Former Angie’s List to pay $100,000 to State of Vermont

MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) – Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark announced Monday that the state has won a settlement from Angi, formerly Angie’s List, based on concerns about its marketing.

The website, founded in 1995, connects customers with contractors who perform home repairs and services.

Before this year, according to the settlement, Angi used the phrase “certified pro” to refer to participating contractors in Vermont, a phrase Vermont officials said was inaccurate, as contractors in the state only need to register under Title 26, and the state does not have a “certification” process.

As part of the settlement, Angi has agreed to stop using the term “Angi Certified Pro,” and will remind all Vermont contractors to register under Title 26. The registration is only required for projects where at least $10,000 in payment is received.

“For most Vermonters, our homes are the single biggest investment we make,” said Clark. “It’s vitally important that consumers are not misled by marketing terms that imply confidence or credentials that contractors do not have.”