Tree trimming company accused of scamming seniors

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Indiana’s Attorney General announced Wednesday a lawsuit has been filed against Cutter’s Tree Service.  The suit alleges the company deceived Indianapolis-area senior citizens.

Attorney General Greg Zoeller said Cutter’s Tree Service sold overpriced landscaping services to seniors.  He also said the door-to-door company talked seniors into buying unneeded services.

The complaint was filed in Marion County and names Terry Sizemore, Zack Sizemore and Bill Carr, Jr. as additional defendants in the case. Officials say the defendants falsely claimed to be licensed arborists and also said that Cutter’s Tree Service was in good standing with Angie’s List,

The complaint also alleges the company misrepresented its employees’ qualifications and failed to meet state contract requirements.

The Attorney General’s office gives the following tips to avoid getting scammed:

• Take your time. Don’t let the contractor rush your decision.
• Do your research. Know how much you can afford and what you want done.
• Check with the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney General’s Office to see if complaints have been filed against the contractor.
• Check to make sure the contractor is locally licensed, bonded and insured. A performance bond provides the most direct protection for the consumer.
• If the contractor came to your door unsolicited, ensure you receive a notice from the contractor of your ability to cancel the contract within three days for a full refund before signing any contract.
• Get a contract in writing that details what work is to be done and when it will be finished.
• Never pay for the entire project before the work begins. Do not pay more than 1/3 of the total cost as a down payment.