Illegal practices do not buy they take control of your machine
I am dealing with a very frustrating and potentially illegal situation with US Air Compressor. Coercive sales tactics, especially those that involve disabling equipment you've purchased unless you buy high-priced parts, are serious and may violate consumer protection laws.
Here's what you can do:
1. Document Everything:
* Keep detailed records: Note dates, times, names of people you spoke with, what was said, and any demands made (e.g., specific parts and prices, threats to shut off the compressor).
* Save all communications: Keep emails, text messages, invoices, contracts, and any other written correspondence.
* Gather evidence: If possible, record phone calls (check your state's laws on one-party or two-party consent for recording conversations), or take videos/photos of the compressor being shut off or any relevant issues.
2. Contact US Air Compressor Directly (Professionally):
* Formal Complaint: Send a formal written complaint (via certified mail with a return receipt requested) to US Air Compressor. Clearly state your issue, refer to any relevant contract terms, and demand a resolution. State that you consider their actions to be coercive and potentially illegal.
* Contact information: According to their website, you can reach them at or call +1 612-987-8933 (US Sales & Support) or +1 905 238 0225 (CAN Sales & Support).
3. Report the Issue to Consumer Protection Agencies:
* Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC is the primary federal agency for consumer protection in the U.S. They investigate unfair, deceptive, and fraudulent business practices. You can file a complaint at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. While the FTC doesn't resolve individual disputes, your report helps them identify patterns and take action against companies.
* Better Business Bureau (BBB): File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. The BBB attempts to mediate disputes between consumers and businesses. While US Air Compressor has generally positive reviews on their own site, filing a complaint with the BBB will put your experience on record. You can file a complaint at . Look up "U.S. Air Compressor" in Bloomington, MN (their BBB profile is listed).
* State Attorney General's Office: Contact the Attorney General's office in your state (and potentially the state where US Air Compressor is based, which appears to be Minnesota). State Attorneys General have consumer protection divisions that can investigate and take action against businesses engaging in deceptive or coercive practices.
* Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): While primarily focused on financial products, if there's any financing involved with the compressor or parts, the CFPB might be relevant.
4. Consider Legal Action:
* Consult an Attorney: If the monetary value of the parts or the damage caused by the compressor being shut off is significant, or if you believe they are engaging in illegal business practices, it would be wise to consult with an attorney specializing in consumer law or contract law. They can advise you on your legal rights and options, including:
* Breach of Contract: If their actions violate the terms of your purchase agreement or warranty.
* Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices (UDAP): Many states have laws prohibiting businesses from engaging in unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Coercing customers through equipment disablement would likely fall under this.
* Coercion/Extortion: Depending on the specifics, their actions might even constitute a form of economic coercion or extortion.
* Small Claims Court: For smaller monetary disputes, small claims court can be a more affordable and accessible option than a full lawsuit.
Key Legal Concepts to Be Aware Of:
* Unfair and Deceptive Acts or Practices (UDAP): These are broad consumer protection laws that prohibit 9businesses from engaging in practices that mislead consumers or are otherwise unfair. Threatening to disable equipment to force a sale would likely be considered unfair.
* Contract Law: Your purchase agreement with US Air Compressor is a contract. If they are violating its terms, you may have a claim for breach of contract.
* Implied Warranty of Merchantability: In most states, products sold come with an implied warranty that they are fit for their ordinary purpose. If the compressor is being disabled and made unusable, this warranty could be breached.
It's crucial to act swiftly and systematically to protect your rights. Good luck!
16 May 2025
Unprompted review