Thanks for visiting UCAN.org! For over 25 years, UCAN has been protecting, educating, and advocating for consumers through a small staff of dedicated consumer advocates. Our services are available because of grassroots donations from people like you. Please help us continue our work with a donation of any amount on our secure donation page.
National Energy Rebate scheme
THE FOLLOWING IS AN E-MAIL CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN UCAN's EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (in black) AND THE CEO OF NATIONAL ENERGY REBATE CORP (in blue). IT ENCAPSULATES OUR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS SCHEME AND THE COMPANY'S RESPONSE. OUR ADVICE: "BUYER BEWARE." WE FURTHER RECOMMEND AGAINST DOING BUSINESS WITH RETAILERS WHO USE THE NATIONAL ENERGY REBATE SCHEME.
First: The website is not designed to fully explain the program. It is there to help someone contact us for more information and provide a basic overview of the program. We do no marketing, advertising or promoting of our website. Consumer's typically find it when they have received our brochure and a full presentation from a NERF Dealer. We do not want the website used to fully explain the program because that leaves too much room for mis-understanding. We expect, contractually demand, train and test our Dealers representatives to fully explain the program IN PERSON, provide literature, discuss slippage, provide Sample Voucher and explain the claim process at the time of estimate/sales presentation to the customer. Also, they are to complete the Consumer Checklist after explaining the program to ensure that the consumer understands the program. Further, this is all to be done at the beginning of their entire presentation, before they start explaining their own products and services. IF a consumer decides to purchase that day, they also sign the Accept/Decline Offer form which further states that they have received brochures, sample vouchers, etc., and agree to the terms and conditions. Don't you agree that this is a MUCH more reliable method of explaining and ensuring understanding by the consumer rather than HOPE that they understand the website and don't have a Trained and Tested representative there to answer and explain other questions in person?
1. What is involved in the "claim up to $21,000.00 won't you?" talked about at http://www.nationalenergyrebates.com/program.html. What determines the cap? Could it be less, and why? Given that "there can be no way the fund is depleted and it is mathematically and financially sound", how could the individual not receive "up to 100%" of their rebate? (as referenced at http://www.nationalenergyrebates.com/faq.html)
3. Why do you require the form to be sent via registered mail? Why not confirm receipt via e-mail or letter?
4. What are the details behind the "questionnaire" that one fills out to determine their eligibility?
5. At http://www.nationalenergyrebates.com/instruct.html you refer to terms and conditions "below" yet, they are not posted on your web site. Where are they?
These are just a few of the questions that we have about your offer. But, frankly, any offer that gives a customer only 30 days (47 months hence) to claim the rebate suggests that you are counting upon customers to forget......and that, alone, is questionable.
Regards,
Tim Stubbs
CEO/President
National Energy Rebates
Toll Free: 888-422-0606
Like what you see? Go ahead and show your support! UCAN is a truly independent non-profit watchdog organization, dependent on grassroots donations like yours!
Utility Consumers' Action Network - (619) 696-6966
Terms and Conditions
UCAN.org is made available by the Utility Consumers' Action Network to assist you in becoming what you always knew you could be: a consumer ROCK STAR! We take no corporate money, and are beholden only to you, the consumer. As such, the site is here for educational, advocacy, and empowerment purposes, as well to to give you general information and a general understanding of the law. Just remember this site is NOT here to provide specific legal advice. By using this web site you of course understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Web Site publisher, UCAN. The Web Site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.
That said, get to digging on the site, inform yourself, speak your mind, and earn Watchdog Bones! This is YOUR site, and we mean it. So comment on any of the content, discuss the latest issues in the forums, file a complaint on a company with the Fraud Squad, and generally cut loose.
See our Terms of Use, Privacy, and Copyright complaint policies as well as our Content Reuse Policy, Some Rights Reserved. Remember, if you have any questions about copyright law or need legal information regarding intellectual property, the internet, or new technologies, visit our affiliate New Media Rights at www.newmediarights.org. If you are in the San Diego region, you can also can apply to use New Media Rights' multimedia studio and equipment for free.










