My wife found an ad in the local "Clipper Magazine" advertizing unlimited vent cleaning, 1 main duct, 1 return and 1 access panel for 1 system for $34.95. She requested the service.
On the morning of the service my wife was working and I was at home with my two year old child. Two men arrived at the door. The first one who did all the talking introduced himself as Jose. I do not remember his partner's name. They where both perfectly nice people and had no problem looking me in the eye as they explained their services.
Before beginning work they had me sign a form to allow the work to begin. I did so and trusted these men who appeared friendly and willing to help. I am always wary of letting strangers into my home and so naturally I am always thinking "what if these people are lying and taking me for a ride". However, I told myself "who would take advantage of a family with a small child running about, a child with hearing loss and a child who was wearing several sets of rosary beads around her neck (as she was while playing).
The first clue to a scam came when Jose approached me to explain something about the vents being 30 feet long and that the discount only applied to something less than that. I know nothing about vents or air conditioning. I come from a country where air conditioning is not necessary.
Anyway, he told me it would cost $230 to clean the vents. Now I am aware of the techniques of businesses. They report a small asking price on the ad to get you to bite but as always there are hidden charges. I felt this was a normal situation. As well as the fact that my daughter was going crazy around me and my attention was split.
Next I was on the phone as my daughter jumped around me. Jose aproached with a small cut out panel from the vents downstairs. He showed me spots of what he said was mold in the vent. I assumed he was telling the truth. My color blindness prevents me from seeing if indeed it is mold.
He said that his company can clean out the mold for a fee. Then he presented the invoice for $2300. I was taken aback as my daughter continued to jump around me. I told him I did not have that type of money. He also mentioned that he wanted to be paid in cash. I feel so foolish now.
When I said no to the $2300 he then said that he would do the job on the side if I was to give him $1000 cash. I told him I didn't have cash. He said he would take a check if I made it out to his name. With so much going on I had little time to process this crazy demand. I agreed because my wife would want the mold removed and once again his friendly demeanor made me feel like he was being honest.
He said he has been doing this work for 12 years. Once I agreed he had me sign for the work. I felt very awkward but I did not know at the time what was happening. Jose and his partner took less than half an hour in my basement and I have no idea if they did any work at all. I feel they probably did not.
He said to me that he wanted to do the job for me at the reduced price because he did not want the little child to suffer. He played on my emotions and seemed to have no shame in using my child to get to me. The invoice he presented me with did not have the name of his company, nor did the advert in Clipper Magazine.
The invoice did have an address which I looked up to find that "Indor Air Care" had scammed multiple people in the same way. Unfortunately, I have been scamed for the highest amount that I read. Within two hours the check had been cashed and because it was a withdrawal I was unable to retrieve it back. I made the check out to "Jose Hernandez" and he left his cell phone number which I have yet to try but with no way of knowing what work was done I do not have a case.
The is a disgusting company. Avoid at all costs. If only I had known the company name beforehand I could have stopped this madness even while they where here. I shudder to think what these people are capable of if they are defied. Be Aware!!
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