Mason Introduces Measure to Protect Seniors from Predatory Contracts

SPRINGFIELD, Ill – Seniors would have more time to cancel contracts with predatory and deceptive door-to-door salesmen under legislation introduced by state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee.

“Scam artists often disproportionally target seniors and pressure them to make immediate decisions about products and services they either can’t afford or don’t need,” said Mason. “This legislation allows seniors more time to carefully review a contract and cancel it if it’s a bad deal.”

Mason’s House Bill 2643 strengthens Illinois’ consumer protection laws by allowing seniors up to 15 days to cancel agreements with door-to-door contractors. Under current law, such contracts must be cancelled within three business days, leaving older adults with little recourse once hidden fees kick in or services fail to meet expectations.

“Fraudulent salesmen can be very convincing, to the point of strong-arming homeowners into signing small-print contracts that are virtually unreadable,” said Mason. “For elderly residents who are more susceptible to being scammed, this legislation will provide increased protection.”