Addison appliance company accused of ripping off customers

A local company is accused of ripping off consumers across Chicagoland who are looking for deals on appliances like fridges and washers.

And now, even police are involved.

Miguel Ortuno just bought a second set of appliances this month: a fridge, stove, plus washer and dryer. That's because he says the first set he bought at "All Appliances Outlet” in Addison was never delivered, despite him paying $1200 in cash. 

“He kept stalling it and then he kept not coming. At that point I just wanted my appliances,” Ortuno said.

He's not alone. Juana Melgar has a similar story -- only weeks after she says she paid for delivery, installation and a warranty, the appliance showed up.

“The refrigerator got delivered - it was left on the driveway, nobody told us nothing,” Melgar said.

But as it turns out, Melgar says, the fridge didn't work.

“Once I texted him that it wasn't working, he didn't respond,” Melgar said.

Melgar is one of 17 Chicagoans who complained to the Better Business Bureau about the company.

“All Appliance Outlet currently has a F rating with the Better Business Bureau,” said Steve Bernas, president and CEO of the BBB.

The BBB says all complaints occurred just within the last year, and a pattern has emerged.

“A lot of the consumers allege that they basically bought some type of appliance from them, and either the appliance didn't work, or they actually didn't get the appliance in any way shape or form,” Bernas said.

All complainants also say they found the company on secondhand platforms like "Let Go", "Offer Up" and Facebook's marketplace.

FOX 32 talked with two other customers with similar stories. Juan in Chicago says he didn't get what he paid for and Linda in Crystal Lake says the company sold her a rusted out hot water heater after promising her a clean one.

So, FOX 32 took the complaints straight to the company.

A man who a disgruntled customer identifies as the appliance outlet owner didn't want to talk to us, and when we tried to approach the warehouse, the doors slammed shut.

FOX 32 also reached out to Addison police, which confirmed they are actively investigating "All Appliances Outlet."

In the meantime, Melgar and Ortuno are hoping you'll heed their advice and do your research before handing over cash.

“I want to make sure he doesn't do it to anybody else,” Ortuno said.

The Better Business Bureau says whenever you make a purchase, pay with a credit card for added protections. Customers FOX 32 spoke with that purchased at "All Appliances Outlet" all paid cash.