Mendham Home Furnishings Business Accused of Consumer Fraud

The state has filed suit for consumer fraud in Superior Court in Morristown against a Mendham home furnishings company, according to a statement from the Consumer Affairs and Law divisions of the Office of the Attorney General.

The divisions allege JLT Millworks Inc. took thousands of dollars in deposits and payments from individual consumers and then, among other things, failed to provide consumers with contracted-for home furniture and furnishings or delivered damaged or non-conforming products.

“We’ve taken this action because consumers did not get what they paid for with their hard-earned money,” Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman said. “The alleged legal violations committed by Tupper harmed consumers and our goal is to get consumers refunds or delivery of their merchandise.”

The Division of Consumer Affairs reportedly received 12 complaints against the company from customers saying they collective paid more than $70,000  in non-refundable deposits, representing at least 50 percent of the total cost of the home furniture and furnishings, and other payments. JLT Millworks and its principal, 44-year-old Green Brook resident Janice Tupper, are accused of violating the state’s Consumer Fraud Act and Home Furniture and Furnishings Regulations. 

JLT Millworks, operating at various times from Mendham in Morris County and New Brunswick in Middlesex County, advertises that it sells custom-made home furniture and furnishings, including wood flooring, beams, mantels and siding. The company also does business under the names Lumber Jane Millworks, Lumber Jane Wide Plank Flooring, Lumber Jane Barn Beams, Lumber Jane Rustic Mantels and Lumber Jane Antique Barn Siding.

“Our consumer protection laws require full and accurate disclosures be made in contracts, including a specified furniture delivery date and the consumer’s recourse if scheduled deliveries do not occur. Consumers should always check contracts for this required information before signing the contract and paying a deposit,” said DCA Director Eric T. Kanefsky.

Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of consumer abuse, can file a complaint with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.