Fraudulent repair companies targeting California
By Paul MacDonald, ServiceSource
In recent months, there has been a disturbing rise in fraudulent companies operating under the guise of reputable appliance repair businesses in California. These deceitful entities tarnish the good names of legitimate service providers and leave consumers frustrated and financially drained.
Modus Operandi
These scam operations typically steal the identities of well-established appliance repair companies by creating convincing websites, fake online reviews and even fraudulent business listings. They lure unsuspecting customers with promises of quick, affordable repairs.
Once contact is made, these fraudsters demand upfront payments — often under the pretense of covering parts and labor costs. But after receiving payment, they either perform shoddy, incomplete work or, in many cases, disappear entirely without ever starting the repair. Scams like this result in financial loss for the consumer and damage the reputation of legitimate businesses whose identities were stolen.
Among those sounding the alarm is BrandSource member Mike Heintz of University Electric in Santa Clara, Calif. Heintz received numerous complaints from customers who were misled into believing they had contacted Box Appliance, the authorized Sub-Zero warranty provider. These customers, thinking they were dealing with a trusted service, fell victim to these fraudulent schemes.
Protect Yourself and Your Appliances
Consumers are urged to take the following precautions to avoid falling victim to these scams:
Verify Business Credentials: Always check for proper licensing and certifications. Legitimate companies are usually registered with professional associations like the United Appliance Servicers Association (UASA).
Research Reviews Carefully: Be cautious of overly positive reviews posted within a short timeframe. Look for consistent feedback across multiple platforms.
Avoid Upfront Payments: Reputable appliance repair companies typically do not require full payment before completing the job. Be wary of requests for large deposits.
Check Contact Information: Cross-reference the company’s phone number, website and address with official sources such as the appliance manufacturer.
Ask for Identification: When a technician arrives, request company ID and verify that it matches the business you contacted.
If You’ve Been Scammed
If you suspect a fraudulent appliance repair company has targeted you:
- Report the incident to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Contact your credit card company or bank immediately if you made a payment
- File a report with your local police department
Legitimate Companies Are Here to Help
The appliance repair industry has dedicated professionals committed to providing quality service. Unfortunately, scams like these undermine consumer trust. You can protect yourself and support reputable local businesses by staying informed and vigilant.
Consider consulting industry associations, manufacturer websites or trusted local directories for verified appliance repair professionals. Together, we can outsmart these fraudsters and keep our community safe.
Paul MacDonald, AVB’s senior ServiceSource lead, ran his own 38-tech service business and is a past president of the UASA. He currently operates The Expert Service Program, which helps servicers run their operations more efficiently and profitably. You can reach Paul at (647) 500-7785 or Paul.M.MacDonald@brandsource.com.
