News Summary
The Pennsylvania Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against Brian Myers and Harpen Construction for fraud related to home improvement projects. The case arose from multiple consumer complaints alleging uncompleted work and significant financial losses. Victims reported paying substantial upfront fees without receiving the contracted services. With the company no longer registered under the state’s regulations, the lawsuit aims to prevent further operations and secure restitution for affected consumers. Individuals believing they were defrauded are encouraged to report their experiences.
Pennsylvania – The Pennsylvania Attorney General is taking legal action against Brian Myers and his business, Harpen Construction, for alleged fraud concerning home improvement projects. The lawsuit was filed based on numerous consumer complaints detailing a pattern of uncompleted work and significant financial losses incurred by the victims.
Attorney General Dave Sunday has reported that his office has received ten complaints against Myers and Harpen Construction since 2021. Consumers have accused the company of collecting thousands of dollars in upfront payments for remodeling projects that were never completed. The complaints encompass a range of remodeling tasks including kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living areas. Reports indicate that, in many instances, very little or no work was carried out after the initial payments were made.
One notable case involved a customer who claimed to have paid nearly $60,000 before any work commenced on their home. In another instance, work at a property did not begin until 18 months after the signing of the contract, and the project was left abandoned shortly thereafter, rendering the home uninhabitable.
The payment policy implemented by Myers required clients to provide 90% of the total cost upfront prior to the start of any work, a business practice that has raised significant concerns among consumers and regulators alike. Following the rise in complaints, it was revealed that Harpen Construction is no longer registered as a home improvement contractor under the Pennsylvania Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA).
The Attorney General’s lawsuit seeks to prevent Myers and Harpen Construction from continuing to operate as home improvement contractors within the state. Additionally, it aims to secure restitution for consumers, impose civil penalties, and recover costs associated with the prosecution of the case. Attorney General Sunday has stated that Myers’ company allegedly violated consumer protection laws by not fulfilling contractual obligations and using agreements that do not comply with HICPA requirements.
Individuals who believe they may have been victimized by Myers or Harpen Construction are encouraged to file a complaint. The Attorney General’s office has provided several methods for consumers to report their experiences, including an online complaint form, a dedicated phone line (1-800-441-2555), and an email address (scams@attorneygeneral.gov).
Brian Myers, aged 40, recently appeared in court without legal representation to face charges of fraud associated with home improvement projects. According to court documents, he reportedly took over $100,000 from two families in Upper St. Clair while failing to fulfill the work outlined in their contracts. The Better Business Bureau has given Harpen Construction a grade of D, highlighting the lack of compliance and customer satisfaction linked to the company’s operations.
In a related development, Judge Ronald Arnoni postponed Myers’ hearing until January 18, marking the second time this case has been postponed. The judge emphasized that no further continuances will be granted, indicating the court’s commitment to advancing the legal proceedings against Myers.
The attorney general’s case against Harpen Construction underscores the importance of consumer vigilance in the home improvement sector, especially regarding upfront payment requirements and contract fulfillment. As the situation develops, affected consumers await a resolution that may provide them with financial relief and justice.
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