Powermatic Adjustable Beds [TEXT DELETED BY FORUM TEAM] target the vulnerable elderly

spuds_2

I am so sorry to hear of your trouble. I can imagine the distress this has caused you.

The salesman who in my view, conned, my uncle (I am the originator of this thread) was called Paul Dodds - I am wondering if they are one and the same as your Paul Close?

This company have absolutely no scruples whatsoever. There have been several other Leeds bed companies run by the same people - [TEXT DELETED BY ABUSE TEAM FOLLOWING COMPLAINT], Sharon and Marc Jones, [TEXT DELETED BY ABUSE TEAM FOLLOWING COMPLAINT], and associated callcentre companies which fix the appointments. Lumbamatic, Purecall, Slumbermatic (Northern), and CityCentre Calls Ltd - were all put into involuntary liquidation by DTI.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/investigates/2005/01/20/purecall-and-city-centre-calls-89520-15094974/

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/investigates/2002/12/13/3-5million-junk-fax-fix-89520-12450208/ Scroll down to lower article.

The Daily Mirror used the term "vile companies" - pretty spot on description of the people who run them too, in my opinion.

Sadly, West Yorks Trading Standards seem to deal with this company only by dealing with each individual complaint and not forewarning others or trying to shut them down.

If they are in liquidation, I fully expect them to reopen under another name - in fact, when they registered [TEXT DELETED BY ABUSE TEAM FOLLOWING COMPLAINT] I expected Powermatic to close - new name, catch people unawares, same old business.

Monica, please send me a personal message with your email address so I can contact you.

I assume that you have dealt with West Yorks Trading Standards - if not inform them on 0113 2898241.

Tim_Deegan

One thing that really concerns me is that people will be put off buying adjustable beds due to 'vile companies' like these.

There are a large number of bed companies in West Yorkshire, and many of them make adjustable beds. Most of these companies don't use unscrupulous methods. And many people have benefited from the use of adjustable beds bought at reasonable prices. But with all these reports about companies from West Yorkshire, it makes me wonder how many people will just put up with stacks of pillows instead of buying adjustable beds.

spuds_2

Mobility World of Harrow have had to place this on their website, due to complaints about Powermatic/[TEXT DELETED BY ABUSE TEAM FOLLOWING COMPLAINT] of Leeds :

http://www.mobilityworld.co.uk/store.aspx?cp=739

They are asking anyone with any dealings with Powermatic/[TEXT DELETED BY ABUSE TEAM FOLLOWING COMPLAINT], Leeds to contact them - please do so. Hopefully, they will be suing this company and ensuring that [TEXT DELETED BY ABUSE TEAM FOLLOWING COMPLAINT], [TEXT DELETED BY ABUSE TEAM FOLLOWING COMPLAINT] and the others hiding behind these Leeds bed companies get the publicity they deserve.

I wonder if [TEXT DELETED BY ABUSE TEAM FOLLOWING COMPLAINT]will be suing Mobility World of Harrow like she threatened to sue me?

I agree Tim - it would be a shame if elderly people didn't buy something which could make their lives more comfortable just because they were afraid of being scammed. The way that Powermatic and it's previous companies worked was to get people to enter 'free draws' or cold-call and tell them they had won a free demonstration - they ended up pressurised into buying a £3-4k mattress - it's not even an ajustable bed.

- so always go to a shop to see the products, don't allow cold-callers to come round.

Hapless_2

Never buy off these people, Argos sell adjustable beds too, for £400-£900!

Tim_Deegan

Hapless wrote: »

Never buy off these people, Argos sell adjustable beds too, for £400-£900!

Which people are you talking about when you say don't buy off these people?

X123

Lumbamatic/Slumbamatic/Purecall are all the same company based in Leeds. They employ people to cold call areas of the country at a time to arrange appointments for 'sales reps'. The cold callers know that the appointments are to last up to 3 hrs and are a sales pitch - not a 'survey' lasting '20 mins' as they say.
Their aim is to get both residents together (hence the questions if the woman has a husband in the earlier thread) so that they can sign up there and then for a bed.
As from there I don't know too much about the company other than whats in these threads and what has been on TV. Basically my advice is don't fall for the '20 minute survey' for a free pillow! Be aware though my last dealings with them were in 2003 so my info may be slightly out of date....

spuds_2

Lumbamatic, Slumbermatic, Purecall, City Centre Calls were all closed by the DTI due to their business practises - "vile" firms that "con the elderly" the Daily Mirror called them. They were run by Marc jones and Sharon Jones - both were banned as directors I believe.

