BBB Warns of Pricing Scam By U City Business

The St. Louis area Better Business Bureau issued a warning this week against a company called US Air Duct, which reports an address in University City. The owner and president of the company is listed as Noach Israel Palatnik.

Customers told the Better Business Bureau (BBB) they were lured by promises of $49 duct cleaning specials, then hit with unexpected bills of $1,800 and more, according to a BBB news release.

"I would hate to have anybody go through what we have," said a Ballwin, Mo., consumer. He said his wife was "totally floored" after receiving a bill for more than $2,700. He said the couple had responded to a mailer advertising a $49.95 fall special for unlimited vent and return cleanings. He said his wife later agreed to additional work totaling about $200, but then was billed $2,780.

An 81-year-old customer from South St. Louis County said she, too, responded to a $49 advertising mailer, but ultimately was charged $1,799 for furnace and duct work.

A customer from Town and Country said the company tried to charge her $3,000 for cleaning and other work, and that when she balked, the company dropped the charge to $2,000.

The BBB suggests extreme caution when dealing with US Air Ducts. The company has an "F" grade with the BBB, the lowest grade possible.