SPRINGFIELD, IL-Gov. Quinn has signed State Senator Ed Maloney’s (D-Chicago) plan to protect consumers from unfair, unauthorized charges. The new law prohibits companies from sending consumers products they do not want and then billing them.

Sometimes, when customers buy products or services, a company will automatically enroll them in a group or club. The company then charges them for membership fees or unwanted products. Customers often are not aware of these charges until they receive their credit card bills. Maloney’s legislation (House Bill 4698) requires companies to get their customers’ explicit consent before enrolling them in any group or club or sending them any additional merchandise.

"Companies shouldn’t be able to charge individuals for goods and services they don’t want," Maloney said. "It makes it more difficult for people to keep to their budgets."

Maloney’s legislation was inspired by a constituent’s story. The constituent bought a product advertized on television, and for months afterward he was sent products he did not want, and his credit card was charged.

"A customer should have to opt into a club, not opt out," Maloney said. "I think these companies are hoping that people won’t want to deal with the hassle of sending a product back. I believe they shouldn’t have to."

Maloney’s plan also empowers the Attorney General to enforce the law using her consumer protection authority. The Attorney General’s Office will be able to use injunctions to prevent Illinois companies from taking part in this deceptive business practice.