PHOENIX — An Arizona landscaper has received a $195,761 judgment from a state court for taking nearly $90,000 in prepayments from customers without providing services, according to the state's Attorney General's Office.
According to Attorney General Mark Brnovich's lawsuit against Arizona landscaper Brent Ford, he took advanced payment to landscape customers' yards but, in some cases, never performed the work or deceived customers regarding the services they would be receiving.
“Beware of fake contractors offering big promises and small prices,” Brnovich said in a statement. “Do your homework before hiring a contractor, and be wary of arrangements that require a large upfront payment before the work is done.”
According to the Attorney General's Office, Ford avoided being served with the lawsuit, which resulted in a default judgement.
Ford has been ordered to pay $89,599 in restitution to customers and $100,000 in civil penalties, Brnovich's office said. Also according to the judgment, Ford is prohibited from operating or working in landscaping construction in Arizona.