Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today warned customers of the defunct Bernie’s Oil and its related companies to ignore deceptive postcards falsely implying that they are legally obligated to purchase oil from Meehan Oil.

            Consumers are under no legal obligation to purchase oil form Meehan, Blumenthal said.

            Blumenthal’s office contacted Meehan Oil, which agreed to send correction letters. Blumenthal has further demanded that the company waive all contacts or deliveries resulting from the original solicitation, as well as provide refunds, if warranted.

            “Meehan falsely suggested a court order compelled consumers to purchase its product,” Blumenthal said. “Meehan merely bought customer lists: it has no legal authority to compel consumers into contracts or purchases.

            “My office has contacted Meehan Oil, which will send letters clarifying consumers can buy oil from anyone.  I am also insisting that the company release consumers from any purchases or contracts. My office will continue to closely and carefully monitor Meehan Oil, assuring they retract false statements and provide refunds, if appropriate.”

            Meehan, based in Portland, sent about 10,000 consumers postcards falsely stating that it had “exclusive approval from the trustee of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to deliver home heating oil to the customers of Bernie’s Oil, Family Discount Oil and Clark Oil.”

In fact, Meehan Oil purchased during the bankruptcy proceeding customer lists of Bernie’s Oil and its related companies, which went out of business last spring.

            Consumers who purchased oil or signed a contract with Meehan based on the postcards should call the attorney general’s office at (860) 808-5400.