Buckeye Reporter

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has filed a lawsuit against First Premier Home Warranty and its owner, alleging deceptive business practices that have adversely affected Ohio consumers.

“Ohioans deserve reliable services when they pay a company their hard-earned money,” Yost stated. “Honest businesses do what they say they’re going to do – false promises won’t hold up.”

The lawsuit targets Albert Sayegh, who operates First Premier from Brooklyn, New York. It seeks to hold him accountable for over two years of alleged misconduct.

Between August 1, 2022, and August 7, 2024, thirteen Ohio consumers filed complaints against First Premier with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. Additionally, eighteen Ohio consumers lodged complaints with the Better Business Bureau in New York.

According to the lawsuit, First Premier misrepresented its products and services to consumers. Complaints indicate that the company rarely covers claims and that payments made are typically insufficient for necessary repairs or replacements.

Consumers have reported frustration with what they describe as a one-sided contract that fails to deliver promised benefits despite annual payments ranging from $400 to $650, plus additional service costs.

The lawsuit also accuses First Premier of violating the Consumer Sales Practices Act by manipulating online reviews. The company allegedly allowed consumers who posted negative feedback to cancel their accounts only if they removed their reviews and posted false reviews by fake consumers. Evidence of this practice was obtained during an investigation by Yost’s Consumer Protection Section.

Additionally, the lawsuit states that First Premier violated the Telephone Solicitation Sales Act by failing to register with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office as required by Ohio law.

Yost is asking the court to require the defendants to change their business practices to comply with Ohio law, reimburse consumers, and pay civil penalties and court costs.

Consumers who believe they have a complaint against First Premier Home Warranty or suspect another unfair or deceptive business practice are encouraged to contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.

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