(LEBANON, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a lawsuit against Mold Foundation Specialist LLC and its owner, Scott Stidham. The lawsuit accuses the Loveland-based business of failing to substantiate claims in advertisements and failing to deliver promised services.
“Consumers deserve to get what they pay for,” Attorney General DeWine said. “In this case, consumers paid hundreds or thousands of dollars for work that was incomplete or shoddy. Our goal is to put an end to the unfair business practices and to recover money for consumers.”
According to the lawsuit, Scott Stidham, of Loveland, did business as Mold Foundation Specialist. He advertised online using claims such as “EPA Registered – Pet and Child Friendly Solutions,” “Certified Mold Technician,” and “Certified Water Specialist,” but failed to substantiate those claims when the Attorney General’s office asked for proof.
The lawsuit alleges that the business accepted deposits from consumers but failed to deliver promised services and refused to refund consumers’ payments.
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office is aware of 12 complaints, and reported consumer losses total approximately $28,000.
The lawsuit charges the business and Stidham with violations of Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act and Home Solicitation Sales Act. Counts include failure to deliver, performing shoddy work, failing to substantiate claims in advertising, and failing to give consumers proper notice of their right to cancel.
The Attorney General is seeking an end to the deceptive practices, restitution for affected consumers, and civil penalties.
Consumers who want to hire a mold removal specialist should research businesses before entering into a contract or making any payments. They can check complaints filed with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and Better Business Bureau, contact past customers, and do a basic Internet search to find reviews and other information. Consumers also can check with the Environmental Protection Agency for guidelines on mold removal.
Consumers who suspect an unfair business practice should file a complaint with 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
Kate Hanson: 614-466-3840