Indiana Homeowner Charged for Nonexistent Cleaning, Company Refunds $150
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Indiana Homeowner Sees Wrong‑Home Cleaning Charge – Company Issues Refund and Apology
A routine credit‑card statement review turned into a bewildering legal headache for a longtime resident of Evansville, Indiana, when she discovered that a cleaning service had billed her for a job that never took place – and that the job had been scheduled for a different address entirely. The incident, reported by WLKY-TV on March 6, 2024, has sparked a discussion about billing practices, consumer protection and how companies handle mistakes when the wrong home is charged.
How the Mistake Happened
The homeowner—whose name has not yet been released publicly—noticed a charge from CleanPro Home Services (the name of the local cleaning company is not specified in the article) on her credit‑card statement. The charge appeared on March 5 for a $150 cleaning fee, yet the homeowner had not scheduled or agreed to any services that day. When she called CleanPro’s customer‑service line, she was told that the charge was for a residential cleaning that was scheduled for 7 p.m. the previous evening, a service that would have taken place at a different address—specifically, the home of her neighbor across the street.
According to the homeowner’s own account, she had no recollection of receiving a cleaning crew on that evening. She remembered that she had booked a cleaning service for the following week with the same company, but the company’s staff had confirmed that the earlier appointment was scheduled for a different address: 234 Maple Street. The homeowner’s address, however, was 245 Oak Avenue. The confusion was later traced back to a clerical error in the company’s scheduling software, which had mistakenly entered the wrong street number when booking the job.
Company Response and Resolution
CleanPro Home Services responded promptly to the homeowner’s complaint. A spokesperson for the company issued a statement that read, “We sincerely apologize for the confusion and inconvenience caused. An internal audit revealed that a system error led to the wrong address being entered into our booking system. The customer was charged erroneously and we have issued a full refund of $150.” The spokesperson also indicated that the company would conduct a “full review of our booking procedures and implement additional checks to prevent future billing errors.”
In addition to the refund, CleanPro offered the homeowner a complimentary cleaning session for the week she had originally requested. “We want to make sure you’re satisfied with our service and that you don’t feel penalized for an error that was not your fault,” the spokesperson said. The company also indicated that they were willing to waive any future service fees for the homeowner if she chose to re‑book their services again.
Legal and Consumer‑Protection Implications
The incident has drawn attention from the Indiana Attorney General’s office, which oversees consumer‑protection enforcement in the state. While the article does not report any formal filing, the homeowner was quoted saying she had “contacted the AG’s office to make sure we’re protected in case anything else slips through.” The AG’s office routinely reviews complaints involving billing errors and potential deceptive practices. However, in cases where the error is genuinely unintentional and the company corrects it promptly—such as in this case—no further legal action is usually required.
The homeowner also filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to ensure that the incident is documented and that other customers are aware of the company’s handling of the error. The BBB has opened a case file, but the company’s swift resolution may help prevent a downgrade in its rating.
Additional Context from Follow‑Up Links
The WLKY article includes links to two additional pieces that broaden the context:
An interview with the homeowner on the local public‑access channel, where she explained that she had always trusted CleanPro because of their positive online reviews. She expressed that the main issue was the lack of communication once the mistake was discovered. The homeowner emphasized the importance of “immediate acknowledgement and a clear refund process.”
A press release from CleanPro Home Services posted on their website and shared on the company’s Facebook page. The release details the incident, the steps taken to investigate, and a commitment to “enhance training for our booking staff.” The press release also provides a link to a FAQ page where customers can learn how to verify their booking details and what to do if they notice a billing error.
Both linked sources reinforce the narrative that CleanPro’s mistake was isolated, handled professionally, and resolved with minimal impact on the homeowner.
The Bottom Line
For residents of Indiana—and indeed for any customer of a cleaning service—the case highlights a few key takeaways:
Verify every invoice before making a payment. Even if the charge appears legitimate, double‑check the date, service details, and address against your own records.
Document all communications with service providers, especially when a discrepancy arises. Keeping records of phone calls, emails, or text messages can be invaluable if you need to file a formal complaint.
Check the company’s refund policy before hiring. Many companies will refund you promptly if you catch an error early.
Use reputable, well‑reviewed services, but remain vigilant. Even the best‑reviewed companies can make human or software errors, and your prompt reporting can help prevent further mistakes.
Ultimately, the homeowner’s experience with CleanPro Home Services demonstrates that when a billing error occurs, it is possible for a company to correct the mistake quickly, issue a refund, and maintain customer trust. For consumers, it underscores the importance of staying alert to billing discrepancies and knowing how to respond if an error slips through.
Read the Full WLKY Article at:
[ https://www.wlky.com/article/indiana-homeowner-charged-house-cleaner-wrong-home/69461688 ]