CANTON, Ohio (Legal Newsline) - Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced a lawsuit on Wednesday against a Canton-based e-commerce business and its owner for allegedly failing to deliver products to hundreds of consumers around the nation.
Pro Audio Video Inc. and Michael White, the company's owner, allegedly took money from consumers but failed to deliver the products that were ordered.
"Businesses that operate online must follow the same consumer protection laws as brick-and-mortar stores," DeWine said. "When they fail to fulfill their obligations, we will take action to help consumers."
Pro Audio Video advertised and sold various products online, including sound systems, band equipment and Halloween costumes. The company used multiple names and websites, including Pro Sound Depot, Halloween Effects, Eliminator Lightning Direct, Cheap DJ Gear and Cheap Band Gear.
DeWine's office received complaints from consumers who alleged they did not receive goods weeks after the products were ordered. The consumers alleged they were unable to obtain refunds. Pro Audio Video also allegedly advertised and sold products on backorder without clearly disclosing that the products were on backorder.
DeWine's lawsuit alleges the business and its owner engaged in two violations of the Consumer Sales Practices Act, including failure to deliver and failure to disclose material terms and conditions in advertisements. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief, consumer restitution and civil penalties.
Ohio AG announces suit against Canton e-commerce company
