Ahead of Consumer Protection Week, Attorney General Reminds Pennsylvania Consumers of Their Rights
HARRISBURG — Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced a lawsuit against Jeffrey D. Bollinger, a Westmoreland County-based contractor, and two associated businesses, Pa Remodelers LLP and Bathmakeover Pro LLC on claims that the defendant entered into contracts with residential consumers, performed partial and shoddy work, and abandoned the projects after receiving payment.
One Western PA senior consumer was scammed out of $17,000 by Bollinger and his business after signing a $21,000 contract to repair the roof of their garage and install a bathroom. According to the consumer’s complaint, Bollinger’s company removed the roof from their garage and never returned to finish the work—resulting in significant water damage in the consumer’s home.
Consumers also allege that Bollinger failed to live up to a written “Code of Ethics” he utilized when entering into contracts and circumvented the registration requirements of the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act by registering Bathmakeover Pro in his wife’s name. Bollinger also used contracts that did not meet the requirements of the Act.
“This contractor scammed Pennsylvania consumers out of their hard-earned savings and repeatedly violated our laws in favor of increasing his profit,” Attorney General Josh Shapiro said. “My Office is committed to being on the side of consumers, and we will work to get restitution for those who were scammed. Next week is Consumer Protection Week, and my Bureau of Consumer Protection wants to remind you of the resources available to all Pennsylvania Consumer who are victims of scams. Call us at 1-800-441-2555, or submit a complaint online at www.attorneygeneral.gov to get help.”
Bollinger previously has been subject to at least nine civil actions related to home improvement work where victims eventually obtained default judgments, according to the complaint. Additionally, in three other instances, Bollinger has faced criminal charges related to home improvement work. The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction stopping Bollinger from owning or operating any home improvement business in Pennsylvania ever again.
The lawsuit also demands Bollinger and his businesses pay restitution to all consumers who have suffered losses as a result of his conduct as well as civil penalties. The suit was filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland County by Chief Deputy Attorney General Jesse Harvey.
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