Action 9: BBB warns of local air-duct cleaners

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A new warning is out about a business that cleans air ducts.

Action 9 investigator Jason Stoogenke said the Better Business Bureau received more than 100 calls and eight complaints against Green Air Care since last month.
 
Ralph Milligan's on the National Do Not Call Registry but he said the company would repeatedly call.
 
He didn't want to hire the company but his wife didn't know that and took Green up on a special offer.
 
"They offered her a $53.95 vent-cleaning deal," Milligan said.
 
But once the workers were done, he says, they charged him $843.
 
"First I was angry that they would do something I didn't order and then ask for money for that," he said.
 
There are similar stories online.
 
One said an $89 offer became more than $6,000.

The state Attorney General's Office has two complaints against Green.
 
The BBB gives green an F rating and said it's used at least nine names and isn't sure where it's based but traced the money to California.
 
"They're looking for any angle the can to get in your door," said Tom Bartholomy with the BBB. 
 
When Action 9 called the business, the man who answered wouldn't give an address and said he takes care of all his customers.
 
However, he declined an interview and said he promised to resolve Milligan's issue.
 
But Milligan doesn't believe him so in the meantime is committed to warning people.
 
"And that's the reason I'm here, because a lot of people could be taken," he said.
 
He paid the $800 to make Green go away but immediately told his credit card company to cancel the charge.
 
The BBB said the company tends to say two things to get your business.

It said it has worked for you before and you may not remember.

It also claims to be the cleaning division of one of the local, respected HVAC companies.

If you've been ripped off, overbilled or misled; or if you see something that is hurting all consumers, contact Action 9.

WSOC