Story Created:
Aug 4, 2009 at 6:37 AM CST
Story Updated:
Aug 4, 2009 at 6:37 AM CST
(August 4, 2009)
Main Topic: Choosing an Air Conditioning Contractor
With the high temperatures in our area it is not surprising that there come frantic calls by consumers to air conditioning companies. One consumer called the other day and wanted to file a complaint because an A/C contractor would not come out to her home and give an estimate. I explained they had a right to refuse. Just like an MD who is not taking any new patients. A/C companies are covered up right now and they usually tend to their own established customers first.
It would be to one’s advantage to become a valued customer of an air conditioning company before a need arises. One way to do this is by signing up for a maintenance program. Cost is low and you will be on their priority list.
If you need an air conditioning contractor choose wisely. Beware of hiring unlicensed contractors. Under state law you do not have to pay unlicensed A/C contractors. They know this and want their money before doing any work. Hiring an unlicensed contractor may result in poor work. Even work that presents a hazard to the consumer and his family. One way to make sure about a contractor is to go with a BBB accredited business.
Scheme of the week: Fake Check Scams
According to a recent survey by the Consumer Federation of America, nearly one-third of adults have been approached by a scammer trying to pass off fake checks and at least 1.3 million people have become victims of the scam with an average loss of $3,000 to $4,000.
Scams involving fake checks typically require the victim to deposit a check into their bank account and then wire money back to the scammers.
The fake check will ultimately be discovered within a couple weeks and the bank will take the funds out of the account.
The victim of the scam is out whatever money they sent to the scammers and will be responsible for paying the bank back if their account is overdrawn. In addition, they may be prosecuted for check fraud themselves.
There are three basic varieties of this scam:
· Lottery and Government Grant Scam
· Mystery Shopping Scam
· Overpayment Scam
Red Flags to Look for:
- You’re told you won a lottery or received a grant you didn’t apply for.
- The name on the check does not match the name of the company or individual you’re supposedly dealing with.
- You’re given instructions to deposit a check into your account and promptly wire part of those funds back to the sender or to another specified company or contact.
- Don’t be fooled by a phone call. Just because you’ve spoken to the scammer over the phone doesn’t mean they’re not trying to rip you off.
