LEGAL NEWSLINE

The Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) had a busy summer resolving various, separate matters. CAP features a letter mediation program that aims to resolve consumer complaints. Resolved matters included:  

• A homeowner complained that a residential contractor owed her nearly $25,000 following a dispute. The State of Vermont settled the matter by ensuring monthly payments to the homeowner.
• A subcontractor was hired to manufacture custom bunkbeds but failed to perform the work while keeping nearly $14,000 for the job. The parties entered into a repayment agreement to resolve the matter.
• A local business was closing its primary commercial location but planned to operate online – but it advertised that it was “going out of business” which misled consumers into thinking it would cease operations altogether. CAP resolved the matter with a requirement to comply with advertising rules in the future and pay a $1,000 penalty.

“Every day, we are helping Vermonters solve their consumer problems,” said Attorney General Charity Clark. “Often, we are able to do that quickly through our letter mediation program at the Consumer Assistance Program. When violations happen, we act swiftly to enforce the law, and we also want to help businesses follow best practices and follow the law. The best way to do that is to understand the rules and laws of the State of Vermont, and the Consumer Assistance Program uses these situations as opportunities to provide that education.”

Vermonters who wish to make a consumer complaint may contact the Consumer Assistance Program at 800-649-2424, or make a complaint online at: https://ago.vermont.gov/cap.

Original source can be found here.