Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the prevalence of fake air conditioning repair services that impersonate official brands, leading to consumers being overcharged for repairs and services [1][8][16]. Group 1: Consumer Experience - A consumer named Liu Yu encountered a fake repair service that charged 2400 yuan for adding refrigerant, significantly higher than the official price of 1280 yuan [1][3]. - The fake service claimed to be the official repair service, leading Liu Yu to trust their identity until family members pointed out the excessive charges [3][4]. - Upon contacting the actual official service, Liu Yu learned that the fake service was not affiliated with the brand and had overcharged her [6][10]. Group 2: Industry Practices - The article reveals a gray industry chain where fake customer service numbers lure consumers, and repair technicians charge inflated prices, sharing a portion of the profits with the fake service [14][15]. - Many fake services use similar "400" numbers that appear legitimate, often claiming to represent multiple brands, which confuses consumers [9][12]. - The article notes that the lack of regulation allows these fake services to thrive, with consumers often unaware of the true costs until after the service is rendered [13][16]. Group 3: Legal and Regulatory Issues - The actions of these fake services violate consumer protection laws and can lead to legal consequences, including potential criminal charges for fraud [17][18]. - Consumers are advised to keep records of transactions and report fake services to relevant authorities to help combat this issue [18][19]. - The article emphasizes the responsibility of official brands to monitor and address fake services to protect their reputation and ensure consumer trust [18][19].