MACOMB TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Attorney General Bill Schuette announced Tuesday charges against a southeastern Michigan man and his company, Planet Mobility, for an alleged fraud against consumers seeking to purchase mobility products for the disabled.
Michael Woods, 43, of Macomb Township, and his company, Planet Mobility, are each charged with two counts of False Pretenses ($1,000-$20,000), a five-year felony. The charges come as the result of an Attorney General investigation conducted after unsatisfied consumers filed complaints with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.
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"Consumer protection is one of the most important responsibilities of the Attorney General," said Schuette. "I'm honored to uphold the legacy of Frank Kelley by being a strong consumer advocate. Companies and individuals who knowingly defraud consumers will be held accountable."
An investigation by the Attorney General investigators revealed that Woods allegedly accepted online orders for mobility products with his company Planet Mobility, but failed to deliver on the orders. When customers complained, Woods allegedly promised to send a refund, but the refunds never materialized, leaving consumers without thousands of dollars or the product they needed.
In one case, the wife of a disabled retired law enforcement officer allegedly ordered a table lift for a cost of $6,401.34. After waiting three months for delivery of the lift, the consumer disputed the charge with her credit card issuer and ultimately ordered the lift directly from the manufacturer. In a second case, another couple allegedly ordered a wheelchair lift from Planet Mobility at a cost of $5,830, which was paid by check. The lift was never delivered, and despite alleged promises of a refund by Woods, the victims never received their money back.
Woods and Planet Mobility are each charged in Shelby Township 41-A1 District Court with two counts of False Pretenses ($1,000-$20,000), a five-year felony. Arrangements are being made for Woods to surrender himself to authorities, and arraignment on the charges is expected this week.
Schuette asks any consumers who believe they may have been victims of Michael Woods or Planet Mobility to file a complaint online with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division. Complaint forms can be accessed at www.michigan.gov/ag. Consumers can also request a hard copy complaint form be sent to them in the mail by calling the Consumer Protection Division toll-free, 1-877-765-8388.