Heat pump scammers fined $75k

Thu, 08 Oct 2020

Christchurch-based heat pump servicing company Ocean Contracting has been fined $75,000 after the firm pleaded guilty to 10 charges under the Fair Trading Act for misleading and overcharging elderly customers in Otago and Southland.At issue was Ocean Contracting's practice of cold calling prospective customers during 2016 and 2017 and offering to service their heat pumps. During subsequent 'inspections' by a team of roving technicians, customers were advised their heat pumps were leaking refrigerant gas, and it would cost betwe...

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