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Criminal investigation launched into wheelchair salesman accused of ripping off customers

Posted at 6:46 PM, Jun 25, 2018
and last updated 2019-10-10 18:07:10-04

A News 5 undercover investigation has sparked a criminal investigation.

On Monday, Colorado Springs police confirmed they are looking into a man accused of preying on people who are physically challenged.

Edward Fickas sells high end wheelchairs and power scooters, but some customers never got the product they ordered.

“He doesn’t answer the phone when I call him and he doesn’t call back when I leave him messages,” customer Ron Hall said.

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In February, Hall paid Fickas $2,240 for a Golden Compass HD power chair.

After waiting months for his chair, Hall contacted News 5 Investigates for help.

In an email, Fickas told Chief Investigative Reporter Eric Ross that he “lost his business” and blames his supplier for doubling the cost he pays for wheelchairs and scooters, but our hidden cameras caught Fickas selling scooters at a local senior living center in Colorado Springs.

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“I do over $100,000 a year in chairs,” Fickas told one of our undercover employees.

We told our employees to ask how soon Fickas could order the same wheelchair Ron Hall ordered.

“2 and a half weeks is what it is,” Fickas said. “It’s three if I do a credit card over the phone.”

After watching news report, phone calls started pouring in from other victims.

“It’s upsetting and there shouldn't be anyone out there preying on the mobility impaired,” Michael Haze, a volunteer with Paralyzed Veterans of America said.

Haze also watched our story and wanted to help out.

“Eric, we saw your news report about the individual who was not treated fairly by one of the other mobility dealers in town and I just thought it was wrong,” Haze said.

He and David McClellan volunteer their time at a mobility store on Vickers Drive in Colorado Springs. They primarily help veterans who need mobility equipment, but say they’ll help anyone in need.

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“People donate equipment to us,” McClellan said. “We refurbish it and sell it to people at a discount. I give it to people if they don’t have any money. I don’t care. If you need a chair, you need a chair. I just gave one away a week ago.”

The local non-profit had a power chair that fit Hall perfectly and without hesitation, they gave him the chair Monday afternoon.

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Fickas has not been charged with any crime yet but after our story aired, we learned the senior living center he was showcasing his equipment at has cut ties with him.

News 5 also discovered Fickas closed his office on the east side of Colorado Springs.

“Thanks for taking my business away,” Fickas told News 5 in a follow-up email Monday. “I have less stress.”