More customers complain about appliance repairman

Multiple customers say John Jackson took their money but didn’t fix their appliances.

Action 9's Jason Stoogenke first told viewers about him last fall. Two customers were upset with him. They told Stoogenke they still haven't gotten their money back.

In the meantime, other customers have come forward.

[PAST COVERAGE: Action 9: Some customers say appliance repair company didn't do the work, stopped responding]

Dave Edwards hired Jackson to fix his icemaker. "Hour later, two hours later, three hours later end of the day, it wasn't working. I called him. He said he'd come back out. Didn't hear from him at all."

He says he paid Jackson $89.99.  "If he hears me, remember me, because I'm really offended that he operates like that and takes advantage of people.  Just taking their money. That's not acceptable."

George Carroll hired Jackson to fix his refrigerator. "Nothing. So I called him and he said, 'I'll be over this afternoon,'” Carroll told Stoogenke. "He didn't show up.  Repeated calls.  Texts.  Voice[mails] unanswered."

Carroll says he paid $950. "It's, it's maddening."

Another viewer who emailed Action 9 said he paid Jackson more than $250 to order parts for his dryer but that Jackson never put them in.

Stoogenke called Jackson and told him he was recording the conversation.

[ALSO READ: Action 9: More than 20 customers complain about pool company]

Stoogenke: "I keep getting complaints about you. What's going on?"

Jackson: "Complaints in regard of what?"

Stoogenke: "All the same. People gave you money. You didn't do the work.  As simple as that."

Jackson told Stoogenke he was in the process of mailing customers refunds.

Stoogenke: "You've told me that before. I'm not sure I believe you."

Jackson:  "I understand. You can confirm with them [inaudible].  I totally understand."

Stoogenke:  "I'll follow up and see if they get the checks. Alright?"

Jackson:  "Follow up with them. Thank you."

Stoogenke:  "But why is it though ..."

Jackson hung up.

The Better Business Bureau has 50 complaints against Jackson.

The North Carolina Attorney General's office sent Jackson a letter asking for a "written response to each consumer complaint" that office received.

Jackson was using the business name Rapid Response and Appliance Repair. Customers now tell Stoogenke he’s using Appliance Max. And the BBB counts three other names.

You don't need a license to fix appliances. So anyone can call themselves a repairman.

• Do your homework. Check with the BBB and Attorney General.  Research the owner's name, not just the business name.
• Ask the manufacturer for recommendations in your area.
• Pay as little up front as you can.  Plus, use a credit card so it's easier to challenge.

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Cox Media Group