Rebate
I too have been scammed by the National Energy Rebate Fund. I am due a rebate of $10,650.00 and will not receive it. My wife and I got our new windows put in just because of NERF. Now, get this: My wife died four months after we had our windows put in so I sent a letter to the Fund Administrater (Susan Duran) to have my wife's voucher transferred to my name. I received a letter from her that stated in part: "The rebate Program works on the principal of "slippage." Slippage is a predictable event that occurs when people fail to comply with the terms and conditions necessary to redeem..." According to the letter death is considered slippage and therefore they won't transfer my wife's voucher to my name.
My wife died 44 dyas after getting sick so I'd like someone to tell me just how the hell that was predictable!!! I was going to send my wife's voucher in and demand the money but the website said I would probably get the vouchers back so what's the use. Anyway, I am out that money which was going to be used to pay off the windows.
newspaper article
I got stuck without my 4K also, did some poking around and found this article. time to file with the colorado AG office...
Grand Junction newspaper
Former Grand Junction man fined in energy-rebate probe
By Amy Hamilton
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
A former Grand Junction man has been fined a default judgment of $100,000 by the Colorado attorney general for defrauding costumers of rebates they were promised for purchasing energy-efficient housing materials.
Tim Stubbs, former owner of National Energy Rebate Fund, also will have to pay back the $4.2 million he collected from more than 14,000 customers through the company, the Attorney General’s Office said.
The judgment comes after Stubbs did not answer to a complaint filed June 12, 2009, that he violated the Colorado Consumers Protection Act.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, Stubbs persuaded consumers to purchase higher-priced housing items such as siding and roofing “by offering them false hopes that they have a fair opportunity to obtain a substantial rebate,” the complaint read.
Some $4.4 million remaining in an escrow account set up by Stubbs at Christina Bank will be turned over to the Colorado Department of Law and distributed to consumers according to their level of participation in the National Energy Rebate Fund program.
Stubbs placed $4.6 million in the account to pay consumers who participated in the program.
The department also will subtract costs of administering the money and legal fees. It also will be shared with consumers from Wisconsin who were some of the company’s victims, the judgment said.
Stubbs misrepresented the likelihood that customers would receive a rebate, the Attorney General’s Office said, and the terms and conditions of the agreement were not as easy to understand as Stubbs’ company purported them to be. Also, the office said, the scheme was not a way to promote energy efficiency, but a way for companies that Stubbs worked with to sell higher-priced items to customers.
4-wheeler rebate
We purchased a 4-wheeler from a company in Orifino, Idaho. At the time of purchase there was to be a 4,000.00 rebate after 47 months. I was told the company had problems someone else was taking it over and was given the Wisconsin # who advised me that they could not help us as we were not Wisconsin residents. Does anyone out there know who is handling the rebates from Idaho. We called the state said our only recourse was to file a complaint against the company who sold it to us. They're not the ones at fault. Can anyone help????
4 WHEELER REBATE
I live in washington state and bought two quads. One in September 2006 and one in January of 2007 From The Arctic Cat Dealer in Carson, WA. Which moved to Hood River, OR. Mailed off the first with ALL THE APPROPRIATE INFO Aug 17 and it was returned as udeliverable on Aug 26. I think getting ahold of the attorney generals office of Colorado is a must. Hard to believe people can cheat hard working folks for greed.
P. Sanford
4 wheeler rebate.
