Authorities looking for victims of fraud

Bexar County Precint 3 Constable Mark Vojvodich is requesting citizen assistance in identifying persons who are potentially victims of fraud through air conditioning work done by an unlicensed contractor in an area that includes Lakehills.

“If anyone has done business with the company known as Semper Fi Mechanical Services HVAC/R, with a Michael Reyes as one of his representatives, you are urged to contact the Bexar County Precinct 3 Constable Office, so we can review your case for possible criminal referral,” read a release from Vojvodich’s office.

The office number is 210-335-4750.

Vojvodich’s office told the Bulletin Reyes does not have a valid HVAC contractors license and had an office in the Lakehills area.

Reyes was arrested last month in Bexar County on three felony warrants for fraud-related cases in Texas and New Mexico; adjudication is pending.

“If an unlicensed HVAC contractor is used, most equipment manufacturer will not honor any warranties, proper procedures, safety issues may not have been followed, and most likely, they will not be insured to protect your home or business from a poorly completed job,” said Vojvodich.

Potential fraud cases may include:

• Operating without a valid HVAC contractor’s license.

• Providing substandard installation, design or repair services.

• Substituting lower quality units or providing less than the equipment capacity than agreed.

• Obtaining your agreement in a contract or invoice for the design, repair, installation or repair of any air conditioning equipment by stating they were licensed or insured.

• Unlicensed contractor collecting a fee or pursuing payment

• Payment made and the work never done.

Consumer Tips: 1. An HVAC contract or invoice must display the HVAC CONTRACTORS license number and name (gold card) not the white helper card. Ask to see it.

2. Pay only the licensed contractor, in their company name and not any other person.

3. Do not pay in cash or in advance of work being done.

4. Cross check, any license information with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to see if it is a valid license.

5. Do not use an unlicensed person as few protections exist if they do a poor job or cause damage your business or home. Equipment is not warranted by most manufacturers without being installed by a licensed HVAC contractor.

6. Always require a written contract or invoice.

7. Verify that ordered equipment and services, were performed by comparing specified equipment against actually installed equipment by make and serial number.

8. Report unlicensed contractors to The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and the Precinct 3 Constables