The state Attorney General’s Office has filed a civil lawsuit against a financial services company and its owner. The allegation: that at least four consumers, three of whom are military veterans, were bilked out of nearly $25,000.

The lawsuit filed against James Wallace and Ohio-based Wallace Marketing Group is the result of an investigation by the AG’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

The lawsuit depicts a system that centered on a company that catered its financial services specifically to veterans.

The suit claims that Mr. Wallace and his company accepted up-front fees from Pennsylvania consumers and promised financial services, such as lines of credit, mortgage refinancing and credit improvement. However, Mr. Wallace and the company failed to deliver those services and also failed to provide refunds promised to consumers, according to the lawsuit.

The suit also alleges that Mr. Wallace and the company also violated the Credit Services Act by not having the required registration and a bonding or trust account. Further violations of the Credit Services Act occurred when Wallace and the company allegedly failed to adhere to legally required contract provisions and failed to make other required disclosures. Additionally, Mr. Wallace’s company was not registered in Pennsylvania.

The Bureau of Consumer Protection is seeking restitution for all consumers who suffered losses as a result of the alleged business practices of Mr. Wallace and his company. The lawsuit also seeks $1,000 for every violation of the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, as well as $3,000 for every violation involving a consumer 60 years old or older.

The lawsuit was filed in the Clinton County Court of Common Pleas. Three of the consumers who filed complaints with the Bureau of Consumer Protection related to Mr. Wallace’s business practices reside in Clinton County. The other is a resident of Centre County.

According to the Bureau of Consumer Protection, Mr. Wallace filed for bankruptcy in 2012 and was indicted on federal criminal charges on April 22 in connection to a $1.5 million loan scam. There is currently no evidence to link the AG’s case to the federal investigation brought by the FBI. Tonduct alleged by the Bureau of Consumer Protection happened after the bankruptcy filing, according to a news release from the AG’s office.

Officials said that consumers with questions or who feel they have been victimized by the Wallace Marketing Group may file a complaint with the Bureau of Consumer Protection by visiting www.attorneygeneral.gov, calling 800-441-2555 or emailing [email protected].