I also have a rebate coming for a Honda 4 wheeler purchase. This is out of utah. Sure would like to know
where to go next???
got scammed
I was scammed also sent in my paperwork as I was instructed, letter returned as undeliverable after 15 days. After reading all the statements I was totally suprised. If anyone has any suggestions as to what we can do please reply. I got a letter from Susan Duran telling me this was a reminder.
national energy rebate scheme
in may of 2005 we purchased a spa from Florence Hearth & Patio which we paid cash for. we sent in the first paper work when we were suppose to by registered mail and received our signed card back, it was signed by S. Duran. We waited and at the right time we sent in the rest of the paper work by registered mail to receive our $15,00.00 and it was returned to us as undeliverable and not forwardable. The phone number we have is also no longer any good. this whole nerf is nothing but a scam to cheat honest people out of money. we are contacting an attorney and will also enter a complaint with the attorney generals office in Oregon and will contact the attorney generals office in Colorado. There has to be a way to stop these crooks from cheating people and living high on the hog on our money.
It's a scam
My husband and I purchased a patio cover in 05 were did the paperwork perfectly and also received a letter from S. Duran. We waited and sent the paperwork registerd mail and received it back on Aug 15, 2009 as undeliverable and not forwardable. The phone number is disconnected. I guess from reading all the e-mails this is a scam and we need to ban together and find these people and get them to either pay all of us or get them thrown in jail. I too will contact the company we purchased it from and also the Attorney Generals in Colorado. Lets see what happens.
It MUST be a scam!!!!
We too sent our paperwork in exactly as we were supposed to. 2 weeks later, we received it back in the mail undeliverable and not forwardable. What's the deal? We waited 4 years to get our money back! Now I'm very upset about this! What are we supposed to do. Our 2 year reminder letter was signed by Susan Duran - anyone know her?
Windows of America of Portland, Inc.
Well, now it is March 2009. After spending $12.79 to send my claim to NERF I find out it doesn't exist. Not to mention waiting four f*^&ing years and doing everything perfecting to collect the rebate. Ha. Anyone have any new information?
Tim is living in Costa Rica
Tim is in a million dollar home in Nosara, Costa Rica. He tried to rent my house for a year and I googled him. I did hear he rented another house down there. Living the good life with your money.
It appears that you are not
It appears that you are not alone--I figured that this scheme was too good to be true! Where do we go from here? I just filed my claim and had my material returned to me.
File a claim online with the
File a claim online with the Colorado Attorney Generals office . We did and they called us and stated that they had gone to court and there will be some sort of money coming back. Probably not the whole amount but something. Will see...
Filing with the Colorado's Attorney Generals Office
I am too a victim of the rebate scam. I sent my paperwork to the Attorney General in Colorado back in October. Sent the papers via certified mail. Know the papers were received as they signed the card and I got it back. Otherwise, I have not heard anything from the Attorney General's office. Why do some people get a response and others don't?
Stubbs
I saw in a Vail newspaper posting that SOB Tim Stubbs was in Costa Rica or Panama. Why cant the Colorado AG sell his $700K house and pay us back? I'd give up my $5K just for the chance to kick his little ass!
NERF scam
I sent my paperwork by registered mail in October. I received the return receipt back, which was signed by Susan Duran, the same person who sent the 24 month reminder and their change-of -address. I waited 10 weeks, and after no response, I sent a certified letter requesting a response from them. The certified was returned to me as 'undeliverable, unable to forward'.
I filed a complaint with the Attorney General of Washington State, but their attempts to contact the company were also unsuccessful. If anyone knows a way to contact these people, please let us know. The Attorney General will proceed, if they can be found.
Same think
I am running into the same problem. I received my paperwork back shortly after sending with wrong address, I sent it to the address that Susan Duran sent I then sent it to the National Energy Rebate Fund, Inc. on the 15th and got on line today to check the registered letter number and found that it is also being returned for lack of correct address. I plan on going to my Attorney General as well in Oregon State. I don't know about you but I want my money!
National Energy Rebate Fund
Is there a class action lawsuit against NERF?
Also, does the merchant who sold me my windows have any liability in this matter? We were supposed to get an estimated $14,000 rebate in February 2010.
Where can we contact Tim Stubbs? Nerf's phone is disconnected and there e-mail no longer exists.
