On Thursday, the Department of Attorney General filed an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance and Discontinuance (PDF) in the 30th Judicial Circuit Court in Ingham County resolving an investigation into alleged unlawful business practices by Ecoshield Pest Solutions Detroit, LLC (Ecoshield), announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
The Assurance resolves the investigation and potential litigation of alleged violations of the Michigan Home Solicitation Sales Act (HSSA) and the Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCPA).
Ecoshield, which sells pest control services to Michigan consumers through a door-to-door solicitation model, was the subject of an investigation by the Department following consumer complaints alleging Ecoshield’s contracts included language attempting to waive consumers’ cancellation rights due to an alleged emergency as well as customers’ rights to refunds for payments made for services rendered before a timely cancellation. Contracts also allegedly lacked the required notice of cancellation form.
The terms of the Assurance require Ecoshield to discontinue utilizing their former unlawful contracts and instead use revised contract language that complies with the HSSA and MCPA. Ecoshield represents that they have already ceased using the former unlawful contracts. Ecoshield also agrees to refund any consumer who contacts the Department by Dec. 31, 2024, with proof that they attempted to exercise their contract cancellation rights under the HSSA but were denied cancellation and refund.
“While some door-to-door salespeople may offer genuine benefits, it’s important to remember you’re in control of your doorway and your wallet,” Nessel said. “Don’t feel pressured to make a decision on the spot. Take your time, ask questions, and gather all the information you need before considering any offer. Remember, reputable businesses won’t mind waiting for an informed consumer.”
Michigan consumers who previously tried to cancel and believe they are still owed a refund under this agreement, or who suspect consumer protection violations by other companies, are encouraged to contact the Department of Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team at:
Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form at https://secure.ag.state.mi.us/complaints/consumer.aspx
The Assurance resolves the investigation and potential litigation of alleged violations of the Michigan Home Solicitation Sales Act (HSSA) and the Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCPA).
Ecoshield, which sells pest control services to Michigan consumers through a door-to-door solicitation model, was the subject of an investigation by the Department following consumer complaints alleging Ecoshield’s contracts included language attempting to waive consumers’ cancellation rights due to an alleged emergency as well as customers’ rights to refunds for payments made for services rendered before a timely cancellation. Contracts also allegedly lacked the required notice of cancellation form.
The terms of the Assurance require Ecoshield to discontinue utilizing their former unlawful contracts and instead use revised contract language that complies with the HSSA and MCPA. Ecoshield represents that they have already ceased using the former unlawful contracts. Ecoshield also agrees to refund any consumer who contacts the Department by Dec. 31, 2024, with proof that they attempted to exercise their contract cancellation rights under the HSSA but were denied cancellation and refund.
“While some door-to-door salespeople may offer genuine benefits, it’s important to remember you’re in control of your doorway and your wallet,” Nessel said. “Don’t feel pressured to make a decision on the spot. Take your time, ask questions, and gather all the information you need before considering any offer. Remember, reputable businesses won’t mind waiting for an informed consumer.”
Michigan consumers who previously tried to cancel and believe they are still owed a refund under this agreement, or who suspect consumer protection violations by other companies, are encouraged to contact the Department of Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team at:
Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form at https://secure.ag.state.mi.us/complaints/consumer.aspx
