An appliance repairman who was ordered by Oahu Circuit Court to refund money to consumers fours years ago is again the subject of legal action by the state Office of Consumer Protection.
Shane B. Mulleitner, also doing business as Shane’s Appliance, has 16 new complaints lodged against him for alleged unlawful business practices, including failure to do the work, Consumer Protection Executive Director Stephen Levins said.
“It’s a pattern that continues to happen,” Levins said. “He took money upfront and refused to perform the work.”
Levins said Mulleitner also failed to disclose a “trip fee” for initial appointments.
The consumer complaints are tied to agreements involving repair of household appliances, including washing machines, refrigerators and ranges, the lawsuit said.
Levins, who filed the lawsuit Monday in Circuit Court, said the 16 complaints involve more than $15,000.
In a 2010 lawsuit filed against Mulleitner, the Office of Consumer Protection sought restitution linked to 23 complaints. In February 2011 restitution was awarded to 14 consumers, and the court judgment forbade Mulleitner from accepting advance payment for parts and services, the lawsuit filed Monday said.
The lawsuit said Mulleitner typically “targeted” consumers age 62 or older.
Mulleitner was unavailable for comment.
On the website Yelp, which reviews various services, Jennifer H. warns, “Beware!!!” of Shane’s Appliance. She and others said they wished they had checked with the Better Business Bureau before paying Mulleitner in advance for parts.
“The same thing happened to me,” said Honolulu resident Rong Zhang. Interviewed by telephone, Zhang said he paid Mulleitner $1,300 several months ago to buy parts for his refrigerator and is still waiting for them. He said Mulleitner is not returning his calls.
