Huynh Cracks Down on Deceptive Marketing Practices, Protects Consumers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Hoan Huynh, D-Chicago, is cracking down on junk mail and scammers with a new measure that hold businesses sending mail solicitations more accountable.

“Everyone can become a target of junk mail solicitations. And whether they’re older adults, new Americans, or families on fixed incomes what they all have in common is that they can’t afford to lose their hard-earned money to scammers,” Huynh said. “Throughout the city, countless consumers have been tricked into reverse mortgages and other unhelpful arrangements because of deceptive marketing tactics. Scammers take people’s money and property while providing nothing in return have no place in Illinois.”

Huynh passed Senate Bill 1440, which requires businesses that send mailed advertisements to clearly articulate what company they actually are and what services they provide. In addition, the law prevents these advertisements from instructing the recipients to contact them in another venue to buy a good or service. The bill is intended to stamp out the misleading mail marketing tactics that are prevalent in the insurance, mortgage and automotive industries.

“No longer can companies coerce people into buying their products by falsely claiming that your mortgage is late, warranty has expired or insurance has lapsed. Good businesses don’t need to lie to reach their customers,” Huynh said. “I am proud that we have taken this step to root out this sort of gross deception in Illinois, and I hope that no one falls victim to any of the schemes that these unscrupulous companies use.”