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# Pennsylvania Sues Over Alleged Fake Lanternfly Permits; Official Training Is Free
- URL: https://www.theamericanquorum.com/state-news-pennsylvania-2026-09-30-a/
- Published: 2026-09-30T21:27:04.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-30T21:27:04.000Z
- Description: Pennsylvania’s attorney general says deceptive mailings sold fake spotted-lanternfly permits and training. Businesses should verify requirements with Agriculture and use the state’s free course.
- Author: News Desk
- Tags: Business, Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s attorney general has sued an Idaho man and his company, alleging they used official-looking mailings to sell fraudulent spotted-lanternfly permits and training to residents and businesses. The practical warning for companies is straightforward: legitimate Pennsylvania permit training and permits are available without charge through the state and Penn State Extension.

[The Office of Attorney General said Wednesday](https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/taking-action/ag-sundays-bureau-of-consumer-protection-sues-alleged-scammer-selling-fraudulent-spotted-lanternfly-permits/?ref=theamericanquorum.com) that Kevin Wardell and Diverse Solutions LLC operated under the name “Spotted Lanternfly Commission.” The state alleges their letters used deceptive logos and terminology to resemble Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture communications and threatened civil or criminal penalties unless recipients quickly bought the offered materials.

[WPXI reported that the complaint was filed in Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas](https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/pennsylvania-attorney-general-sues-alleged-spotted-lanternfly-permit-scammer/K2CMCSAUFZEHRNMPEIRAHKQAIQ/?ref=theamericanquorum.com). The lawsuit seeks to bar Wardell and Diverse Solutions from doing business in Pennsylvania, obtain restitution for buyers and impose civil penalties. Those are allegations and requested remedies; the case has not been adjudicated.

## Who actually needs a permit

The underlying quarantine rules are real, which is what makes an official-looking solicitation potentially confusing. [The Department of Agriculture says a permit is required](https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pda/plants-land-water/spotted-lanternfly/spotted-lanternfly-program-information/businesses/do-i-need-a-permit?ref=theamericanquorum.com) for businesses, agencies and organizations that move regulated products, vehicles or other conveyances within or out of a quarantine area. Certain out-of-state companies moving regulated articles into Pennsylvania also need one.

The requirement extends beyond farms. The state’s examples include manufacturers, delivery companies, bus operators, auto dealerships and home-health businesses using vehicles in quarantine areas. By contrast, an office-only business with no company vehicles or product movement may not need a permit, though employees are encouraged to keep a compliance checklist in personal vehicles.

[The official business-compliance page directs managers or supervisors to a free permit course](https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pda/plants-land-water/spotted-lanternfly/spotted-lanternfly-program-information/businesses?ref=theamericanquorum.com) developed with Penn State Extension. The training covers inspections of products, packaging, vehicles and other items that can carry the pest. Businesses can confirm requirements through SLFPermit@pa.gov or 717-787-5674 rather than relying on an unsolicited notice.

## What recipients should do

A business that received one of the disputed letters should preserve the mailing, invoice and proof of payment, verify its actual permit obligation with Agriculture, and avoid paying a private sender merely because a letter uses government-style language. Anyone who believes they paid for fraudulent materials can use the attorney general’s [consumer or scam complaint forms](https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/submit-a-complaint/?ref=theamericanquorum.com) to provide documents for review.

The enforcement case does not cancel Pennsylvania’s quarantine. [Agriculture says the invasive insect was first found in Berks County in 2014](https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pda/plants-land-water/spotted-lanternfly?ref=theamericanquorum.com) and threatens grape, fruit-tree, nursery and timber industries; a state-cited economic study estimated uncontrolled damage could cost $324 million annually and more than 2,800 jobs.

That distinction is the essential service point: comply with the real quarantine, but obtain guidance and training from official channels. A permit solicitation that demands payment or immediate action should be checked against the state’s free program before money changes hands.