Mr. van W. (74 years old) was contacted by telephone by the Hollandse Energie Maatschappij (HEM) to conclude an energy contract at attractive rates. The offer of 256 euros per month sounds interesting and a permanent contract is taken for one year. Everything seems to go well for the first three months, but after 3 months the monthly amount is suddenly increased to 498 euros per month. Mr. van W. assumes an error and continues to pay the agreed amount of 256 euros. However, 6 months later and some confusing telephone conversations, the installment amount was increased to 950 euros per month. Ultimately, the gentleman terminates his contract and is presented with a final bill of more than 4,000 euros still to be paid. SA was called in and contacted HIM directly to clarify what might have happened. And as it turns out, the 256 euros paid by telephone also came back on the paper contract, but with a glaring counting error. A calculation is shown that should amount to 498 euros, but ends up at 256 euros. After three months, HEM discovers the error (or it is part of their scam) and unilaterally corrects the monthly amount. SA has filed an official complaint, which has not been responded to with the desired effect. However, HEM has settled all the matters for which they were reprimanded by ACM in the final settlement, which resulted in a reduction of 2000 euros, but still an open account of more than 2000 euros. Once again the counting error was brought to the attention, which was ultimately responded to with the comment that this is separate from the contract and that it is not possible to adjust the monthly amount afterwards. Which is of course a nonsense response that shows that they know exactly how they deliberately mislead people. What has also been revealed through the media has happened hundreds of times to other people. Mr. van W. is obviously not going to pay and for the time being it looks like HEM is going bankrupt - now that it has been reported that their license has been revoked by the ACM.
