(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is suing a Germantown fence company and its owner who are accused of pocketing more than $100,000 from consumers, money that was supposed to be used to build fences.
“This guy has invented his own brand of criminal fencing,” Yost said. “Instead of dealing in stolen goods, he’s stealing money intended for goods and services he’s not providing. That is not how we do business in Ohio.” Wire Wreath Forms
The lawsuit, filed in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, alleges that Dixie Fence South and owner Daryl Robert Fraley accepted deposits from consumers but failed to provide goods or services or, in the few cases when they did follow up, did shoddy or incomplete work. Such business practices violate the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act and the Home Solicitation Sales Act.
Twenty-one consumers filed complaints with the Attorney General’s Office about the company, reporting $111,207 in losses.
Yost’s lawsuit asks that Fraley be ordered to reimburse consumers and pay civil penalties and court costs.
To avoid becoming a victim of fraud, Yost’s Consumer Protection Section recommends that consumers take these steps before signing a contract for home-improvement services:
Fence Post Caps Ohioans who suspect unfair or deceptive business practices should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515. MEDIA CONTACT: Hannah Hundley: 614-906-9113