Many residents in Charlotte County recently found themselves victims of a devastating scam. These homeowners had paid deposits for shutter installation to a company named Harper’s Hurricane Protection and Screen Enclosures in hopes of improving the safety of their homes, unfortunately, their deposits were taken without any work being done.
When Fox 4 reported on this fraud and the news spread, Shutters239 stepped forward to help the residents with shutter installations. Our CEO Joe Schoonover, decided to step in and offer solutions to the homeowners who had been wronged. We offered them that we would help finish the projects at a reduced rate, essentially absorbing the loss of the initial deposit.
The Charlotte County Scam
According to the Charlotte County court records, Mr. Brian White who is the owner of Harper’s Hurricane Protection and Screen Enclosures (also known as Harper’s 1980) was arrested on multiple counts of grand theft and failing to obtain necessary permits.
Mr. John Schwochert, a homeowner who had paid $12,000 to have the hurricane screens on his lanai replaced, tried contacting Harper’s 1980 multiple times as no one had come to replace his screens. However, the company didn’t respond to his emails and calls. When he learned that the owner of Harper’s 1980 had been arrested he lost all hope that the screens would ever be replaced or his money would ever be returned.
As Harper’s 1980 failed to deliver on its promises and refused to respond to any inquiries made by the homeowners, many affected customers were left feeling helpless and frustrated. Some 30 affected residents created a Facebook group named, “Refuse to be a Victim of Harper1980” and shared their stories on how they paid Harper’s 1980 for hurricane shutters and screens but were never provided the services.
Shutters 239 Steps In
Upon learning about the plight of these affected customers, we decided to offer our assistance to them. Our CEO Joe Schoonover offered help to those who had been scammed by taking on the unfinished projects, allowing the customers to use the remainder of funds left in their contracts while Shutters 239 would cover the lost deposits.
We offered homeowners help not to increase our business, but to help restore their trust and provide them the hurricane protection that they deserve. We partnered with Custom Hurricane Products to ensure that these homes were properly secured against future storms.
The Importance of Trust and Reliability
The situation in Charlotte County is a reminder for all people that it’s important to choose a reliable and trustworthy company when it comes to investing in something as important as hurricane protection. You may think that getting hurricane shutters and doors from some unknown company won’t do you any harm, but it can result in you becoming a victim of financial fraud or scam. Thus, it’s essential to contact only reliable companies and contractors who are known for their quality services.
Shutters 239 can be your reliable partner in providing comprehensive hurricane protection. Our advanced hurricane protection solutions can help keep your home and loved ones safe even in the face of severe storms. Reach out to us today so that our professional team can assist you in choosing the best hurricane shutters and screens for your home
