Suit Claims Plumbing Firm Duped Customers

A Ventura County heating and plumbing firm was named Wednesday in a civil complaint alleging that company technicians deliberately broke equipment inside customers’ homes to increase service call rates.

The lawsuit also alleges that John Mills Industries, doing business as “George Brazil 24-Hour Service Since 1955,” engaged in false advertising by representing to customers that it maintained eight offices locally when it only operates one.

The complaint further alleges unlawful business practices, including an allegation that service technicians were taught how to break heating and air-conditioning units and were urged to misdiagnose problems.

Owner John Mills of Camarillo, who already has been served with a court summons, declined to comment on the allegations Wednesday.

Mills “misrepresented that parts or repairs were needed, that defendants maliciously damaged customers’ property and that they simulated and created problems so that they could sell repairs,” the suit states.

“I feel bad for all these customers that are losing money,” said Deputy Dist. Atty. Michael D. Schwartz, who will prosecute the case.

The prosecutor is asking a Superior Court judge to grant a preliminary injunction forbidding the company from continuing such practices. A hearing is scheduled for Feb. 10.