Cook County State's Attorney files fraud lawsuit against local business consultant

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office has filed a consumer fraud lawsuit against a local business consultant and her company for alleged violations of the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act.

Named in the lawsuit is Althea Taylor and Taylor Made Industries Company, a Westchester based business consulting firm that offers to provide assistance with forming corporations, securing licenses, and obtaining certifications for minority and female owned businesses from various federal, state, and local governments.

The lawsuit filed on Wednesday, alleges that Taylor made various false promises and misrepresentations to induce customers to believe that the Taylor Made Industries Company maintained adequate facilities and staff for performing business formation, licensing, and certification services in a timely manner.

According to the lawsuit, Taylor allegedly promised to perform such services in approximately 4 to 10 weeks when she was aware that other clients had been waiting for months for the completion of the same services. Taylor also allegedly misrepresented that the Taylor Made Industries Company maintained an office in Chicago and a current staff of 10 persons when, in fact, no Chicago office existed and 3 or fewer persons worked at the company.

Victims in this case, allegedly relied on these false promises and misrepresentations and were induced to pay thousands of dollars to the Taylor Made Industries Company to perform business formation, licensing, and certification services. Taylor and her company allegedly failed to complete the
contracted services, and in at least one situation, did not provide any services after receiving payment.

The lawsuit seeks to permanently enjoin Taylor and her company from engaging in any further alleged deceptive practices, and seeks refunds for victims and civil penalties of up to $50,000.

A copy of the complaint can be accessed here. For more information about this pending lawsuit or about other consumer fraud matters please contact the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, Consumer Fraud Unit, at 312/603-8600.

The State’s Attorney’s Office works to uphold public safety through the fair and efficient administration of justice. Follow @SAKimFoxx and @CookCountySAO on Twitter and Facebook for breaking news updates.