Used motor vehicle sales topped the list of consumer complaints received by the Illinois Attorney General’s office in 2025, marking the first time in more than 35 years that this category led the annual ranking. Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced these findings as part of National Consumer Protection Week and highlighted ongoing efforts to safeguard consumers across Illinois.
Complaints about consumer debt also increased compared to 2024, holding third place on the list, while issues related to home repairs and remodeling declined but remained in second position. The top ten complaint categories ranged from auto sales and construction to identity theft and travel.
“Throughout the year, and particularly during Consumer Protection Week, I urge people to be informed consumers, which means exercising vigilance, never feeling pressured to make a decision, and making sure they understand all terms of a deal before spending their hard-earned money,” Raoul said. “My office has seen an increase in the number of complaints related to buying used vehicles, so I encourage anyone thinking about purchasing a used vehicle to visit our website for valuable tips before spending thousands of dollars on a car.”
The Attorney General’s office received numerous reports concerning used auto sales—including issues with as-is purchases, financing arrangements, and warranties. With prices rising for essential goods like vehicles, Raoul advised residents to research dealerships carefully before making any payments or signing contracts.
For the first time in over a decade, travel and tourism complaints appeared among the top ten concerns. Raoul recommended checking reviews or existing complaints with his office or with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau before booking trips or working with travel agents. Additional resources on timeshare fraud prevention are available through groups including the American Resort Development Association and federal agencies.
In 2025, Raoul’s Consumer Fraud Bureau saved consumers more than $9.4 million through mediation efforts and secured over $120.9 million via enforcement actions. The office handled 19,763 written complaints last year alongside tens of thousands of phone calls.
The full breakdown for 2025 is as follows:
1. Motor Vehicle/Used Auto Sales: 2,103 complaints
2. Construction/Home Improvement: 2,014
3. Consumer Debt: 1,957
4. Identity Theft: 1,789
5. Promotions/Schemes: 1,064
6. Internet/Mail Order Products: 1,019
7. Telecommunications: 788
8. Motor Vehicle/Non-Warranty Repair: 717
9. Motor Vehicle/New Auto Sales: 624
10. Travel/Tourism: 558
Raoul urged residents who believe they have been victims of fraud to file a complaint online or call one of several dedicated hotlines listed on his office’s website.
The Illinois Attorney General’s responsibilities include advocating for vulnerable groups such as workers, immigrants and seniors (official website), handling thousands of consumer complaints annually (official website), promoting safer communities and advancing environmental protection (official website). The office extends its advocacy throughout Illinois (official website) and works with law enforcement partners in support of crime victims while promoting open government (official website). Residents can access services such as filing complaints regarding consumer fraud or civil rights through resources provided by the agency (official website).
Residents seeking assistance can contact hotlines dedicated to consumer fraud (Chicago: 1-800-386-5438; Springfield: 1-800-243-0618; Carbondale: 1-800-243-0607), Spanish-language support (1-866-310-8398), student loans (1-800-455-2456), identity theft (1-866-999-5630) or homeowner issues (1-866-544-7151).