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State AG suing alleged snow plow scammer

Posted at 12:59 PM, Feb 03, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-03 12:59:00-05

A contractor who customers say did not plow their driveways is being sued by the State Attorney General.

Eric Schneiderman has filed a suit against Joseph Lloyd, saying in some cases Lloyd charged customers more than $275 for snow removal services, none of which they received following several recent snowfalls.

The owner of Gold N' Gifts on Hamburg Street in East Aurora said she hired Lloyd for $725 in November of 2015. She said he plowed once, but that was it.  

According to the civil suit, Lloyd also failed to provide home improvement services after receiving payments from customers.

Schneiderman is looking to recoup customers’ losses. In the meantime, an injunction has been issued that prohibits Lloyd from selling any of his assets or using his bank accounts and accepting advance payments from customers.

"The goal of our agency is to prevent further harm to consumers," explained Assistant Attorney General, James Morrissey. "That's why we're trying to stop him in hid tracks and why we got the temporary restraining order. The goal of our office is to try and get restitution for consumers who've been ripped off. And thirdly, the imposition, fines and penalties when people violate the law."

This case is similar to that of Scott Romero, a snow plow scammer who went to jail for six months after ripping off customers for more than $100,000.

Several police agencies are investigating this case and criminal charges may be filed. Lloyd is scheduled to appear in court for this civil matter on February 25th. 

 
 

 

 

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