Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced that charges have been filed against a Williamsport contractor after taking multiple deposits from residents and not doing the work.
Michael Bloom is currently facing 37 felony charges after allegedly entering into contracts with 6 homeowners to install elevators in their homes. He is said to have taken their deposits but never followed through with the installations.
Officials say 5 of the 6 homeowners were over 60 years old. In all 6 cases, Bloom took deposits and provided little to no services in return. When residents requested refunds, officials say Bloom refused to return the deposits.
Bloom has been charged with 37 felonies total, including Home Improvement Fraud, Deceptive Business Practices, Theft by Deception, and Theft of Unlawful Taking.
A.G. Shapiro released the following statement regarding the charges filed against Bloom:
The law is clear on this. Contractors can’t enter into a contract, accept money from a homeowner, and then fail to deliver — and that’s just what Bloom did. He pocketed $86,110 from his clients and did none of the work he promised. That’s theft, and my office won’t stand for it, we’re taking action to get Pennsylvanians their money back.
Bloom posted his $75,000 bail.
Any consumers who believe they or their family members may have been a victim of Michael Bloom should file a complaint online with the Bureau of Consumer Protection, email scams@attorneygeneral.gov, or call 800-441-2555.