ComplaintsforCalifornia Efficiency Group

• Initial Complaint

  07/17/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  On July 10th, 2024 a representative from this company named ***************************, falsely claimed to work on behalf of a free government rebate program in conjunction with the city of ***********. This company uses extremely deceptive and predatory practices. He attempted to take advantage of my elderly parents by unknowingly committing them to a $12,500 loan for a water softener/filtration system. ****** told my parents that all they needed to do was fill out an application (where they inputted their social security information) to verify if they qualified for the free rebate program on behalf of the city. He did not mention the information was for a credit check and attempted to scam them in applying for a loan to pay for the unit.Additionally, ****** mentioned their plumber was around the corner and he can come and install a free filter under the sink. The plumber came and installed the unit and made them sign a paper stating it was a receipt that the free equipment was received. We want the company to immediately remove the filter from my parents home and to cease any further communication. Also we are very concerned that this company will attempt to send a bill in the mail for the free filter they installed, and continue attempting to install additional items to my parents home.This company is extremely terrible for misleading consumers and engages is outright fraudulent practices. We want a thorough investigation into this company and their predatory practices!

  Business response

  08/06/2024

  We regret to hear that your experience with one of our sales representatives did not meet your expectations. At [Company Name], we are committed to continuous improvement and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism among our team. We want to clarify that we do not claim to work for the government or offer free services. However, customers who purchase our tankless water heaters may be eligible for a rebate from SoCal Gas.
  It appears there was a miscommunication, and we will ensure that the matter is addressed appropriately with our employees. Our records indicate that there is no existing loan or contract under the name of *************************, who had a Reverse Osmosis drinking water system installed on July 10th. As a gesture of goodwill and to apologize for any inconvenience caused, please accept the alkaline drinking water system as a complimentary gift.
  Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. We value your feedback and appreciate your understanding.
  
  
  

  Customer response

  08/08/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. Please ensure that this company no longer attempts to contact my household.I still request that this company continue to be monitored for predatory practices by the BBB as a preventative measure.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

• Initial Complaint

  07/16/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On 5/1/2025 I bought a water treatment system from California efficiency group. During the process of getting financed the company took out 2 loan of ******. In my name. When I realized what had happened I call the company immediately. After getting the run around for 2 day and saying I was gonna contact you and a lawyer. Some one finally call me back. Telling me it was a mistake and would be taken care of. So far nothing has been done. I'm honestly not sure where to begin so I thought I would start with you. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. As of today a ****** treatment system is now at ******.

  Business response

  08/06/2024

  Dear ********************,
  
  
  We sincerely apologize for this unfortunate matter. We only signed you up for one ****** dollar loan. The reason as to why you were enrolled into two finance companies was so that we could accommodate the best interest rate for you. We had your best interests at heart and ended up making a mistake.
  
  
  Upon requesting a cancellation for one of the loans, there was a miscommunication with finance company Service Finance. On May 8th, 2024, the Service Finance representative did not inform us that a statement via email was required upon a loan cancellation. We placed our trust in them just how you placed your trust in us. We understand your frustration and have learned from our mistake.
  
  
  We sent a formal cancellation email notice and heavily regret the frustration placed upon you. Please understand that after we cancelled on 5/8/24, we noticed that the loan was still active. We called again on 06/28/24 to cancel and they did not fulfill their duty. You can be assured that the 20k loan with Service Finance has been cancelled. 
  We hope you accept this resolution and once again apologize for the misunderstanding.

• Initial Complaint

  05/08/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  California Efficiency group, They walk around neighborhoods regarding free services for clean water, Asked for our social security to verify if it was us which why couldnt an state id do the same and They ran our credit without our permission trying to take a loan out after they verified specifically that the services were free and the names of these people were ******************* &Kyle ******** Been trying to get a hold of them and they are ignoring our calls and texts. They also work under a company called *************** can find them on Instagram

  Business response

  05/17/2024

  For our business, is imperative that we do no walk around claiming this is a free program. Otherwise, we would not be in business. We apologize if there was any miscommunication in the way our representatives approached your home.
  
  
  However, once someone asks for your social, it is implied that we will run your credit score. That is the only reason we ask for someones social. We cannot run someones credit score unless they willingly provide the necessary information. If there is a loan involved, a program is not free. 
  
