Valley pest control companies ordered to pay at least $100K in restitution

PHOENIX — Two Valley pest control companies have been ordered to pay at least $100,000 in restitution to reimburse customers who did not receive their full termite warranties, Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced Wednesday.

A dispute arose in a contract between Amera Sun City Pest Control and Atomic Bee & Pest Control, resulting in customers who purchased long-term warranties on Amera Sun City Pest Control’s services to no longer be able to receive their pre-paid termite inspections, according to a press release.

Amera Sun City Pest Control customers were forced to pay a $125 activation fee for Atomic Bee & Pest Control to assume the pre-paid termite inspection contract, while those who did not pay the fee were left without any recourse.

Customers reached out to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office alleging they did not receive their full termite warranties.

“Businesses need to honor promises made to consumers no matter what it means for their bottom line,” Brnovich said in the release.

Both companies agreed to pay $100,000 as part of a consent judgment to reimburse former Amera Sun City Pest Control customers for years they were unable to redeem their annual termite inspections.

Atomic Bee & Pest Control has also agreed to waive the $125 fee and honor the remainder of the affected consumer’s warranty contracts.

The companies are required to pay additional money if consumer claims exceed $100,000 to ensure all valid claims are paid, according to the release.

The Attorney General’s Office is reaching out to consumers who have previously complained to the office, but others who didn’t receive termite warranties they paid for are urged to reach out and submit a claim for restitution before June 7.

Eligible customers include those who entered into a termite warranty contract with Amera Sun City Pest Control that was active beyond October 2, 2017, as well as those who paid Atomic Bee & Pest Control’s $125 fee.

The Attorney General’s Office in Phoenix can be contacted at (602) 542-5763, while those in Tucson can call (520) 628-6648. People outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas can reach the office at (800) 352-8431.

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