Maryland Athletic Equipment Manufacturer Ordered to Pay $314,000 Over Deceptive Sales Practices

A Maryland athletic equipment manufacturer has been ordered to pay substantial penalties and restitution following violations of state consumer protection laws. The Maryland Office of the Attorney General announced a final order against Gerald Stringer, owner of Elkton-based Tiffin Athletic Mats, for collecting payments from consumers, schools, and nonprofits without delivering the promised equipment or refunds.

The Consumer Protection Division’s Final Order mandates Stringer to pay $174,000 in penalties and return $139,431.20 to affected consumers. Additionally, Stringer is prohibited from accepting upfront payments without first posting a $300,000 surety bond with the Division. The investigation revealed that Tiffin Mats, under Stringer’s ownership, misled customers about delivery capabilities and timelines and failed to issue refunds when orders were not fulfilled. Prior to Stringer’s ownership beginning in 2017, the company’s previous owners, Daniel and Bradely Tiffin, also entered into settlements agreeing to provide restitution to consumers.

Operating under various names, including Tiffin Mats, Inc. and Tiffin Athletic Mats, Inc., the company collected thousands of dollars in advance, often from funds raised by school athletic programs. As a result, many wrestling teams and cheer squads were left to use outdated or borrowed equipment. The Office of Administrative Hearings gathered testimony from 30 consumers, schools, and nonprofit organizations who were affected, leading to the findings against Stringer.

Consumers with concerns or questions are encouraged to contact the Consumer Protection Division’s hotline at (410) 528-8662.

Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from the Maryland Office of the Attorney General press release.

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