Lisa Madigan (D)
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Legal Newsline)-Issues related to the state's home foreclosure crisis and economic downturn topped the list of consumer complaints to the Illinois attorney general's office last year.
In 2008, Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office processed 33,345 consumer-filed complaints through her office's Consumer Protection Division.
The plurality of complaints were related to consumer debt issues, including mortgage foreclosure complaints. Madigan's office said they received complaints from more than 2,400 homeowners over residential mortgage foreclosures.
"The growing number of consumers seeking help in dealing with debt, including their home mortgages, reflects the tough economic realities confronting Illinois families," Madigan said.
Madigan's office also said it received more than 2,000 complaints about collection agencies, and more than 1,000 complaints related to credit cards, including claims of unexpected fees and charges to their monthly statements.
"Now more than ever, Illinois consumers need to know that they can turn to my office for help if they're struggling, whether they are facing foreclosure, being harassed by abusive collection agencies, or feeling the pressure of overwhelming credit card debt," Madigan said.
From Legal Newsline: Reach staff reporter Chris Rizo at chrisrizo@legalnewsline.com.