(AKRON, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a lawsuit against a roofing company accused of taking insurance money from consumers in northeast and central Ohio but failing to provide any services months after collecting payment.
In the lawsuit, the Attorney General accuses Mac Contracting Inc. and its owner, Brett McClafferty of Streetsboro, of violating Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act.
The Attorney General’s Office has received more than 20 complaints against Mac Contracting. Estimated consumer losses total about $59,000.
According to the lawsuit, Mac Contracting often approached consumers at their homes offering roof repairs. Consumers generally were told that their roofs were damaged, that they should make a claim through their homeowner’s insurance, and that Mac Contracting could give them a “free” new roof using the insurance proceeds. In many cases consumers did just that, signing over insurance checks worth several thousand dollars to this supplier, but then many months would go by without Mac Contracting providing any services.
“Consumers were understandably frustrated when they handed over thousands of dollars in insurance money and then nothing happened for months,” Attorney General DeWine said. “Our investigation uncovered a pattern of violations, and we are seeking reimbursement for affected consumers and an end to any unfair and deceptive practices committed by the business.”
The Attorney General’s lawsuit, filed in the Summit County Common Pleas Court, accuses the business and its owner of failing to deliver, failing to obtain certain needed permits or licenses, and falsely representing a Better Business Bureau accreditation. In the lawsuit, the Attorney General seeks a declaration that these practices violate Ohio law, an injunction to stop further violations, consumer restitution, and civil penalties.
Attorney General DeWine encourages consumers to be careful before making any payments or signing a contract with a roofer or home improvement contractor. Specifically consumers should:
- Research a company’s reputation, including checking the Attorney General’s website for consumer complaints.
- Be skeptical of door-to-door solicitors who use high-pressure sales tactics.
- Get estimates from multiple contractors before making a final decision.
- Be wary of contractors who ask for an insurance check, or those who require large down payments, such as half or more of the total cost.
Consumers who suspect an unfair business practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or by calling 800-282-0515.
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Document
Lawsuit (PDF)
Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Kate Hanson: 614-466-3840