Marc Jones was featured on Rogue Traders in November this year for quoting an elderly lady (actress) a vast amount of money for unnecessary repairs.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/consumer/tv_and_radio/rogue_traders/index.shtml

His company is called Premier Construction, fronm Horbury (lots of genuine companies use this name too). Keen anglers may wish to know that he won Fishomania last year, I think, and has qualified again this year.

QOL, Powermatic, and [TEXT DELETED BY ABUSE TEAM FOLLOWING COMPLAINT]- these companies are directly linked to the previous closed down companies, though. Marc Jones seems quite busy with his building scams so he may no longer be behind these current companies. Employees have been in touch to say that they ask employees to be 'front' directors in name only, whilst someone else is actually running the company - and presumably profiting whilst they take the risk.

However, they follow the same business model that you have outlined - cold-call, lie about the product, high pressure selling on the vulnerable, break consumer law, ignore Trading Standards.

Thanks to all MSE'ers and employees who continue to pm me with info.

spuds_2

Thanks for that Leeds_lass - I sometimes think people don't realise what a big operation this company is and how long they have been in the business of defrauding the elderly. As each company is publicised they close it and open another.

I didn't realise it was such a widespread operation. With the average mattress selling for anything from £1k t0 £4k (cost around £150), they are making a vast amount of money by, in my view, lying and cheating, and breaking every law going.

Regular readers will remember the fake post by 'Welshbird' saying how fantastic Powermatic mattresses are - now we know that Powermatic are operating in Wales, I can only speculate as to whether one of of the Welsh saleswomen named by Leeds_lass made the post. Good to know that they are concerned enough about this thread to join in.

Over 3,500 viewings now - that's a lot of people made aware of this company thanks to MSE.com. Remember to tell your friends and elderly family members too.

powermaticemployee

i have read with disgust all the bad feedback you have out on about powermatic and the disgust is at myself for working for these sharks, i worked here for a few weeks and the place just kept getting worse i was paid £6 per hour to ring old people up and lie to them about what we are actually doing we tell them we are collecting views and opinions and dont say anything about a sales man going into their house for up to 6 hours to sell them a bed or a chair and it is hard core selling that the elderly cant handle and end up buying something that they dont really want. i worked there on the pretence i was going to take over running the room eventually then i was sacked and the reason they gave me was they couldnt afford to keep me on the people i met in the canvessing room was really nice people just trying to earn a living but the owner damien is a ruthless hard faced old prune who will sell anything to get your money, the people in the canvess room will no doubt give you all the info you need if you are trying to sue these sharks if you try this telephone number of an ex employee 07835025889 i have known her a while and she may give you some info you may need if not email me and ill find out what you need to know

good luck with sueing these animals
Me xxx

leeds_lass_3

A salesman who preyed on the elderly by selling them orthopaedic furniture that never arrived will be swapping his own armchair for a prison cell.

Demetrades Demetriou, previously of Broom, Bedfordshire pleaded guilty to thirteen offences under the Theft Act and Fraud Act at Luton Crown Court today (4 January).
He was brought to justice by a joint effort from Bedfordshire County Council Trading Standards, Bedfordshire Police and Trading Standards Officers from Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Essex, Hertfordshire, Milton Keynes and Lincolnshire.
Cllr Bob King, Bedfordshire County Council cabinet member for Community Services, said: "This is definitely the result we were looking for and are very pleased with the judges’ decision. This once again shows that deception does not pay off in Bedfordshire. The number of local authorities that have worked with us on this is testament to the distance and volume of his deception."
In sentencing Mr Demetriou the judge described his activity as "diabolical" and described him as an "evil man".
Bedfordshire Police Special Constabulary Chief Officer Nigel Green, said: "This was an example of a really effective piece of partnership work between the force's Economic Crime Unit, members of the Special Constabulary and Bedfordshire County Council's Trading Standards Department. It sends out a clear message that those who commit fraud, particularly against the elderly, can expect a visit from us."
During his time as a salesman for Leeds -based company, Powermatic LTD, Mr Demetriou would follow up sales leads across the country.
If he could not sell anything, he would tell his victims that he could get them the products at cut price, but would need payment immediately. He would even drive his victims to banks to collect the money. He confessed to doing this around twenty times, collecting an estimated £20,000, but the goods would never arrive.

I FOUND THIS ON THE BEDFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL WEBSITE