Concord, NH – Attorney General John M. Formella announces the filing of a civil complaint in Rockingham Superior Court against Southers Construction, Inc. and its owner, Ricky Southers, alleging unfair or deceptive practices in violation of the New Hampshire Consumer Protection Act.

The complaint alleges that on 17 different occasions, Southers Construction entered into contracts for home improvement work with customers located in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts, collected deposits in furtherance of the projects, performed little or no work, did not refund the customers, and consistently misled them about the status of their projects and refunds. It further alleges that Southers Construction, under Ricky Southers’ direction, relied on new customer deposits to finance other projects and maintain its operations in order to stave off financial collapse. They are alleged to have collectively deprived the affected customers of over $500,000.

In the complaint, the State is seeking preliminary and permanent relief enjoining Southers Construction and Ricky Southers from taking customer deposits, restitution for affected customers, civil penalties, and relief enjoining Ricky Southers’ ability to own or operate any construction business in New Hampshire.

This case was investigated by Investigator Tom Rees of the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau. Assistant Attorney Zach Frish, also of the Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau, is litigating the case.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of home contractor fraud or theft, please contact your local police department and file a consumer complaint with the Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau at: https://www.doj.nh.gov/consumer/complaints/index.htm.