Viva Financial Nationwide Home Comfort Scammed me into renting Hepa Filter! Toronto Ontario

I got a call from their previous company whom Viva Financial took over from, Nationwide Home Comfort (no longer trading). They callled to claim they are the warranty company for my furnace and wanted to book an appointment to perform a free check on my furnace to ensure it is working properly.

I didn't suspect anything and agreed for them to come out. They checked my furnace and said it was okay but that I would benefit from installing a Hepa filter, they told me it would not cost me anything and I would get government rebates. They also claimed I would get a free Nest Thermostat. I thought great, a free thermostat and a rebate, I signed a contract and they assured me there would be no charges.

They said when their call centre calls, just agree to any charges they mention and to lie and tell the rep that the sales person was not there and had left my home. I thought that was a little strange but I went ahead with it. They came and installed the Hepa filter, I have no idea if it is actually doing anything in my house!

They did give as promised a Nest thermostat for free (well not really free since I am paying a high monthly charge).

They also gave me certificate saying my equipement and furnace is covered by a 10 year warranty and that they are applying for Government rebates where I would be getting $100 but I never received any money from them.

I didn't suspect I would be charged monthly for the Hepa filter, I didn't realize until a year later that I have been paying monthly $59 for the filter, I didn't really check my bills online that much so didn't know which I wish I had done now.

I called Nationwide but it goes to a company called Viva Financial and that is the company that shows on my Enbridge Gas bill, I told them what this charge was for and they told me it was for the Hepa filter, I told them I was not told about any charges and was extremely annoyed and said I wanted to cancel but guy on phone was extremely rude and threatening, told me I can't cancel as I signed a contract and I am stuck in the contract for 10 Years, if I want to cancel I have to pay the remaining balance of more than $8000.

They also told me they have put a lien on my house! So I am selling my house and with this lien I can't sell until I pay them this high price! Bloody scammers, how can they do this to innocent people?

I am extremely disgusted with their sales tactices whch I am sure they are trained to do. I have contacted a lawyer and dealing with this company, we cannot let them get away with this, I pray this company goes Bankrupt and is no longer in power.