Action 9: Woman claims she was tricked into buying $5K vacuum

ORLANDO,Fla. — An Apopka woman claims she was tricked into signing a contract to purchase a vacuum cleaner for $5,000.

Dorothy Pohano claims four salespeople from Florida Air Systems knocked on her door, then, during a three hour sales presentation, tricked her into buying the Majestic vacuum and two air filters.

"I thought it would cost about $500 at the most,” Pohano said.

Pohano said she did not understand the contract, until someone explained it to her after the right to cancel expired. The vacuum actually cost $3,500 and financed at a 21 percent interest. The payments total more than $5,000.

"We never knew people would sting you like this," Pohano said.

The company's general manager is Nate Mitchell, who Action 9 confronted two years ago when he ran Florida Health Systems.

"I've talked to a lot of customers who thought they were hosed?" said Action 9’s Todd Ulrich.

"OK. Can you turn the camera off,” Mitchell responded.

Four customers had complained to Action 9, including the family of an Alzheimer's patient who paid $4,000 for a vacuum cleaner she couldn’t use.

Mitchell's company has an F rating at the Better Business Bureau with 10 complaints, many consumers upset about sales tactics.

Action 9 found its south Orlando office was empty, and its phones went unanswered.

Pohano has filed a complaint with the state attorney general and with the finance company, hoping the company will take the vacuum cleaner back.

"I'm getting the biggest no solicitation sign for my door that I can find," Pohano said.

The finance company told Action 9 it has not been able to reach Mitchell and Florida Air Systems.  Employees who worked nearby said the company had disappeared just two weeks ago.

WFTV