COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has launched legal action against Liberty Restoration and its owner, Josh Basinger, over allegations of fraud involving $158,000 in unfulfilled home repairs. The lawsuit, filed in Franklin County Common Pleas Court, accuses the contractor of breaching state consumer protection laws.
“Mother Nature caused the damage, and now a dishonest contractor has added insult to injury,” Yost said. “We are intervening to recover these funds for the affected homeowners.”
The lawsuit claims Liberty Restoration marketed its repair services in areas hit by storms, accepting deposits either directly from customers or via checks from their insurance companies. However, many consumers have reported that the company either failed to complete the repairs, did subpar work, or avoided their attempts to follow up. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that Liberty Restoration promised refunds that were never provided.
The Attorney General’s Office, alongside the Better Business Bureau, has received 20 unresolved complaints about Liberty Restoration, amounting to $158,000 in reported damages.
The lawsuit seeks to secure restitution for the affected homeowners, impose civil penalties, and prevent Liberty Restoration from continuing operations until they make the required restitution.
To help prevent falling victim to similar scams, the Attorney General’s Office advises consumers to:
- Research the Contractor: Confirm the contractor’s identity, check their reputation with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau, and ask for references.
- Get Multiple Estimates: Obtain at least three written estimates to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.
- Avoid Large Upfront Payments: Pay in stages, such as a third at the start, a third halfway through, and the final third upon completion.
- Get Everything in Writing: Make sure all promises and details are included in a written contract, including any use of subcontractors and required licenses.
- Understand Cancellation Rights: Know that you typically have three days to cancel a door-to-door sale contract.
- Pay with a Credit Card: Using a credit card can offer better protection against fraudulent charges.
Anyone who believes they have been deceived by Liberty Restoration or other questionable practices should contact the Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.
