As Illinois borrowers prepare for a new school year and as student loan payments and tuition bills come due, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is taking action to protect consumers and remind the public to be cautious of companies that offer to consolidate, pay off or reduce student loans, or enroll borrowers in lower-cost repayment plans.
IDFPR has taken enforcement action against two companies allegedly providing unlicensed student loan debt relief services in Illinois in violation of the Debt Settlement Consumer Protection Act (DSCPA). On August 31, 2026, IDFPR entered a consent order with Consulting Cafe, LLC DBA Smartfile Services, under which the company is prohibited from engaging in student…