Chicago–(ENEWSPF)–January 25, 2011. Attorney General Lisa Madigan today filed a lawsuit in Williamson County Circuit Court against a Marion home repair contractor who solicited but failed to complete the contracted work, in violation of the state’s Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act and the Home Repair and Remodeling Act.
Madigan’s lawsuit alleges Phillip Hale sold roofing and other services door-to-door but repeatedly did not complete or even begin the work for homeowners. Hale solicited the work through his companies Above Roofing, Top Quality Roofing and All State Roofing.
Consumers in Jackson, Williamson and Franklin counties reported to Madigan’s office losses totaling more than $27,000 due to fraudulent contracts with the defendant.
“Unscrupulous contractors have a whole host of ways that they will try to convince unsuspecting homeowners to pay for work that they never intend to complete,” Attorney General Madigan said. “That’s why home repair fraud is always among the top complaints my office receives. It’s so important that homeowners are extremely cautious before agreeing to any projects. Ask for estimates from several contractors and be sure to check their references.”
Madigan’s lawsuit asks the court to prohibit the defendant from working in the home repair trade in Illinois. The suit seeks to cancel Hale’s pending contracts and obtain restitution for affected consumers. The lawsuit also seeks to impose on Hale a civil penalty of $50,000, additional penalties of $50,000 for each violation found to be committed with the intent to defraud, as well as $10,000 per violation found to be committed against a person 65 years or older.
Consumers can find tips for finding a reputable contractor by visiting Madigan’s website, www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov, or by calling the Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Hotline:
Chicago 1-800-386-5438
Springfield 1-800-243-0618
Carbondale 1-800-243-0607
Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Feltman is handling the case for Madigan’s Consumer Fraud Bureau.
Source: illinoisattorneygeneral.gov
