An 84-year-old Missouri man shared his experience of being misled into a costly solar panel contract
An 84-year-old Missouri man shared his experience of being misled into a costly solar panel contract
An 84-year-old Missouri man shared his experience of being misled into a costly solar panel contract
KMBC 9 Investigates continues to dig into solar panel system contracts signed by people who believe they’ve been ripped off in an ongoing investigation called The Solar Scam.
Eric Scott, 84, said he was misled into signing a 25-year loan contract worth nearly $50,000 for a solar panel system after being approached by a high-pressure door-to-door saleswoman last year.
Scott said the saleswoman promised the solar panels would cut out his electricity bills. But now he’s stuck with an electricity bill, and a monthly payment for decades to pay off the solar loan.
Scott reached out to Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway and KMBC 9 Investigates for help after realizing his situation.
“I hate to admit it, that I was gullible in my age, more gullible than I used to be,” Scott said. “I saw your program where you’re an investigative reporter, and I thought, well, where else can I turn?” Scott said.
At a Wednesday press conference in Kansas City, Hanaway confirmed that several companies involved in solar panel scams are under active investigation. She also shared advice for those who are making payments but not receiving the promised service.
“I would stop making payments and report to our office,” Hanaway said.
Those payments should only stop if there is written proof that the system is not functioning as advertised, her office said.
“I know they feel this incredible burden because they think they’re under a contract and they might get sued, but here’s the thing,” Hanaway said. “When the scammers try to sue them, that’s a great opportunity for us to intervene, too,” Hanaway said.
Scott hopes his experience will help others avoid falling victim to similar scams.
“I hope through our interview and talking in general that we can prevent other people from being taken advantage of, like I was,” Scott said.
The attorney general’s office has taken Scott’s information as part of its ongoing efforts to investigate solar panel scams.
If you believe you’ve been ripped off by a solar loan that has gone bad, or you’re not getting the promised service, email investigates@kmbc.com.
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