The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers about a plumbing and septic service in Sugar Hill, citing a long list of unanswered complaints from customers, who said they paid for services they never received.
Paige Plumbing & Septic has been the subject of more than 375 inquiries since the BBB started a file on the firm in October 2014.
The owners, Rodney and Brandy Morales, do not have an active plumbing license, according to data on the Georgia Secretary of Sate's website.
"They have an 'F' rating with (BBB) for failing to respond to complaints. We've had everything from failing to pay for services (customers) received, or not doing everything they said they were going to do," said Fred Ellsberry, BBB President, in a phone interview.
The company did answer one complaint, Ellsbery said. They promised to reimburse an over-payment to a consumer, but never followed through.
The problems outlined are not unique to Paige Plumbing, said Ellsberry, but there are steps consumers can take to make sure they don't get scammed or swindled.
"They can go to the BBB's website and look at the accredited business directory, and they'll find a full list of plumbers or septic service providers," said Ellsberry.
Consumers can do this for other services as well, and Ellsberry said it's better to pay with a credit card, instead of cash or check, so there is an electronic proof of purchase.
He said it isn't necessarily a red flag if a contractor requests payment upfront, but consumers shouldn't be afraid to ask why prepayment is needed.
