Claims of fraud and unauthorized charges continue at Pemco Supply appliance store in Flatlands
Nora Kersinant is just one of dozens of customers who said a simple transaction at Pemco Supply on Utica Avenue turned out to be their biggest mistake.
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Back in September, News 12 broke an exclusive story about a woman fighting for her elderly father, who had been scammed by a local appliance store – Pemco Supply.
Since then, several people reached out to say they, too, were victims of some sort of fraud involving that same business and its owner.
"He's a professional criminal,” said Nora Kersinant. “He knows what to do and how to avoid jail."
Kersinant is just one of dozens of customers who said a simple transaction at Pemco Supply on Utica Avenue turned out to be their biggest mistake.
Back in 2024, Kersinant’s 81-year-old father went to purchase a filter worth $50 — but instead left with a $3,500 credit card bill. A bill they're still paying for — and then some.
"The business owner created a contract,” said Kernisant. “He forged the signature of my father and gave it to the bank, and let the bank know my father purchased a Samsung refrigerator. There's no such thing. We've had a Kenmore for 25 years."
This isn't the first time the owner has been accused of forging signatures and making unauthorized charges.
Court filings show that either Pemco Supply or the four other names used by the owner has been sued more than a dozen times. Each case ended the same way - the owner never showed up.
"I did not sign the receipt,” said Heather Alexander, who is currently in court for the issue. “He wrote my name, and he signed my signature. I did not even leave the store with the part."
During a brief phone call, Alexander told News 12 she showed up to the appliance store under the impression that it was a Sears affiliate shop as advertised. However, when she changed her mind about an expensive purchase on the spot, the owner refused to refund her.
Alfred Thomas has been back and forth to court four times already, for a $224 quote that turned out to be $3,300 when he got his receipt.
"If everything is our fault, why can't he come to court and prove it?" questioned Thomas.
After all the complaints, News 12 went straight to the place of business to speak with the owner himself. He told a reporter that all the small claims against him were false allegations.
“We don't play games here,” said owner Howard Kindler. “Our customers, not so much."
Court documents show Kindler also goes by “Howie Kindle” and “Jack Sands.”
While Alexander and Thomas are still appearing in court, a judge ruled in favor of Kernisant and her father this week — but the nightmare is still not over.
"If the bank does not reverse the charges,” said Kernisant. “I will have to go back and try to get the marshals involved, to try to get the $3,500 back."
Their goal is to see this business and its owner held accountable.
