Ohio AG Files Suit Against Ohio Restoration Group Operator
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Attorney General Mike DeWine filed a consumer protection lawsuit Tuesday against Ancil E. Wilson III, who operated Ohio Restoration Group. The roofing company is accused of receiving money from customers and not providing work.
The suit was filed in the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas and alleges Wilson violated Ohio’s consumer protection laws under the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act and Home Solicitation Sales act by failing to deliver promised services as well as notification to consumers of their cancellation rights. The suit seeks an injunction against Wilson and reimbursement for consumers.
“We are taking this action to protect consumers,” DeWine said in a press release. “We believe the defendant violated Ohio’s consumer protection laws and must be held accountable.”
Ohio Restoration Group operated at 557 S. Meridian Road, Suite 4, in Youngstown, which is now closed. Suit documents list Wilson as a resident of Sarasota, Florida.
According to the suit, the company solicited and failed to perform roof replacement and installation work contracted with customers. The release states that reported consumer losses total about $55,000. A representative from DeWine’s office said 10 consumers filed complaints against the company.
In addition to seeking reimbursement for consumers, the suit requests civil penalties in the amount of $25,000 for each violation of each count.
In the release, DeWine cautions consumers to research home improvement contractors carefully, to be wary of requests for large down payments and to understand their cancellation rights.
“If a home improvement contractor does not have a fixed place of business or comes to a consumer’s door to offer services, the consumer may be entitled to a three-day right to cancel the contract under Ohio’s Home Solicitation Sales Act,” the release states.
According to information on Better Business Bureau of Mahoning Valley website, Ohio Restoration Group incorporated on March 4, 2015. All three phone numbers listed for the company are out of service.
To learn more or to report a potential scam, consumers can contact the Ohio Attorney General’s office at Ohioprotects.org or call 800-282-0515.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
