Missoula, MT – A Flathead County contractor has agreed to pay $200,000 to victims of a construction scam and cease doing business in Montana, following an investigation by the state’s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP). The settlement, announced earlier this week by Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, comes after allegations that contractor Nathainel Gevern Lewis violated the Montana Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act through his businesses, “From the Ground Up Construction” and “NGL Construction.”
The OCP’s investigation revealed that Lewis used his companies to solicit customers for construction services, only to demand payments upfront without completing the promised work. The settlement also includes a ban on Lewis continuing to operate as a contractor in the state. While the agreement was signed by Attorney General Knudsen and Lewis, it is awaiting approval from a Flathead County judge.
Despite the settlement, there have been reports indicating that Lewis may still be in the Flathead County area, allegedly continuing to solicit victims under the guise of a legitimate contractor. These concerns have prompted the OCP to warn the public to remain vigilant when hiring contractors.
In light of this case, officials have issued several guidelines to help consumers avoid falling prey to similar scams. Prospective clients are encouraged to conduct thorough research before selecting a contractor and to follow these best practices:
- Understand Your Project – Research the job to fully understand what it entails before reaching out to contractors.
- Obtain Multiple Bids – Seek estimates from at least three different contractors, and consider recommendations from trusted friends and family members who have undertaken similar projects.
- Check References – Ask contractors for a list of recent clients, and contact these references to ensure the contractor’s reliability.
- Get Written Estimates – Always request written bids to avoid relying on verbal agreements that can be vague or subject to change.
- Verify Registration and Insurance – Ensure the contractor is properly registered with the state and holds necessary insurance coverage, including liability and workers’ compensation.
- Ensure Bonding – Confirm that the contractor is bonded, which offers additional consumer protection.
- Use a Written Contract – A detailed contract should outline the work to be performed, timelines, material specifications, costs, guarantees, and any necessary permits or licenses.
- Monitor Progress – Regularly inspect the work being done and ensure any changes or issues are documented in writing.
Attorney General Knudsen also emphasized that home improvement scams are especially prevalent during warmer weather and after natural disasters when many people are in urgent need of repair services. He urged consumers to exercise caution and due diligence when hiring contractors to protect themselves from fraud and financial loss.
The settlement with Lewis underscores the importance of holding unscrupulous contractors accountable and providing victims with some measure of restitution. However, officials continue to warn the public about the ongoing risk of contractor fraud, particularly as the construction industry remains a prime target for scams.
