New England Heating Oil Dealer Files Liens Against Homes of Unsuspecting Customers
We’ve all heard the term “caveat emptor” or “let the buyer beware” when faced with a deal that seems too good to be true. For many New England heating oil consumers, this has become a common utterance.
For several years, dozens of customers have been engaged in disputes with a New England heating oil dealer over their bills. Homeowners have alleged that the dealer charged them for services never rendered, overcharged them for goods and services, and failed to honor price-cap contracts.
What enrages the homeowners beyond their billing disputes is that the oil supplier has filed liens for excessive amounts against their properties..
After filing the liens, The Salem News reports that the heating oil distributor also fails to properly inform homeowners. Many of these homeowners are never formally made aware of the liens until they are in the process of refinancing or selling their homes. For some, these liens have also negatively affected their credit rating. In addition, after filing the liens, the dealer doesn’t appear to have followed through with the necessary legal procedures needed to formalize them. However, the liens continue to appear on file with the Registry of Deeds.
The unsavory methods of this New England heating oil distributor have caused an uproar in the community — with many likening the liens to extortion. What might be most surprising is the lack of consumer awareness of the dealer’s dishonest dealings. After years of controversy over bills and liens, legal action by the Attorney General for not honoring pricing contracts, and a penalty assessed by the Department of Environmental Protection, residents unfamiliar with the oil dealer’s disreputable past continue to give the dealer their business.
During these tough economic times, many of us not only seek out great deals, we rely on them for day-to-day financial stability. It’s understandable that many homeowners can fall victim to predatory business practices by less-than-respectable companies. More often than not, if it seems too good to be true…it probably is.
While unfortunate, situations like this can be avoided by purchasing heating oil from trusted dealers. Members of HEAT USA can rest assured that every heating oil dealer affiliated with HEAT is fully vetted to ensure fair and honest service along with discounted prices.
A business is only as good as the reputation it holds, so it’s essential for consumers to speak out. If you think you may be a victim of fraudulent activity by your oil dealer, contact your state’s Attorney General and Better Business Bureau to file a complaint.
