Fort Smith, ARK — The Arkansas Attorney General’s office has filed a lawsuit against Pole Barns of Arkansas, a contracting company accused of defrauding at least 10 customers. The company, which specializes in building pole barns, allegedly misled clients, resulting in financial losses totaling $235,284.
The lawsuit, filed on Monday in Pulaski County Circuit Court, claims that Pole Barns of Arkansas engaged in deceptive business practices that left customers without the services they paid for. According to the Attorney General’s office, the company’s actions were part of a pattern of fraudulent behavior, leading to significant financial harm for several consumers.
This legal action follows a series of regulatory steps taken earlier this year. In July, customers gathered in a small courtroom to witness the revocation of the company’s contracting license. The state’s decision to revoke the license came after numerous complaints and investigations into the company’s business practices.
Attorney General Tim Griffin has called the company’s actions “unacceptable,” stating that businesses must be held accountable for misleading and cheating consumers. “We will not tolerate businesses that prey on hardworking Arkansans,” Griffin said in a statement. “Our office is committed to ensuring that consumers are protected from fraudulent activity, and we will continue to pursue justice in this case.”
The lawsuit seeks to recover the financial losses suffered by the victims and impose civil penalties on the company. If found guilty, Pole Barns of Arkansas could face substantial fines, potentially reaching into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The Attorney General’s office has urged any additional individuals who believe they may have been defrauded by the company to come forward. As investigations continue, the case has brought attention to the importance of consumer protections in the construction industry, particularly with regard to smaller, independent contractors.
Pole Barns of Arkansas has not yet responded publicly to the lawsuit or the revocation of its license. The company’s legal team is expected to file a response in the coming weeks.
As the case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the risks consumers face when hiring contractors and the critical role of state agencies in safeguarding the public from fraud.