Hidden cameras catch HVAC scam in action (Marketplace)

We’re teaming up with Go Public to expose deceptive sales tactics being used to suck people into unfair HVAC contracts, years after some provincial governments banned door-to-door sales.

#CBCMarketplace #HVAC #Contracts

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[breakingtoys]

I am a general Contractor, because of these scammers, the public is losing trust in all of us. Thank you for showing the truth.

[dwayneharris]

Putting a lien on someone's house without them knowing it is just wrong, and the law needs to be changed. These guys are just parasites.

[JonBoyLongNutz]

As an hvac tech I always show customers what is wrong with their units. It's how they know you arent scamming them and it's how ya keep customers around.

[rafaelsanson]

These type of reporters do a GREAT service to the people. Thanks for doing this

[claraanne]

As an HVAC tech, it’s companies like this that make us all look bad. NEVER rent a furnace, or any other appliance. You’re getting ripped off. You’re better off to go to your bank and get a loan or line of credit. I feel so bad for these people.

[Tyler-cfjl]

Been an hvac tech for a decade now, also a licensed contractor. I've heard some pretty terrible things these shady companies have done. I always tell people even if they don't go with me, to do thorough research into the company they do go with, and things to watch out for.

[briand.]

Hint: Don't rent appliances for your home! Do your research and buy them outright or find an institution that fill finance the items.

[pritesh]

I LOVE the idea of public shaming, especially if you’re scamming people! But, what’s more frustrating is that government NOT stepping up to solve the issue.

[isophieroseberry]

THIS is journalism and what it should be.

[chrisdeanndavison]

5:30 Let's clear this statement up. Technically, Freon is a registered trademark brand of Chemours that refers to several chemicals typically used as refrigerants. However, the word Freon has become a generic term in the industry that refers to ANY type of refrigerant. A better term to use instead of Freon would be refrigerant. Practically all residential air conditioners use some type of refrigerant. So, technically her old and new units may or may not contain Freon, but they both contain some type of refrigerant (likely R-410a).

[boilerman]

I have been doing hvac work for almost 30 years whenever I find an issue I always bring the homeowner and physically show them the problem and explain it as it is their decision what they would like to do, I only offer guidance and advice I have even talked people over the phone on how to solve minor problems

[ujsclsy]

My uncle has suffered from dementia for over twenty years. About five years ago Green Ontario took advantage of his confused state and put in one of their water heaters. Just prior to the pandemic his ability to care for himself took a dramatic turn for the worse, and he had to be put in a care home. My mother has Power of Attorney, and the house in in her care.
After I watched this Marketplace video, I asked her to send me any information she had on the deal between my uncle and Green Ontario. I read it over.
Green Ontario has locked him into a deal where he is obligated to have them, and only them, inspect the water heater on a regular basis, only them do repairs if they feel it's needed (and of course they feel it's needed, even when it's really not). He's contracted to have their water heater and their service. And yes, *they've put a lien on his house.*
They're Vultures.
And that's an insult to vultures.

[dovan]

How is this guy Axil and people like him not in prison?

[kevinstenger]

Bingo! The lady hit the nail on the head when she said now she has a suspicion of anyone selling anything. That should be anyone’s perception of salespeople. The unfortunate reality is that most sales people are deceptive to some degree. You can’t go wrong by assuming they are trying to rip you off, even if they’re not.

[casey]

It would’ve been incredibly funny if they’d just let an awkward pause hang after the lawyer said “Well, you’ll have to pay me $25 000.”

[SeeSaw]

This "lien" loophole should already have been fixed after the first few complaints. The fact that this is still happening suggests to me that politicians want it to stay in place

[EthosAtheos]

I'm in the USA and this story was shocking for several reasons. First I am astounded that CAN laws don't protect consumers from these rental agreements. Second I have never seen someone rent their HVAC equipment. That just sounds so alien to me. Then to secure the loan with someone's house without paperwork is amazing. This is the type of stuff I expect from my government not yours.

[sabrinababbina]

Hi from Ohio 🇺🇸 ...appriciate all the work this news crew puts into actually helping people solve problems/scams....it's a good reminder to us all...people like this are out there, and if it wasn't for news crews like this, they might never get caught

[ibenzu]

I think people forget that 95% of the cost IS LABOR. Materials, very rarely, even approach 1/2 the cost we charge you.

[WaningGibbous]

Scammers need to be held accountable and punishments need to be extreme to deter scammers. People need to be on alert always...scammers are everywhere!