News Summary
In the wake of storm recovery efforts, Asheville residents are cautioned against contractor fraud. North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson highlights recent increases in dishonest contracting practices that exploit homeowners seeking repairs. Citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant and thoroughly research contractors before hiring them. Multiple complaints have arisen against a local company, leading to wider investigations into fraudulent activities. The community is urged to exercise caution as they navigate recovery in these challenging times.
Asheville Residents Urged to Be Wary of Contractor Fraud During Storm Recovery
Asheville is buzzing with recent developments following a visit from North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson, who came to Biltmore Village to shed light on an alarming uptick in contractor fraud, especially in the wake of storm recovery efforts. Jackson’s visit was in collaboration with Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer and Chief of Police Mike Lamb, signaling a united front against these unfortunate happenings.
A Cautionary Tale for Homeowners
With many residents still grappling with the aftermath of storm damage, Jackson believes it’s crucial for consumers to stay vigilant as contractor fraud has surged. He noted that dishonest contractors may take advantage of homeowners desperate to repair their properties. Jackson’s message was clear: do your homework before hiring anyone for those much-needed home repairs.
Legal Battles and Ongoing Concerns
Adding to the discussion, Jackson expressed his concerns about four Executive Orders issued during the Trump administration that he believes could negatively impact North Carolina. Maintaining the independence of the Attorney General is vital to ensure that the interests of the state are protected.
Fighting Fraud Amid Local Complaints
Within Asheville, reports are rolling in about contractor fraud, particularly involving a local company, Kabens, owned by Jason Speier. Multiple civil complaints have surfaced against Kabens and its affiliated entity, KI Enterprises, accusing them of collecting exorbitant deposits—over $328,000 in total—for construction projects that were never completed. It’s a worrisome situation that has left many clients feeling cheated and anxious.
The details of these complaints are quite concerning, revealing a range of fraudulent activities, including breach of contract and misrepresentation. A particularly troubling case involves clients Brad Jones and Justin Steiner, who made hefty upfront payments for log cabin kits that were never delivered. Imagine the disappointment and financial strain they must be feeling!
An Investigation into Kabens and KI Enterprises
Local authorities have reported a backlog of at least 12 open cases against these companies, underscoring the widespread nature of the issue. Additionally, the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors has taken action against Speier, issuing an injunction that prevents him from engaging in any contracting work while these civil cases remain unresolved. His recent application for a license was denied due to concerns regarding his moral character.
The complaints against Speier detail instances of misrepresentation and excessive deposit demands. A closer look reveals that Kabens and another company, Big Timber Log Homes, share a business address and have several individuals in common, raising red flags for investigators. Ongoing investigations at various levels—including local, state, and federal—continue to delve into these allegations, although no criminal charges against Speier and others have been confirmed at this time.
Community Impact and Personal Stories
The community is certainly feeling the impact, with many clients waiting expectantly for resolution. Jones has openly expressed his feelings of embarrassment regarding the situation and has urged others to be cautious when hiring contractors, particularly in these tough times.
In the meantime, Speier has chosen not to participate in interviews but has claimed that he laid off construction staff and that the company is financially insolvent. He mentioned plans to reform the business under a new name, yet he has not provided any tangible evidence of efforts to return funds to dissatisfied customers.
A Call for Caution
As the storm recovery journey continues for many in Asheville, the message from the Attorney General rings louder than ever. Homeowners are encouraged to tread carefully in their search for trustworthy contractors. Keeping informed and staying alert can help protect against the pitfalls of fraud during these challenging recovery efforts.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS News: Attorney General Jeff Jackson’s Visit
- WCNC: Hurricane Recovery Scam Warning
- WLOS News: Kabens Facing Civil Complaints
- ABC11: Cary Man Warns of Check Washing Scheme
- Wikipedia: Contractor Fraud
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
