents upon request.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Before sending your kids back to school, keep the following in mind:

• Shopping Tips: Read manufacturer’s age recommendations for supplies. Supervise children when changing batteries, and ensure they have your cell phone number memorized.

• Avoid Textbook Scams: Before renting or purchasing a new or used book, use price comparison engines, e.g., campusbooks.com, bigwords.com, etc.

• Avoid Student Loan Scams: Never pay for information about how to pay back your loan. Use verified, free services to obtain assistance, e.g., studentaid.ed.gov, consumerfinance.gov.

• Consumer Recalls: Recalls from the Federal Consumer Product Safety Commission are posted on BACP’s website.

PROM SEASON

Prom-goers and their parents should follow these simple precautions when planning for the big event:

• Research the business before making a purchase, read prior customer reviews and ratings with the Better Business Bureau.

• Verify Licenses: Limos and party buses must have a City of Chicago license to transport passengers within the city.

• Verify your driver has a valid City of Chicago Public Chauffeur license, and obtain a direct phone number for the driver and business.

• Beware of vehicles stretched or modified over 10 feet.

• Request receipts and copies of any contracts. • Verify refund and cancellation policies.

VALET PARKING

Before you valet park your car, be aware that:

• A Valet Parking Operator License is required for any “valet parking service.”

• Look for a city “valet loading zone” sign wherever valet parking operators are working.

• Valet parking operators are required to give you a time stamped receipt.

• Ask a valet employee where your car will be parked. Operators are required to park vehicles in legal parking spaces.

• Do not leave wallets, cash, or valuables in the car that you are valeting.

@CHICAGOBACP

/CHICAGOBACP • #CONSUMERPROTECTION

ARE YOU

IN THE

KNOW?

BACP

LAUNCHES

“KNOW BEFORE

YOU” CAMPAIGN

FOR RESIDENTS

AND CONSUMERS

We’ve custom tailored our ‘Know Before You’ campaign to educate you on nearly 50 consumer and business related topics. We’re constantly creating more to help protect you. Visit: cityofchicago.org/knowbeforeyou

Keep informed! Join BACP’s Outreach & Education e-distribution list to receive updates on upcoming expos, workshops, ordinance, and vital consumer protection information. Send an e-mail to us to join:

BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org

KNOW BEFORE YOU

@ChicagoBACP

cityofchicago.org/BACP

See something?Report it to 311!

PCABC H I C A G O

BUSINESS AFFAIRSCONSUMER PROTECTION