Memphis, TN- A Mid-South lawn care company is now under state investigation after 105 complaints to the BBB from customers.
We first told you about "Turfco" in August 2007. On Wednesday, July 16, 2008, the BBB issued its fourth consumer alert. The company is accused of billing customers for services not received, or continuing to charge people after they have cancelled service.
"All he's trying to do is shift the blame. We wouldn't even be in the picture if he was taking care of his customers," says BBB spokesperson Randy Hutchinson of “Turfco” owner Henry Weaver.
Susan Carr, a former “Turfco” customer of nine years, says she keeps getting a bill for $190 for termite service at a home where she says she no longer lives.
"I had moved and cancelled my service and each time I called they never credited my account. I would get another bill," says Carr.
Because of the amount of complaints piling up, the BBB has taken an additional step.
"We've provided copies to several government agencies. The Attorney General's office, the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Department of Agriculture. They've got the authority to straighten up his act or put him out of business," says Hutchinson.
This is what former customers like Susan Carr says should happen to someone who she says is taking advantage of people.
“Apparently you don't care about your customers and pretty soon I don't think you're going to have any in the Mid-South."
We did get in touch with owner Henry Weaver. He told us his lawyer does not want him doing an interview with us on camera, but he did respond to Ms. Carr's complaint in an email. Mr. Weaver agreed there was confusion over the cancellation of this account and agreed to credit Ms. Carr first thing on Tuesday, July 22, 2008. We will follow up and let you know if that happens.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has two pending cases and one open investigation involving "Turfco's" use of pesticides. The state says "Turfco’s” insurance and bonding expired at the end of June 2008 and is not currently up to date. A state spokesperson says if owner Henry Weaver cannot prove he has insurance, the state will give him 30 days to comply and then could take away his license.
