West Virginia sues building suplies vendor for allegedly failing to provide paid for materials

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey has filed a lawsuit against a Boone County man for allegedly violating the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act by taking orders for shed and barn building kits and failing to provide materials for which consumers had already paid.

The Attorney General’s Office says their Consumer Division has received 23 formal complaints against Douglas Baisden as of the end of 2023 and are aware of at least 17 other consumers who may be victims but did not file a complaint.

“This lawsuit is a warning to anyone who thinks they can cheat consumers and get away with it,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “It’s really very simple: you must follow the law if you want to do business in West Virginia, and be honest about your work.”

According to the lawsuit, Baisden had been doing business as Build a Barn LLC and Barnyard Building Supplies LLC, engaging in the sale of building kits since at least 2013.

Beginning in 2021, Baisden continued to take orders and full payments from consumers but failed to ship or fulfill the orders. Consumers attempted to contact Baisden to either get their building kits or a refund. Baisden allegedly made excuses or cut off contact. At least nine consumers have filed individual lawsuits to recover their money.

Though 23 complaints have been filed, according to court papers the Attorney General seeks “to secure consumer restitution and other equitable relief for all victims of Baisden, including those not presently known but who may become known” during this litigation.

The Attorney General is asking the Logan County Circuit Court to permanently ban Baisden from engaging, directly or indirectly, in the activity of accepting payments from consumers for goods intended to be delivered in the future, including but not limited to building kits.

Additionally, the Attorney General is asking for financial restitution for eligible consumers, civil penalties and attorneys’ fees that resulted in the investigation and litigation of this matter.

Read a copy of the lawsuit here.

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