  
  You are not in our system in any way as there is no existing loan documentation pertaining to your identification. We never finish the process of enrolling someone in a loan agreement without their consent.
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  02/20/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This company gave my parents false information. They said that it was CA gas company free service. He asked for her social security and financed them for 18k and monthly payments of ****** for water softener tank. And they took their water heater and left them without hot water. Please help

  Business response

  02/21/2024

  Customer *****************************, a senior, was initially informed about the payment details in Spanish over the phone, with her son present. They were informed that the program was not free, with a total cost of $18,000 and a monthly payment of $163. Both ****** and her son appeared to understand and agree to the terms. However, after the installation was completed, the customers claimed they had been misled, stating that ****** did not fully comprehend English. It's worth noting that all terms were explained in Spanish during the initial conversation. The sales representative, who communicated in English, reiterated the terms to the customer upon installation. Despite this, no official request for payment or funding was made.

  Customer response

  02/21/2024

   
  Complaint: 21306876
  
  I am rejecting this response because: the job was not completed. They left me three days without water. Not able you use restroom etc one of the many workers said on 2/16  that thay needed  Dig out front yard for gas  pipes. That is when my daughter came over to visit l and asked if there was a charge for and the worker said yes and it was not  CA program.  They made me  understand that I was only going to only going to pay one payment of ******  my husband I are on only SS and have a fixed income most of our income is for heart medication. They can not mislead elderly fragile seniors.
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************************

  Business response

  02/23/2024

  Customer *****************************, a senior citizen, was initially briefed on the payment details in Spanish during a phone call, with her son present. They were informed that the program incurred a cost of $18,000 in total, with a monthly payment of $163. Both ****** and her son seemed to understand and consent to the terms. However, following the completion of the installation, the customers claimed they had been misled, alleging that ****** did not fully grasp English. Additionally, the daughter asserted that the parents, being elderly, suffer from dementia. It is important to note that all terms were explained in Spanish during the initial conversation. The sales representative, who conversed in English, reiterated the terms to the customer during the installation process. Nevertheless, no official request for payment or funding was made. Upon our technicians' arrival at the residence, an elderly male attempted to confront them...

• Initial Complaint

  01/22/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On November 07, 2023, ***************************** came to our home. he offered a program that was going to be free to change out all our water fixtures to reduce cost. upon telling us that all this work would be done for free he had us sign a document on the phone. that same day 11/7/23 a company member from California Efficiency Group came and stared change the kitchen water pipes. On 11/8/2023 the rest of the company came to changed the bathroom and rest of water systems. During the process of talking to ******************** I expressed to him I didn't understand English much and I couldn't read it. *******************, processed to express that all this work would be free. He recorded me saying I accepted the job being done but never mentioned the price or that I would need to pay. I am disabled and haven't worked from the past 10 years. My husband is retired and has not worked since March. On Monday 11/13/2023 I called the company to express issues I was having with our bathroom shower. Upon calling California Efficiency Group they expressed that they wanted to talk about a loan that was taken out on my behalf to pay $20,000 for all the work done at my home. upon hearing this I expressed that ******************** stated this was free and I would not be charged. upon hearing this Mss. ****** began to laugh stating that it was not free and that I needed to provided them with my information to pay. I at no point provided anyone with the authorization to take out a loan with Goodleap. After speaking with Mss. ******, I was transferred to **************** and told him that I wanted to cancel this order since I was never told I needed to pay or that a loan was being taken out. I also sent a message to ******************** expressing my desired to cancel all work on 11/13/2023, in which he responded " he would call me back". On 11/14/2023 ******************** responded and stated that a cancelation was paused and he would come to our home on 11/20/2023 to sign the cancellation. I spoke with ******* at Goodleap on 11/13/2023, to express that I did not know a loan was taken out and that I was not made aware of the charges. she told me she would investigate this and get back to me to resolve the issue. Everyone at California Efficentcy Group and Goodleap didn't respond back to me until 12/1/2023 when Mss. ******* called me to say that there was nothing to do but pay since they recorded me stating that I okayed the work. At this point I again expressed that I didn't know what I was being told to say yes to. Mss. ******* advised me to obtain a lawyer to resolve the matter.California Efficiency Group offered to give me $10,000 to pay the loan.

  Business response

  01/23/2024

  After hearing ********************* concerns, we conducted an internal investigation and confirmed that our sales representative followed all proper procedures, and no fraud occurred. Although the loan has already been issued, we have offered ***************** a check to assist her with the loan repayment. We remain committed to supporting her in any way possible.

• Initial Complaint

  01/12/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This organization comes door to door, expressing how "dangerous" your water is for you and your children. They are solely playing into people fears. We get a report from the city, DWP, and did a private test and our water was fine. They are scam artists.

