(Getty)
Better Business Bureau Connecticut is issuing an alert about a Coventry transportation service after nearly a dozen residents raised red flags about the business. Over the past month, our investigation uncovered a pattern of deception involving Eastern Transportation and Rentals. Reports to BBB's Scam Tracker indicated that the owner of the business, Mitch Kloter, took money from travelers who booked rides to Boston Logan and JFK airports. These reports contained a similar narrative, as customers described seeing Kloter's services advertised in Connecticut and Massachusetts community forums on Facebook. Many report that despite accepting prepayment via peer-to-peer apps, Kloter failed to show on the day of service, forcing them to pay additional funds to a different transportation company. These customers contend that Kloter promised to pay them back but didn’t.
"On 7/9 my husband & I were scheduled to be picked up at Logan airport by Mitch & at the last min he sent someone else. This drive was not covered & I had to pay an additional $300 to this driver. While in the car I spoke with Mitch who assured me he would reimburse me the $440. Again , to date he has not reimbursed me & I don’t believe he has any intention of doing so. I have repeatedly sent texts & either do not get an answer or I get some half hearted excuse ie “processing issues” which I now believe to be a scam. Please do not use Mitch Kloter. He is not to be trusted & will scam you,” reported a Newington woman.
"A few hours before I needed to leave with my family of 6 to Boston Logan airport, he contacted me and said he didn't have a van to bring us and so I paid for an Uber $$149.53 to bring us on top of that $425. On the way home same thing no response for a ride home. A different driver came to get us through Mitch and the next day the transportation company sent me an invoice for $224.13 because he was not paid either. He still has his ads on the forums...” one Enfield woman reported to BBB’s Scam Tracker.
“Mitch was hired for transportation services to the airport. He called me over the phone and was very professional. He even called me the morning of the services to let me know someone was on the way. When I called the driver, he was going to he delayed an hour after pickup time. When dealing with flights, this was not something we were going to risk. He scammed me $825,” a Niantic woman wrote in her Scam Tracker report.
Read more reports
The Connecticut Department of Transportation confirms that it has multiple pending complaints involving Eastern Transportation and Rentals. The agency confirms that the company does not have the required transportation permits on file nor an active business license with the Secretary of the State. The agency recommends that customers request a copy of their livery permit and proof of insurance before booking a ride with a livery provider.
Local police also confirm they are investigating.
BBB Connecticut reached out to the phone number and email address associated with the business and its owner in August. After the story was released to the media, in September, Kloter called BBB Connecticut and stated he was, "actively trying to make right" on the situation. He claimed to have only four to five people to pay back. BBB Connecticut immediately reached out to all of the consumers who filed Scam Tracker Reports. A majority said they had not been paid back nor received any recent communication from Kloter. Two consumers said they had received a partial refund weeks or months prior with the promise of receiving the rest of their money. A promise that so far has not been fulfilled.
While it is common to prepay for airport shuttles, consumers should research the company’s reputation like any other business. BBB.org is a good place to start.
Consider prepayment via peer-to-peer payment apps a red flag and always use a credit card. It’s also important to inquire about the company’s cancellation policy ahead of time.