(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a consumer protection lawsuit against a Columbus-based company accused of misrepresenting and failing to deliver promised financial services.
The lawsuit accuses Erika Taylor Consulting, Minority Credit & Finance Commission, Erika Taylor, and Kurtis Turner of failing to deliver services or refunds, promising consumers they would receive money if they paid for a background check and consulting fee, and entering into consumer transactions that they knew were not beneficial to the consumer.
Consumers who complained to the Attorney General's Office said they were were promised up to $25,000 as a gift for participating in a financial program and collectively paid nearly $9,500 in fees but never received the promised services or money.
The Attorney General's lawsuit, filed Wednesday in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, accuses Taylor and Turner of violating Ohio's Consumer Sales Practice Act. Counts include: failure to deliver, misrepresentation, and entering into transactions that do not provide a substantial benefit to the consumer.
In the lawsuit, the Attorney General seeks restitution for consumers and an end to violations of Ohio consumer protection laws.
Attorney General DeWine encourages consumers to be cautious about businesses that promise free money while requesting personal information and payment of fees to receive the money. Consumers should also check both the company name and the name of the owner or individuals involved with the operation, as some operators change business names regularly to make it harder for consumers to find them.
To research a company, search for complaints on file with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau, check business filings with the Ohio Secretary of State, conduct internet searches, and check court websites for legal action.
Consumers should report potential scams to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or by calling 800-282-0515.
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Documents
Lawsuit (PDF)
Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Dorcas Jones: 614-466-3840