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HARRISBURG -- Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday has filed a complaint against a Lackawanna County paving contractor and its owner, alleging they used high-pressure sales tactics, abandoned projects and charged customers more than agreed upon.
The complaint names N. Stanley Paving Inc. and owner Nicholas E. Stanley and alleges violations of Pennsylvania's Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act and Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law.
According to the Attorney General's Office, the business advertised paving, sealing and asphalt services through social media and door-to-door solicitations. The office said it received at least 14 consumer complaints related to the company.
The complaint alleges the defendants increased contract prices without customers' knowledge, failed to complete contracted work and performed substandard work.
In one case cited by the Attorney General's Office, a senior citizen in Dauphin County was approached about having his driveway paved and was told the contractor had extra materials from another project.
The job was quoted at $16,000, and the customer paid an $8,000 down payment. After the work was completed, the defendants allegedly sought $32,000.
According to the complaint, additional terms had been added to the contract without the customer's knowledge or consent. The consumer ultimately paid $32,000 because he feared a lien would be placed on his property.
"Consumers trusted this contractor to complete the work they paid for, only to be left with unfinished or substandard projects and unexpected costs," Sunday said.
The Attorney General's Office is seeking restitution for affected consumers, as well as penalties, costs and an injunction against the defendants.
Consumers who believe they were affected by the defendants' business practices can file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General online, call 1-800-441-2555 or email scams@attorneygeneral.gov.