Todd Clifford and John Szymonek

New York, NY: (Apr-25-07) Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's office filed federal lawsuits against two operators of home improvement businesses that victimized dozens of consumers in Monroe County. Todd Clifford, owner of Todd Clifford's Painting and More and other home improvement businesses, was accused of defrauding 28 consumers who paid for services that were never provided or received sub-standard work that required consumers to hire other contractors to fix the projects. The suit claimed that Clifford engaged in fraudulent and deceptive acts and violations of the state Home Improvement Contracts Law and Lien Law. He was ordered to pay a total of $31,338 in restitution, civil penalties of $5,000 and statutory costs of $2,000. John Szymonek, owner of HBC Construction, Inc. and HB Construction and Management Company, was ordered to pay $49,807.77 in total restitution to 21 consumers who were defrauded. He must also pay civil penalties in the amount of $10,000 and statutory costs of $4,000. The AG's office claimed that Szymonek demanded payment in-full for projects that were never performed. Complaints indicated he used threats and intimidation to force payments from victims. On other projects, Szymonek performed sub-standard work, failed to complete jobs, and failed to pay subcontractors. He also falsely claimed that his businesses were members of the Better Business Bureau and Better Contractors Bureau. [EMPIRE STATE NEWS: BUSINESS FRAUD]

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Published on Apr-30-07