NERF
NERF is bankrupt and no longer in existance. Good luck, there's not much we can do from what I understand, at least at this point.
NERF Scam
I had the exact same problems. I did all the proper steps at all the proper times. Two letters ago to Susan Duran got me a reply that they were "having legal problems" and my rebate was due shortly. Followed that letter up with another and was returned by the Post Office. Where did they go? I also contacted the Washington AG and got the same response that they could not be found.
If anyone gets an address please post! Has anyone tried Small Claims Court? I was going to, but where would you serve the papers?
Help !
Stubbs
You can still contact brother MAtt Stubbs at the number listed,
NERF
Tim Stubbs home
265 Red Rim Dr
Grand Junction, CO 81507-1155
(970) 255-0619Type: Land Line
Provider: Qwest Corporation
Location: Grand Junction, CO
Matt Stubbs
404 Saddle Ct
Grand Junction, CO 81507-3309
(970) 245-3536Type: unavailable
Provider: unavailable
Location: unavailable
Incorporated by Matt Stubbs and Tim Stubbs, National Rebate Fund, Inc. is located at 3202 Snowberry Ct Grand Junction, CO 81506. National Rebate Fund, Inc. was incorporated on Monday, February 28, 2005 in the State of FL and is currently not active. Willis E. Stubbs represents National Rebate Fund, Inc. as their registered agent
Contact
Do you know if any one has made contact with Tim Stubbs or Matt Stubbs? I myself just had my paperwork sent back due to the lack of company existing in Grand Junction, CO. Was wondering if these two individuals are approachable or if I need to get the authorities involved.
NERF
I think I'd serve my contractor that got me into the program first with the promise of the voucher system.
Contractors also victims of NERF Scam
Is there a class action suit for the contractors who were also defrauded by Tim Stubbs and his NERF Scam. Contractors also believed in the rebate and have lost valuable customers and thousands of dollars because of that slime bag.
rebate check
I sent my rebate stubs in for my last rebate check, which we never got the first. When I sent it in registered mail, which they recieved because I got the return card. I waited for 12 weeks, then sent them a letter, guess what, the letter was returned with a no forwarding address label on it. They must have shut the doors and not told anyone. Sorry folks, they aren't there anymore.
NERF
Lynn, which address did you use? I have a letter saying they changed addresses in April of "05, the link of their web site says another one, so that makes a total of 3 different address i have.I can e-mail what i have if you. Which one address did you use?
nerf
I recieved a letter on how to file my rebate 10-2-2005. The address on the paper is
Fund Administrators, L.L.C.
2139 North 12th st. Unit 8
Grand Junction, CO. 81501
Reading everyones headaches is making me nervous Im due to send mine in sept. 09
Susan Duraw signed the letter.
Fund Administrator Grand Junction Colorado
We received a letter in May of 2005 changing the address to the same one you posted. Bought a hot tub in 2005 and sent in all of the appropriate paperwork over the years. Sent in to receive our rebate and the registered mail 6 Apr 09 and it was returned for bad addess.
address
I used the address they sent me saying they changed there address in 2005. I just think they closed up shop so they don't get caught.
National Energy Rebate Fund
Do you know if there's any way to get the money I've been promised. I submitted my parperwork in July for $42,000 for both my wife and me. In September, I talked to a lady that said I had to wait until the end of September. I called and left messages about 2 weeks ago and now I'm not getting any response. The phone number isn't working now.
The reason it isn't working
The reason it isn't working is because they closed up. My letter was returned with no forwarding address on it.
I to submitted my paperwork
I to submitted my paperwork in September for 7,000. I talked to a lady in October and she said I had to wait 6 to 8 weeks from November. I have not received any response and have also called the number and it is no longer in service. I think this rebate program is a scam.
Address
Tim leaves a phone # that no one will answer. How about an adress to this place.
Why is it so hard to find an address for Him. Is thier really such a company?
