F&S Oil Customers To Get Restitution

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today praised the court’s approval of a settlement providing about $1 million in restitution to thousands of F&S Oil Co. customers owed money or heating oil after the company’s abrupt closure in March 2008.

Superior Court Judge Grant Miller approved the settlement today during a proceeding at Hartford Superior court.

“This settlement provides F&S customers with much-needed and deserved restitution — money back for oil and services owed them when the company closed,” Blumenthal said. “Consumers will recoup cash they paid for oil and services, only to be burned when F&S shut down. Scarce assets were a huge hurdle in our tough fight for restitution, but this result assures some relief. My office will move as quickly as possible to pay claims — hopefully in time to help pay this year’s heating bill.

“My office’s lawsuit against former F&S president Christopher T. Carr is ongoing, a possible source of additional restitution for consumers. My investigation into F&S’ collapse is continuing.

“I will continue to vigorously and aggressively enforce state laws and regulations requiring oil companies to secure sufficient supply for prepaid and fixed payment contracts. I urge consumers to carefully consider how they buy oil, thinking long and hard before pre-paying. The promise of marginally lower prices may not be worth the risk — and could lead to financial flame out.”

The more than 2,500 F&S customers who filed complaints with Blumenthal’s office will be mailed early next year paperwork with their claim information already filled in. They will only have to review the forms for accuracy and completeness before signing and returning them for consideration.

Other consumers who also may be eligible to receive payments from the fund, but who have not yet submitted complaints, will also receive claim forms which they may submit for consideration.

Similar Posts:

• F&S Oil Customers Getting Rebates
• Pellet Victims To Receive Restitution
• F&A Oil Customers And Creditors Closer To Restitution
• DIRECTV Will Provide Restitution, Fines Nationwide For Violating Consumer Protection Laws
• Ct Atty Gen Announces Win of $230K In Fines & Restitution, But Whether Compensation Materializes Is Unknown
• Vonage Agrees to Pay $3 Million In Restitution