Pennsylvania’s top law enforcement officer has filed a lawsuit against a scammer mimicking the PA Department of Agriculture.
According to Attorney General Dave Sunday, the scam allegedly perpetrated by Kevin Wardell and Diverse Solutions, LLC of Idaho used the name “Spotted Lanternfly Commission”.
The company allegedly used deceptive logos and terminology to get residents to pay for fraudulent permits and training. The company also threatened civil and criminal penalties if compliance was not given immediately.
The state is under a Quarantine Order issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to address the infestation of the spotted lanternfly with certain businesses required to obtain a permit from the Department of Agriculture.
There is no cost to attend the training or obtain the permit. The lawsuit asks the court to prohibit the company from conducting business in Pennsylvania and seeks restitution for all consumers who purchased the fraudulent permits or training.
