WINDHAM (WGME) -- The state has settled a lawsuit against a Windham-based moving company accused of preventing customers from posting negative reviews.
According to the Maine Attorney General's Office, an investigation found Liberty Bell Moving and Storage Inc. and its owner, Kevin Finkenaur, violated federal and state acts by prohibiting customers’ negative reviews online and threatening others into removing negative reviews already posted.
As a part of the settlement, Finkenaur was ordered to pay $125,000.
Finkenaur allegedly offered a reduced rate to customers who agreed not to use social media to criticize its services and threatened to sue customers who did.
“It is ironic that a company named for an iconic symbol of freedom would concern itself with violating the free speech and other legally entitled rights of consumers,” said Attorney General Aaron Frey. “I hope this case will remind consumers that no business can require you to waive your right to leave honest reviews of businesses and products.”
While Liberty Bell is based in Windham, it has eight other locations between Bangor and Saco, according to information on its website.