(COLUMBUS, Ohio) -- Attorney General Mike DeWine today sued Larry Foster, doing business as Water’s Edge, DC Water Solution, and Water Pro, for multiple violations of Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act. Foster allegedly failed to install or improperly installed water purification and softener systems that he sold door-to-door in various Ohio counties.
“Ohio has consumer protection laws and we will enforce them, whether it involves a store purchase or door-to-door sales,” said Attorney General DeWine. “Consumers deserve to get what they pay for.”
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office has received in 2012 more than a dozen complaints against Foster, of Evansville, Ind., and his businesses with addresses in Columbus and Cincinnati. The Better Business bureau has an additional five unresolved complaints. The average loss per consumer is approximately $2,700.
According to the lawsuit, consumers said that Foster either did not deliver the water system they ordered, or delivered but did not install or improperly installed the system. Many consumers reported that the systems they purchased did not function as represented.
Foster allegedly also failed to honor warranties on the systems or, if a customer returned the system, failed to supply proper refunds. In at least one instance, a refund check was issued to a consumer but it was drawn from a closed account.
The lawsuit seeks consumer restitution, civil penalties, and injunctive relief.
Attorney General DeWine reminds consumers to research businesses with the Ohio Attorney General's Office and Better Business Bureau before making any payments.
For most door-to-door sales, consumers have three business days to cancel a contract they sign in their home. Under the Home Solicitation Sales Act, the seller must give consumers notice of their right to cancel, and cancellations must be in writing.
Consumers who believe they have been treated unfairly should file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General's Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or 800-282-0515.
Complaint:
Water's Edge (PDF)
Media Contacts:
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Mark Moretti: 614-466-3840