Pennsylvania Attorney General Sues Philadelphia Salvage and Owner
Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against Restoration Company
On Friday, Dec. 12, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General filed a lawsuit against Philadelphia Salvage, a restoration service company based in Philadelphia, and its owner, Christopher Stock.
The lawsuit alleges that Philadelphia Salvage and Stock entered into contracts with consumers for services that largely involved restoring antiques and heirloom household fixtures, but then failed to complete the agreed work and refused to issue refunds. According to officials, consumers incurred approximately $20,000 in losses as a result of these alleged actions.
Alleged Contract Violations and Consumer Losses
The complaint asserts that the company entered into service contracts with multiple consumers and did not perform the contracted restoration work. The lawsuit further states that when work was not completed, Philadelphia Salvage and its owner did not return customers’ money.
Officials report that consumers collectively lost around $20,000. The lawsuit cites violations of the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law and seeks to hold both the company and Christopher Stock accountable for these alleged violations.
Requested Restitution and Penalties
The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General is seeking restitution for the consumers identified as alleged victims. The lawsuit also requests that Philadelphia Salvage and Stock be prohibited from operating in Pennsylvania in the future.
In addition, the lawsuit seeks civil penalties of $1,000 for each violation of the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. For every violation involving a consumer who is 60 years of age or older, the lawsuit requests civil penalties of $3,000.
Attorney General’s Statement and Consumer Guidance
Attorney General Dave Sunday stated that consumers paid for services to restore important items and that the company failed to perform the work and refused to provide refunds. He said the lawsuit is intended to affirm that contracts are binding and that his office will act on behalf of Pennsylvania consumers when such agreements are not honored.
The Office of Attorney General has advised that anyone who believes they were victimized by Philadelphia Salvage should file a complaint with the office online. The lawsuit remains available for public viewing.
Company Status and Prior Statements
In an article published in September 2023, Christopher Stock stated that Philadelphia Salvage had gone bankrupt. That article reported that customers had filed complaints with the state, alleging that Philadelphia Salvage took deposits and did not return property.
The Philadelphia Salvage website is currently not accessible. Online users on a discussion forum claimed 10 months ago that the company had closed.