Scam Pellet stove
Once again lied to. I did everything the paper work told me to do, even a name and address change. Where did this information go? I was right on time and completed all paper work. Olny to get back my envelope saying it was an undeliverable address. This cost me $10.00 every time to send something registered mail. I am not rich witch is why I tryed this. NEVER Again!
This is a SCAM
$7,000.00 Owed
I am in Ohio waiting on a $7,000.00 rebate from a swimming pool purchase. Good luck, right? I can't believe I got taken on this. I used what I thought was a reputable dealer. Can't they be held responsible fo this? Everything, and I mean to the letter, was done perfectly on the paperwork for the rebate. It has been a few months now with nothing and I am getting ready to contact authorities to see what I can do. I cannot stand thieves. This rebate was a big part of our decision to make this purchase. I am retired (disability after 25 yrs. on job with arthritis) with teenagers at home and like most folks could use this money. Did I mention I hate thieves? This has to be stopped before others are sucked in.
Rebate
My husband bought fencing and decking through Mastergaurd Inc. which offered us the rebate. We sent in the check stub by the 17th day as stated by certified mail. At the 47th month we sent in all the paper work. We recieved a denied letter saying the order wasn't signed which it was and also we didn't have the certified return slip to prove we sent it in by the 17th day, and that we didn't send our check voucher in separately and certified. First off our work order was signed, and also, the certified return slip was destroyed in a flood, so how was we suppose to send it, and also our paperwork Was sent separatly, it may have been in one mailing envelope from UPS but the paperwork for each was in separate envelopes which had to be signed for, so we lost $13,000. Now I sent in our last check voucher which you will probably deny because We don't have the return slip showing we sent in the first one certified. If you keep records like you are suppose to, why would you ask for that anyway? When you sent the reminder letter, it had our check numbers on it. Is this another way of not paying up on the vouchers?
YES IT IS
This is a PERFECT example of how this company makes sending in all the BS paperwork an almost impossible task to ask consumers to do.
Sorry to hear that you are yet another victim to the SCAM!
In Arizona, $3,100 credit for Painting the House.
I will contact the attorney general and we need to file a lawsuit against this company or the owner. This scam was planned from the beginning. If you are from AZ as well please respond. The companies selling the rebate should be liable as well. The (Superior Painting) company is out of business as well. There are too many of us, we need to get something done against these people.
Superior Painting
They painted my house...and I am due a rebate this month...went to call them and found this blog....what a mess...I am owed $6000 that I was counting on. Let me know what you are doing and I will do it to.
Thanks
Jayne
NERF
I have read NERF's "terms and conditions" from top to bottom and also every post to date on this page (8/09/08). What sickens me more than the 'enterprising leeches' who came up with this scheme (I am educated Mr. Stubbs, you just can't confuse me) is the complicity of the merchants who offer it. One can only imagine how NERF markets this to merchants to make them think it is actually in their best interest as consumer-oriented businesses to offer this scheme. I received this ploy from New Windows For America in MN which is heavily advertised on the radio, and which brags about their service awards. Their salesman gave no details about NERF but emphasized the dollar figure AFTER the 'rebate', and did not inspire confidence in the company as a whole. After reading the terms and conditions later (I did not purchase anything) I was appalled by the shoddy practices outlined. Mr. Stubbs protests that the rebate is really a 'bonus', implying that consumers should be happy for whatever they get and even thank them! This is not the Soviet Union, Comrade - why don't you and your cronies get real jobs like the rest of us?
The local watchdog UCAN had to ask them to resubmit the vouchers
For all the hoopla from the non-believers, especially UCAN(from San Diego), they had to eat their words and beg NERF to allow a customer to resubmit their vouchers after UCAN had made the customer register late.
Wow, a consumer advocate that was admitting they were wrong, they had messed up the customers opportunity to participate in the NERF program? Unheard of! But thats exactly what happened.
Yet, they didn't believe in the NERF program, supposedly. I thought it was a scam UCAN? If it doesn't work, why did you request the customer have his vouchers accepted & registered after you had messed up this good guy?