  Business response

  01/12/2024

  We are a home efficiency company specializing in upgrades. Our team provides valuable insights regarding water efficiency and health. Public information from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) can be accessed at www.ewg.org. Feel free to explore their Tap Water Database by entering your zip code for comprehensive details.

• Initial Complaint

  12/12/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  12/31/2023 instl date. Problems not resolved. I would like to cancel service. My calls go straight to answering service. They told me owners **** or ****** will call me back. I haven't received a call.

• Initial Complaint

  12/04/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Two individuals from this company came and stated they were contracted with the state of California to test water in areas of alleged contaminated water and needed to enter the home for 2 minutes to test. The individuals then proceeded to go through a sales pitch, where it became evident they were likely NOT performing a public service and likely were not contracted with the state. I requested that they leave any marketing materials and leave the residence three times before they actually complied and left. This company appears to be deceptive, at best, and have predatory business practices (including fear-based marketing tactics, stating our lives were in danger due to our water) based on my experience and other complaints lodged against them with the BBB.

  Business response

  12/15/2023

  We take this complaint   Very serious. 
  
  
  We acquire over 100 customers every month. 
  Every customer is aware of the monthly payment, interest rates and term of the loan. 
  
  
  Your water report can be found at 
  
  
  *****************************
  
  
  This is public knowledge
  
  
  Moving forward we will put you on a door not knock list. 
  

  Customer response

  12/16/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

• Initial Complaint

  10/30/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On 6/15/2003 *****************************, from California Efficiency Group came to my door & promised a $1000 gas company rebate for tankless water heater, water ******************** For $17,000. Call ***** on rebate They are showing no info to my Address for rebate. Need a purchasing receipt. No response From CEG or ******* Home Transformation. Goodleap Finance broker refund for my electrical Cancellation of my $14,000 bill **** $2800 penalty. ************************* at ******* finance agreement.(Have text from ******/CEG ******************** for my electrical

  Business response

  10/31/2023

  Hey,  I spoke with the customer we came to an understanding we will process his gas rebate and refund the 14k. 

• Initial Complaint

  09/26/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  The door to door salesman stated that they were working for a government agency that if I qualified for the program it was funded by the county of Los Angeles for energy efficiency program and that I would only have to pay a monthly fee for soap. It turned out they financed $27,000 with a third party under my name to pay themselves. I was never told that this was something that would be a loan and financed. I have tried reaching out to them multiple times and no one calls me back. They completely lied and scammed me and my family.

  Business response

  09/26/2023

  Hey, 
  We couldnt attach the recording or the contract because the files were too big, were sending them directly.
  
  
  Upon closer review, we pulled the recording and the contract confirming that the customer was told and agreed to the contract terms. The contract is $17,000, with interest it is $27,000 which is stated on the contract. 
  

  Unfortunately the files are too large to be uploaded so we will be sending them to ***************************************** subject title ************************ 

   

  Thank you.

  Customer response

  09/26/2023

   
  Complaint: 20659818
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  theY never game me any breakdown or print out of cost that was to my surprise being a loan. The employee asked me to sign the work order on his phone, not a contract. Looks like they copied and pasted because i would have never signed something totaling $27,000. On the recording I agreed to paying for soaps that they said would save me money. They never told me any terms, interest rates, or amount that was going to be financed. They lied from the beginning about this being a subsidized program that the county was funding and the only thing I had to pay for was for soaps. Here is the only paper the worker left me that gave breakdown of soaps. I WAS NEVER AWARE OF SIGNING ANY LOAN CONTRACTS and they never even left me a copy of any agreements. Again, they lied of who they were and said the program was for energy efficiency that the LA county was funding.

  I would like to hear the recording with them breaking down these terms with ridiculous interest rates that they decided after they left my house. Doubt they will have that end. Also I wasnt aware that they ran my credit which was illegally ran as I did not agree
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  Business response

  09/26/2023

  Hey we sent an email to 

  ******************

   

  and 

   

  *****************************************
  

  with the signed contracted and the recording

  Customer response

  09/26/2023

   
  Complaint: 20659818
  
  I am rejecting this response because

  I need this contract canceled as I do not agree to it nor was I aware of it.  They can pick up their equipment. I see this is not the first time they lie to people I saw their reviews. 
  
  They lied to me stating it was a government program and the county would pay. This was all under fake pretenses and the recording was edited he kept recording and stopping his recording and would ask me completely different questions in real like those were not his questions that I was answering to. 
  also the contract I was never given I was told to sign the work order on his phone. I was told it would be $149 for soaps that I would be able to cancel at anytime that was the only terms I agreed to. Never ever was told it would be $27,000 total the equipment is low quality and not worth even $3,000! 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

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