With the return of the cold season, several customers in the Quebec region were pleased to learn that a new, more cost-effective business was establishing itself in their region. Déneigement Lebourgneuf has been appearing in various citizen groups on Facebook since September.
“Hello dear future customers, we can read in a publication from September 10th. Winter is fast approaching and brings with it snowfall and harsh weather conditions. We at Déneigement Lebourgneuf are here to help you overcome these winter challenges.”
Several citizens contacted Noovo Info after doing business with Déneigement Lebourgneuf. They obtained offers and formal contracts and paid the company an amount via Interac transfer, but there was radio silence for several weeks. Déneigement Lebourgneuf no longer responds by phone, email or social networks and the company has not come to install the snow removal beacons.
In the commercial register, Déneigement Lebourgneuf is actually a registered company with a certain Jacques Nadeau as president. The company registration took place on September 26th.
Citizens checked the address in Quebec associated with the company: when they knocked on the door, they were surprised to find a lady who had nothing to do with Déneigement Lebourgneuf. The company’s website contains photos from other websites.
Noovo Info tried every means possible to contact Déneigement Lebourgneuf, but without success.
Few recourse options
According to Option Consommateurs lawyer Sylvie de Bellefeuille, such events are not uncommon. “We see them particularly in critical phases, for example when clearing snow or moving,” she emphasizes.
If the company fails to honor the contract, customers can send a formal notice and potentially file small claims. “But that’s the theory,” explains Me de Bellefeuille. You still need to find the contractor. If he’s gone, it’s impossible to win your case.”
Payment via Interac transfer is also problematic.
“It’s like paying in cash: once the transaction has taken place, there is no way to get the amounts back. I recommend paying by credit card.”
Customers can then contact the credit card issuer to request a refund.
Police complaints
Citizens who were ignored by their snow plow filed a complaint with the Quebec City Police Department.
The SPVQ confirmed that it had received complaints and was investigating this type of practice.