MIDDLE RIVER, MD—Maryland Attorney Brian E. Frosh has announced that the Consumer Protection Division has entered a Final Order against Patrick Michael Savage, who did business as Extreme Backyard’s, resolving charges that Savage violated the Consumer Protection Act when he took deposits from consumers for home improvement services, failed to provide the services, and refused to refund consumers’ money.
The matter was prosecuted at the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings, which issued a decision on July 25, 2022, finding that Savage lacked the required home improvement license and cheated consumers when he promised to install pools in their homes, took their deposits (which often exceeded one-third of the purchase price in violation of Maryland’s home improvement laws), and then never returned to perform the promised installations.
“This Order should prevent Patrick Savage and his company from harming consumers again,” said Attorney General Frosh. “Consumers owed refunds will receive restitution, and Savage will pay a penalty for his actions.”
The Consumer Protection Division’s Final Order incorporates the Administrative Law Judge’s findings and requires that Savage return all payments he received from consumers for pool installation goods and services that he failed to provide. The consumers who did business with Savage contracted for pool installations during the COVID-19 pandemic, either to entertain their children or for therapeutic purposes. The order identified at least 15 victims who are owed at least $83,588.69. Savage is also ordered to pay the Division a penalty of $75,000, as well the Division’s investigation costs of $37,640.21. The Final Order prohibits Savage from taking any deposits or other forms of payment from consumers before providing any consumer goods or services unless he posts a $100,000 performance bond with the Division that can be used to protect consumers. The Final Order also requires Savage to cease offering home improvement goods or services to consumers unless he complies with Maryland’s home improvement laws, including obtaining a license, collecting no more than one-third of a contract amount for a deposit, and protecting consumers’ deposits.
The Attorney General thanks the Maryland Home Improvement Commission for its assistance in this matter. Consumers can verify a contractor’s license through the Home Improvement Commission’s website. Reviewing the license status of a contractor helps assure consumers that they are working with a reputable contractor. If they have any difficulty with their licensed contractor, they may be able to seek damages through the home improvement guaranty fund.
Consumers who were harmed by Patrick Michael Savage d/b/a Extreme Backyard’s may call the Consumer Protection Division at 410-528-8662, file a complaint online at https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov, or write to the Consumer Protection Division at 200 St. Paul Place, 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202.
Photo by Sora Shimazaki from Pexels
