Apr. 8—The Attorney General’s Office has filed a civil complaint against two individuals and several businesses in Cheshire County for taking advance payments for construction jobs and work they were unable to complete.

The civil complaint for multiple violations of the Consumer Protection Act was filed in Cheshire County Superior Court against Christopher Vittum, Caitlin Vittum (née Hewitt), NEC Construction 603 LLC, CRV Construction & Tiny Homes LLC, and Utopia Construction & Designs, according to a news release.

The Vittums allegedly accepted more than $175,000 from at least 13 customers promising to provide construction services, the news release said.

The allegations include:

* Collecting substantial advance payments for construction jobs without the intent or ability to complete such jobs.

* Spending advance consumer payments without performing contracted-for work.

* Failing to respond to consumers after a request for a refund is issued.

* Failing to provide refunds to consumers.

* Changing business contact information during the pendency of consumer contracts without notifying consumers.

* Making multiple material misrepresentations to consumers.

In addition to seeking restitution for the violations, the charges carry civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, plus costs and expenses.

The AG is seeking to ban the defendants from owning and operating any construction businesses in New Hampshire or be able to accept advance payments for work.