(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a lawsuit against a home improvement contractor who did business as Buckeye Pro in central and southwest Ohio.
The lawsuit accuses Elijah Deckard, of Dayton, of performing incomplete or shoddy work, using false claims in advertising, and failing to give consumers proper notice of their three-day right to cancel.
“It is unfair for businesses to accept payment for home improvement work that they do not complete,” Attorney General DeWine said. “We will not stand by while Ohioans are taken advantage of.”
According to the Attorney General’s lawsuit, Deckard advertised, solicited, and offered home improvement services to consumers throughout Ohio.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office received three consumer complaints with reported consumer losses totaling over $8,000. Consumers complained that Deckard accepted payment but failed to complete the work as promised.
According to the Attorney General’s lawsuit, Deckard also falsely represented to consumers that he was bonded, insured, and a member of the Better Business Bureau. In the lawsuit, the Attorney General charges Deckard, doing business as Buckeye Pro, with violating Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act and Home Solicitation Sales Act. The Attorney General seeks consumer restitution, an end to the deceptive practices, and civil penalties.
Consumers can help protect themselves from unscrupulous contractors by taking the following steps:
- Check contractors’ reputations with the Ohio Attorney General's Office and the Better Business Bureau before entering into a contract.
- Get written estimates from several contractors before making a final decision.
- Get all promises in writing. Make sure the written contract includes the start and end dates and an itemized list of all material costs, labor, and services.
- Be wary if the contract requires a large down payment or requires that you write the check directly to the contractor instead of his or her company.
- Keep in mind that door-to-door sales contractors are required to give you a three-day right to cancel and cannot begin the work until the three-day period ends.
- Check with the Ohio Secretary of State to confirm that the business is legally registered.
Consumers who believe they have been treated unfairly should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at 800-282-0515 or www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov.
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Documents
Lawsuit
Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Kate Hanson: 614-466-3840