Jacksonville, Florida – A growing number of seniors in Jacksonville, Florida, are finding themselves saddled with unexpected debt after being promised “free” home upgrades funded by government grants. Investigations by local news outlets reveal a pattern of misleading sales tactics and opaque financing arrangements targeting vulnerable homeowners.
Bobbie Anderson, an 81-year-old Jacksonville resident battling cancer and living on a fixed income, believed she was receiving assistance when she agreed to have a new air-conditioning system installed. She was repeatedly assured the improvements would be covered by grant money. “He kept emphasizing grant money,” Anderson recalled, referring to the man who approached her about the replacement units. “I said, ‘Oh, so they gonna pay for it?’ He said, ‘Yes, they gonna pay for it.’”
Nearly two years later, Anderson began receiving bills from debt collectors, totaling $19,000, with the threat of the balance increasing to $23,000. She maintains she never agreed to finance the work. “I don’t need nothing over my head,” Anderson stated. “And this here, it’s over my head. I don’t have no money to give these people.”
Anderson’s experience is not isolated. Sheila Sanders, another First Coast homeowner, was similarly led to believe she qualified for a government program offering energy-efficient home improvements. Sanders says a representative recommended a new water heater and attic fan, assuring her there would be no out-of-pocket cost if she signed what she believed were federal vouchers. She never received a contract outlining the price.
Two years later, Sanders received a demand for $17,000. “I was like, what?” she said.
The companies involved in these cases, Magnum Opus Construction and PureEnergy Solutions of Pensacola, have proven difficult to reach. Attempts by Anthony Austin of First Coast News to contact Magnum Opus Construction over a two-week period were unsuccessful. Calls to the number listed for PureEnergy Solutions connected to a recorded message advertising “free medical devices.”
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) gives PureEnergy Solutions an “F” rating. One complaint filed with the BBB details a similar situation: a homeowner was promised rebates under the Inflation Reduction Act, only to be faced with a $36,000 debt when the time came to claim them. The complaint reads, in part, that the company had “suddenly gone silent.”
The incidents raise concerns about predatory practices targeting seniors, exploiting their trust and financial vulnerability. The initial contact often occurs through community meetings promising assistance for homeowners, creating an environment where individuals are more susceptible to misleading information.
Federal authorities have issued warnings about scams involving purported government grants. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) cautions that offers of “free” money for home repairs are often red flags. Legitimate government grant programs require applications and are designated for specific purposes.
The FTC encourages anyone who believes they have been victimized by such a scheme to file a report. These reports are shared with law enforcement agencies and can contribute to ongoing investigations.
The cases highlight the importance of vigilance and thorough vetting before agreeing to any home improvement work, particularly when promises of “free” funding are made. Seniors, and all homeowners, are advised to carefully review all contracts, understand the terms of any financing, and verify the legitimacy of any company offering government assistance programs.
Anthony Austin, a reporter with First Coast News, has been investigating these claims and assisting affected homeowners. He has been contacted by multiple individuals with similar stories, suggesting a potentially widespread issue within the Jacksonville area.
