Consumer

• May 14, 2008 8:05 pm US/Central
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  Madigan Sues Roofer For Bilking Customers

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Madigan Sues Roofer For Bilking Customers

CHICAGO (STNG) ― Attorney Gen. Lisa Madigan on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against a northwest suburban contractor who allegedly collected money from customers, then either failed to do the roofing work he was paid for or did it in a shoddy manner.

Madigan's suit against Norridge-based Raymond Woodhouse and R.W. Roofing and Construction stems from complaints that six consumers made to the Attorney General's Consumer Fraud Bureau. The suit, filed in Cook County Circuit Court, alleges that Woodhouse solicited roofing contracts without a license and collected up to $20,000 in fees for work he failed to perform or completed in a substandard manner, according to a release from Madigan's office.

Consumers claimed that Woodhouse entered into verbal and written contracts for roofing, home repair and remodeling services, the release said. According to the complaints, Woodhouse collected down payments ranging from $600 to $3,500 and then either failed to perform the work or do it poorly.

The suit alleges Woodhouse violated the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act and the Illinois Home Repair and Remodeling Act by performing work in a shoddy, unprofessional manner and failing to provide refunds. The complaint also alleges Woodhouse failed to provide homeowners with written contracts and the "Home Repair: Know Your Consumer Rights" pamphlet, as required by law.

In the suit, Madigan asks the court to prohibit Woodhouse from engaging in the home repair trade. It also seeks restitution for consumers, a civil penalty of $50,000, additional penalties of $50,000 for each violation and the recovery of the costs of prosecution and investigation.

Anyone who believes they have been the victim of a home repair scam or other fraud can download a complaint form at illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/consumers or call the hotline at (800) 386-5438.

(Source: Sun-Times News Group Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2006. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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