So there you go! IT DOES WORK & UCAN KNOWS IT & ADMITTED IT WAS THEIR FAULT!
UCAN Did Not Eat Its Words
I wish that Lee's post was accurate. As a staff person, I did not admit I was wrong about the program and recently, UCAN has received 3 other complaints from seniors in the San Diego area who sent in the vouchers on the deadlines and cannot collect because they cannot reach anyone at NERF or Best Windows & Doors.
I tried to be impartial, fair, allow time to listen to all sides and that's what made the customer late by one day after a senior citizen brought in several pages of documents. This senior was sent to UCAN by an attorney from another agency who happened to be speaking at this senior event. Then I decided it's only fair to meet with the owner of Best Windows & Doors to listen to the program.
The bottom line is the owner of Best Windows and Doors and his manager suggested I write a letter to NERF explaining to the company that it took me time to go through all of the papers and the notes from the attorney and in turn, the Best Windows & Doors owner promised to call NERF on the customer's behalf. This letter is the focus of the twisted and untrue allegations stated above by obviously the owner or the manager who met with me.
Although I never knew anyone who got paid using the vouchers, I decided to trust the company until it actually proved itself unworthy of my trust. Well, both Best Windows & Doors and NERF have proven themselves unworthy of my trust.
Very recent experience with New Windows for America in MN & NERF
Unlike what has been stated by Tim Stubbs, the sales representative did NOT explain anything about NERF before beginning his sales pitch about the New Windows for America products. I am a very cynical and non-trusting person when it comes to sales people and certainly felt that after the sales pitch the rebate fell into the too good to be true category.
The windows we were considering cost approximately $21000 for 18 windows and 2 patio doors. After the 75% "rebate" the cost to us would be $4250 - a very good deal. Then I turned to the Internet to see what others had to say and found this web site.
There's one main question I would like Mr. Stubbs to answer: Why aren't the terms and conditions of the rebate (i.e. the fine print) fully explained on your web site? I do plan on emailing you for the terms and conditions but am really skeptical about your company since you are keeping the terms and conditions such a secret. The entire rebate scheme is dependent upon the fine print and you won't publish it or let people see it until they have purchase products from an affiliated dealer. That's laughable!
On the positive side - I am impressed that you have taken the time to address our questions and concerns on this forum.
Here's Tim On Camera ....He doesn't want to answer questions.
http://consumerist.com/tag/national-energy-rebate-fund/
Hi Everyone, So here's an investigation with Tim Stubbs. How foolish he looks.... Now he said because of this investigation people are not going to be able to claim for their rebates. How can you prove that someone was reminded by the media? I don't get it~
Tim --you look foolish!
Tim,
Why go all the trouble. I think you earned enough money scamming people. Perhaps just shut down your company. If your company was legit how come now promote it on television? Gebhardt gave you a great opportunity to promote your company so you can earn more money! Greed...How SHAMEFUL that an AMERICAN like you would take advantage of hard working citizens money.!.. OH YOU LOOK FOOLISH on the video YOU LOW LIFE BASTARD....
NERF
Tim puts his name behind his posts for all to see....but those that have a problem with NERF fail to put up thier full names or any name at all. Isn't this Internet thing a great invention, you can say anything about anybody no ramifacations, no responsibility........what if I posted as Anonymous and said that EVERY post so far has been from contractors that have not been allowed to be a part of NERF and that this is thier way of trying to get back.....would you believe this to be true because I posted it?? should you?? Maybe try talking direct to the parties involved, first, call Anonymous, then call NERF and talk to them.
More NERF Lawsuits and consumer complaints
http://consumerist.com/356907/national-energy-rebate-fund-scam
READ THIS!
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/mo_consumer_trust.html
http://www.canada.com/globaltv/edmonton/info/troubleshooter/story.html?i...
Just tried to go to their
Just tried to go to their website and it is no longer working..
Have these Scammers Finally cut and run?????