(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a lawsuit against the individuals who operated paving company C & C Construction for multiple violations of Ohio's consumer laws.
"This business came to Ohio to conduct a driveway paving scam. It targeted senior citizens and took thousands of dollars for work that was not completed as promised," Attorney General DeWine said. "I want to thank the Auglaize County Sheriff's Office for sharing the information that led to this lawsuit. We're sending the message that Ohio law enforcement agencies will work together to bring scammers to justice."
C & C Construction is an unincorporated business located in Missouri.
The case began when two consumers, both senior citizens, reported to the Auglaize County Sheriff's Office that C & C Construction charged excessive prices ($6,500 for one consumer and $22,500 for the other) for repaving their driveways.
The Auglaize County Sheriff's Office reported the information to the Attorney General's Office, and a subsequent investigation revealed multiple violations of Ohio's consumer laws.
The Attorney General's lawsuit charges the owners of C & C Construction – Kenneth Culp, Denzil Culp, and Lorna Roberts – with multiple violations of the Home Sales Solicitation Act and the Consumer Sales Practices Act. These include performing shoddy work, violating the Repairs or Services Rule, failing to register as a business, and failing to give consumers notice of their three-day right to cancel. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief, consumer restitution, and civil penalties.
As a reminder to consumers, Attorney General DeWine offers the following tips when hiring a contractor:
- Check to see if the contractor is registered with the Ohio Sectary of State's Office and ask to see permits or licenses.
- Ask for references from other consumers who have recently done business with the company.
- See if the Ohio Attorney General's Office or the Better Business Bureau has any complaints against the company.
- Do not pay for the work until it is complete, or pay only in increments; do not give large down payments.
- Be wary if a company refuses to provide written information.
Under Ohio's Home Solicitation Sales Act, consumers generally have three business days (Monday through Saturday) to cancel contracts for $25 or more when they sign a contract in their home or at a location other than the company's regular place of business. The seller must provide written notice of the consumer's right to cancel, and cancellations must be in writing. Work should not start before this three-day period ends.
Consumers who believe they have been treated unfairly should file a complaint at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or 800-282-0515.
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