By Dave Lieber
watchdog@star-telegram.com
The Watchdog goes to bat for lots of folks. Sometime I strike out. Sometimes I don't. Time to share holiday gift home runs.
Dear Watchdog, Sears has been calling our house for several months each morning at 8:10 a.m. On Sundays, it's at 12:15 p.m. They want to reschedule the delivery of an appliance from Sears. We have not bought anything from Sears in years. We went to the local store in Decatur. The manager tried calling several numbers but could not do any good. The call is just a recording, so we can find no one to stop it. Can you help?
-- The Vernons of Chico.
Dear Vernons, I went back and forth with Sears Holding Company, the parents of Sears. Finally, the calls have stopped.
Dear Watchdog, I was driving on Handley Ederville Road and was sideswiped by a company truck. I was in the right-hand lane, and he came over to the right. I had nowhere to go. I had to grind my wheels into the curb. ... He said I was in his blind spot. I was given the owner's name. I contacted him and gave him three repair estimates three weeks ago. The last time we talked he told me to be patient. Every time I call, he puts me off.
-- Dee Moore.
Dear Ms. Moore, I talked to the owner. He promised to send you a check to make the repairs, and by now you've received it.
Dear Watchdog, In May I ordered a product on the Internet on a no-risk, 30-day trial supply. I received the product and since it did not help, I returned the product. But I have not received a refund. I was told the refund had been made. It did not appear. This company owes me $179. Can you help me?
-- Patsy JohnsonDear Ms. Johnson, This is common, and you solve these kinds of problems by flooding the zone. It's an expression I learned from newspaper editors who loved to throw a dozen or so reporters into coverage of a major event such as a train wreck.
Here, you poke the company hard, in so many ways, that they won't know what hit them. Let me list the ways:
1. File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau either where you live or where the company is headquartered.
2. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
3. File one with the Texas attorney general, and the attorney general of the company's home state.
4. File one with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service since this went through the mail.
Ms. Johnson, after you flooded the zone, you did receive a full refund. Good job.
Dear Watchdog, I have been having problems with a mortgage service company the bank transferred my mortgage to. I applied for a loan modification because I was unemployed. They have given me the runaround. I faxed the application and mailed it, too. They claim they do not have my information and they do not know what happened to it. That includes my bank statement, financial statements, Social Security, tax statements. I did file a complaint with the FTC and haven't heard from them. Can you help me? I do not want to lose my house.
-- Maggie Hall.
Dear Ms. Hall, I suggested that you file a complaint with the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at
consumerfinance.gov. That would get the mortgage company's attention. Recently you told me the outcome: "After I filed the complaint with the CFPB, the mortgage company took me more seriously. They heard my plea and modified my mortgage to $300 less a month."
Dear Watchdog, I submitted paperwork to Chesapeake Energy to get my bonus for mineral rights but have not received my check. ... The paperwork included my deceased husband's death certificate and was sent back to Chesapeake within the proper time frame. When I called, I was told there were two Elizabeth Torres accounts. ... I have called three times and left messages, but no one is returning my calls. I would appreciate it if you could help me get my money because I am a widow living on Social Security disability."
-- Elizabeth Torres.
Dear Ms. Torres, I contacted a Chesapeake vice president who told me that you had an option to renew your lease but didn't respond before the deadline. They say you don't have a certified mail receipt to prove you sent it. (From now on, get that receipt.) In any event, they offered you another chance to renew. The company sent an employee to meet you at your bank, where you signed a new lease. Your bonus check is on the way.
Dear Watchdog, We purchased a new car in November. Four days and 200 miles later the engine light came on and the car died. After it restarted, it was running roughly. The dealer discovered the oil pump had failed and replaced it. ... Do we have the right to demand another vehicle? We spoke with other mechanics, and they said even though they replaced the oil pump there could be underlying damage that will not surface until much later. The general manager has not returned any of our calls, and those we have spoken to do not want to listen to our concerns. Can you help?
-- Kevin A. MaloneyDear Mr. Maloney, I suggested that you seek advice from the Dallas Fort Worth Metropolitan New Car Dealers Association, which consists of about 200 new car dealers. Website:
www.dfwncda.com. I also suggested that you plead your case with officials at the U.S. headquarters of the car's manufacturer in California. You did both. When I called to check, you told me the good news. You were given a new car.
The Watchdog column appears Fridays and Sundays.Dave Lieber, 817-390-7043Twitter: @davelieber
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