AUGUSTA, Maine (Legal Newsline) — Maine Attorney General Janet T. Mills took action against Barry Somes of Cumberland Center, filing a complaint alleging he violated the Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
Mills charges Somes operated under various business names and failed to deliver on promised vacation tours after receiving payments from consumers.
Associated business names that Somes used are ourBUSters, Club Impac and Seacoast Convention Bureau, among others, Mills said.
“Mr. Somes took money from many elderly people who were looking forward to what might be their only vacation of the year,” Mills said. “He pulled the rug out from under them by not only canceling their plans but also failing to provide timely refunds so they could make alternate arrangements. This is not how a reputable business operates. By bringing this action, we hope to discourage others from trying to do the same.”
Mills’ office filed the complaint in Kennebec County Superior Court on Feb. 29. Mills also wants an accounting of how Somes used consumer deposits. If the court finds his actions discussed in this case were intentional, it could impose a $10,000 civil penalty for each violation.