Complaint Review: Amerigas

We originally contracted with Level Propane (first mistake). Their company was taken over by Horizon and then by Amerigas.

In July 2005, we sold our home and moved into a rental property while we had a home built. We called Amerigas before our closing and notified them that we were moving and would no longer need the tank. We were informed to give their number to the new home owners so that they could transfer tank into their names.

In January 2006, we received a bill for the lease of the tank. Although we had not provided our new address, the bill was forwarded by the post office.

I called & spoke with Steve (January 18, 2006). Was told he would take care of it. In March, we received a past due notice with late fees. I called and thought it was taken care of. Then we received another past due notice and we spoke with Dahlia and asked if I should send something in writing since we were still getting a bill. She said it might not hurt. March 16, 2006 another bill came. I called Amerigas and spoke with Shane who told me they could pick up the tank but I would be charged for pick up of $80 and re-stocking of $80.00. (Remember, I never signed anything agreeing to this with Amerigas as I was originally a customer of Level)

March 22, 2006, I filed a report with the Better Business Bureau. I received a letter from Jen Woodworth from Amerigas that the tank would be picked up and we would not be charged.

On April 1, 2006, the home blew up. Unrelated to the propane tank. Sent Amerigas another letter and explained they should pick up their tank. We received another bill, and Icalled again. Was told that Amerigas could not pick up the tank because of the explosion and they had to wait to make sure it was not the fault of their tank.

I contacted the Fire Marshall and was told that they had told Amerigas that they could pick up their tank as it had been ruled out any that their equipment had anything to do with the explosion. I forwarded this information to Amerigas.

I received a bill that said that I had failed to respond to their requests and needed to pay immediately to avoid being turned over to collections.

The last bill I received had deleted the late fees but I called again and asked why I was still getting a bill. Was told they could not stop sending me a bill until the tank was picked up. Requested to know when that would take place. Was informed the tank would be picked up on that Friday and then the bills should stop. Lo and behold, the tank was not picked up on the Friday it was suppose to be and I received a letter from a collection agency called Penncro Associates on June 15, 2006.

I have called Amerigas again and was told that the tank has now been picked up and we should not get any more bills. Also, they claim they are notifying Penncro Associates to disregard this account. I have asked for a fax to verify this.

I just wonder if this will now affect my credit. I did not owe this bill and called religiously to try to get them to take it off. I feel we went above and beyond. I would warn anyone thinking about doing business with them to think twice unless you enjoy major hassle!

Melissa
Washington CH, Ohio
U.S.A.