You Ask update: Heart Check America customers file complaints with Attorneys General
Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) - From Chicago to Denver to Las Vegas, customers of Heart Check America are reaching out to Action News after we first reported that the company closed down without notice.
They want to know who is holding this company responsible for taking thousands of dollars from its customers.
"I've been taken. My money's been taken, my trust has been taken," said Georgette Byrd.
Georgette is one of many frustrated Heart Check America customers who were blind sided when the company suddenly closed its office on Sahara near Buffalo.
"When did you find out something wasn't right," asked Action News anchor Nina Radetich.
"I watched Channel 13 and I saw the show about Heart Check America," said Georgette.
Georgette had signed a 10-year contract with the medical imaging company for almost $3,500. She was promised full body scans every other year to check for heart problems and cancer.
She was making monthly payments of about $110 until last week.
"So I'm out a $1,000, a little over $1,000," explained Georgette.
The office closed sometime in May. We don't know exactly why but, according to the State Health Division, most Heart Check America patients didn't have a doctor's referral to get a scan.
That's a violation of state regulations. Our investigation revealed this isn't their only location with problems.
"Having a patient come in and be exposed to radiation without any medical benefit coming out of it, that was our main concern," said Brian Vamvakias from Denver's Health Department.
In Denver, Heart Check America also closed its doors and, within one week, 80 people filed complaints with Colorado's Attorney General.
We checked their other locations and couldn't get any answers over the phone. So Action News sent our sister station in Milwaukee down to their two Chicago-area locations.
It was lights out and locked doors at both offices. An article from South Carolina newspaper The Island Packet says the man who oversaw sales at the Denver location is now sales manager for Cancer Check America in Hilton Head Island.
When we finally reached him, he refused to do a phone interview but did say all Heart Check America offices would be open again by June 1. He wouldn't give any more details.
That's little comfort for Georgette.
"I was horrified that I was scammed," said Georgette.
The Island Packet reports that health officials inspected Cancer Check America after learning about Heart Check America's violations.
The Nevada Attorney General's Office is in touch with officials from other states where Heart Check America set up shop. They couldn't tell us much more than that but say they do have a list of customers in Las Vegas just like Georgette who will be filing complaints.
Action News will follow up to see if the office does open on June 1. For those wondering what they should do about their payments, it's best to contact a lawyer.
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