EcoShield Pest Solutions Sued Over Alleged Unauthorized Cancellation Fees

EcoShield Pest Solutions Sued Over Unauthorized Cancellation Fees

A new class action lawsuit has been brought against EcoShield Pest Solutions, a pest control firm, for allegedly charging customers unauthorized cancellation fees. The lawsuit brings to light issues regarding the handling of pest control contracts and what customers are being informed about upfront regarding charges and cancellation procedures.

Lawsuit Details

A customer brought the lawsuit, against Patrick Shaffer. He alleges that EcoShield billed him—and, he claims, countless other customers—a cancellation fee not adequately disclosed in the initial service contract. More specifically, the lawsuit asserts that customers were billed a $150 fee when they attempted to cancel their regular pest control service when the service agreement did not adequately indicate that such a charge would be incurred.

Shaffer is currently seeking to represent a group of consumers in a class action lawsuit, which may have the company facing monetary fines and refunds to harmed consumers.

The Main Issue: Hidden Fees

The suit states that EcoShield provides an "Annual Commitment Discount" that reduces the initial cost of the initial service visit. But if the customer cancels service before a year has passed, the company allegedly requires the return of that discount, Shaffer contends. This is really a secret cancellation fee—one that is not clearly disclosed and not legally warranted, she contends.

The suit alleges that this is against contract law since the original contract does not refer to such a fee. It also states that EcoShield defrauded consumers by not fully disclosing the actual implication of the discount and what would happen if they canceled prematurely.

Threats of Collections

Another central issue in the suit is that customers who did not pay the cancellation fee were threatened with collection, the plaintiff claims. According to the lawsuit, EcoShield sent letters stating the unpaid fee would be reported to credit reporting agencies or transferred to collection agencies. Those threats, the lawsuit claims, coerced customers into paying fees they didn't owe.

The complaint filed in court alleges EcoShield of unjust enrichment, contract breach, and consumer protection statute violation in Arizona and Colorado, where it has business operations.

Legal Case Background

The lawsuit was initiated on April 3, 2025, in the District Court of the United States for the District of Colorado. The plaintiff is seeking a jury trial and is claiming damages not only for himself but also for anyone else who could have been harmed by the same actions. The amount of damages sought is more than $5.5 million.

The case is called Shaffer v. EcoShield Pest Solutions Denver, LLC et al., Case No. 1:25-cv-01057.

Why It Matters

This case is a reminder to consumers of the need to know what they're getting into before signing a service agreement. Most consumers don't know that ongoing services might have cancellation policies or fees. Even if a business provides a discount, there could be strings attached—particularly if the discount includes a long-term commitment.

Consumers should

• Carefully read through all service contracts prior to consenting to any regular plans.
• Ask questions in case something in the contract appears ambiguous.
• Check for any reference to cancellation charges or refundable discount requirements.
• Have all verbal commitments in writing.

Know Your Consumer Rights

Consumers usually have the right to cancel some contracts in several states within a couple of days, particularly if they are signed at home or for routine services. The majority of the states also have regulations that prohibit companies from adding hidden fees or using false language in contracts.

If you've encountered similar practices—or if you're not sure if a company overcharged you—you can file a complaint with the state attorney general's office or your local consumer protection agency. You can also talk to an attorney if you believe your rights were infringed upon.

Agreed.

Although this lawsuit is currently pending and nothing has been established in court as yet, it is a good reminder to always be careful when committing to service contracts. Pest control services, as with any other service provider, need to make their policies and fees well-defined. Ambush fees and ambiguous contract terms can result in legal ramifications and loss of customer confidence.

As a shopper, taking a few minutes to familiarize yourself with your rights and read the fine print can safeguard you from surprise disappointments—and potential financial anxiety—down the line.