Ask the Watchdog
Watchdog columnist Dave Lieber helps you stand up for yourself against the system.
Most Recently Answered Questions
Questions 41 - 60 of 216 (Page 3 of 11)Submitted by jacqueline castle from arlington texas
Q: You printed a article on September 4 2010 in arlington star telegram regarding Bryant Kessler Jones. The information you printed was totally incorrect. Mr Jones mother did not get thrown out of court for threating the DA nor was any member there supporting him were thrown out for throughing gang sign so what I strongly urge you to do it get this information corrected.
Answered 09/06/10 05:49:50 by Dave Lieber
A: Let me suggest that you send your information with your name and phone number to this email so editors can see it: newsroom@star-telegram.comSubmitted by larry miller from arlington tx
Q: You ran a column re mystery shoppers and had an address for reputable companys Can you supply to me again? Thanks I am interested in doing this but don't want to get scammed
Answered 08/02/10 09:10:20 by Dave Lieber
A: Look on the Internet for the Mystery Shoppers Providers Association in Dallas.Submitted by Priscilla Brown from 2115 Hwy 156 S
Q: Please help me sort out an electric bill that wasnt read for three months and I was billed for and paid.
Answered 05/13/10 15:44:33 by Dave Lieber
A: Feel free to send your entire problem in an email to watchdog@star-telegram.com. Include your name, address, phone number, electricity company and your account.Submitted by Daryl R. Lamb from White Settlement, Texas
Q: Sir, my father is an ailing 69-year old who lives alone in an apartment. I have received calls from some of the services with his health providers as well as Adult Protective Services (APS). His health providers believe that he should be moved to an assisted living facility, but he recently signed a 1-year contract with his apartment complex (The Place at Westover Hills). They have insisted upon two options to move him, one is over $2000 and the other option is almost $3700. They said there are only exceptions for military members. My father had a stroke almost 6 years ago and could not have understood the contract fully. I was told by the apartments yesterday that even death couldn't break this contract so far as there is a 30-day notice of death and rent would be required up to 30 days after death. I found that particularly odd. I would like to take the health provider's advice and try to place him in the assisted living facility instead of waiting until October or paying a ransom to break the contract. I thought perhaps the property management company could possibly understand the circumstances and make proper accommodations. Can you help?
Answered 03/31/10 08:49:48 by Dave Lieber
A: What I would suggest is this. Texas uses small claims/Justice of the Peace court as landlord-tenant court, too. I would file an action in small claims court asking to be let out of the contract and proving with documentation all of what you say (contracts, doctor's letters, etc.). You could get lucky and the judge could say, "You're outta here!"Submitted by Linda from Benbrook
Q: I was told you might be able to tell me if there is a way to file extension on a statute of limitations. I slipped in a grocery store, the mgr nearly slipped also and made a comment about them suppose to keep produce area checked, and there are 2 witnesses. However, I caught my balance instead of falling, which dr. said would have been better. I am still suffering from a groin pull, headaches from the neck, lower back, previous near amputation arm apparently messed up the scar tissue around the nerves so feels like it is burning all the time. Because all I want is to cover medical, mileage, that which will help me get healed, I cannot find a lawyer to take this case. The insurance company will not call me back either. The date it happened is 4/5/08 and I was told there is a 2 yr statute of limitation. So do I need to have this filed before Monday or can it still be done on Monday? Frustrated and hurting, and wondering why only the people wanting large settlements can get help... Linda P.S. Someone just told me to file myself in small claims court...is this a possibility or will their insurance company eat me alive?
Answered 03/30/10 20:31:00 by Dave Lieber
A: First, on the statute of limitations, that's a legal question, and it would be best to put that to a lawyer. Second. you should file a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance in Austin right away. Third, as for small claims court, you have a 50-50 chance because the Justice of the Peace, he or she comes before the voters every four years for reelection. The insurance company isn't part of his or her district. So it's a good place to go and do your best.Submitted by James Huddleston from Fort Worth,Tx
Q: Today in the U.S. Mail,I received a check for &94.00 from Quest Diagnostics. If I need help in the future I will contact the paper.Congratulations on a great column.
Answered 01/10/10 23:23:24 by Dave Lieber
A: I am proud of you, sir, for solving your problem. Just when you were about to give up and contacted me, your own work succeeded. Good for you!Submitted by Jon Jones from Arlington, TX
Q: Dave, I would like to have your snail mail address to send you a letter I have written to my former insurance company complaining about their high cost. Thank you, Jon Jones
Answered 01/10/10 23:22:42 by Dave Lieber
A: Dave Lieber, The Watchdog, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, PO Box 1870, Fort Worth, TX 76101Submitted by Arlene Cornett from Fort Worth
Q: between Oct. and Nov. last year I had no phone for 22 days with AT&T...They said I needed U-Verse...Came out to house on Dec. 21st. said couldn't put it in...Not close enough to signal....Anyway told me to call AT&T and tell them couldn't put it in....Found out they closed my acct. of like 40 years....Called supervisor in U-Verse ...told them to put my acct. back way it was....She finally gave up...Called head offices at 888 958 3030 ext 6105 Mark nice guy....he at least got my internet back on...Now today I find out they have disconnected my phone service...I need help....Thanks....I don't have hours every day to stay on trying to get help from a co. that doesn't seem to care about their customers....Thanks....
Answered 01/06/10 18:46:17 by Dave Lieber
A: Please send me a detailed email listing name, address, phone and account number and entire problem to email at watchdog@star-telegram.com. I will pass it on to them.Submitted by jerry wimberly from fort worth, texas
Q: I received a letter in August from Texas Workforce Commission, stating that I owed $140 from 1987 for being overpaid for un-employment. They never contacted me before this , and how would I know? It took them over 22 years to contact me...wow! Do I have to pay the m back???
Answered 12/31/09 18:49:07 by Dave Lieber
A: I'd let it sit for awhile. If you get a letter from a lawyer seeking payment that's a different problem. Would you send me the letter in an email to watchdog@star-telegram.com with a note explaining what is happening for a possible column? If you want to fax it, contact me at that email for the fax number.Submitted by Lydia Mann from Indianapolis, IN
Q: Re: Pinnacle Security Systems After searching on "Pinnacle" I read with great interest your 10/9/09 star-telegram article. I also signed on with Pinnacle after a visit from one of their door-to-door sales reps. My experiences with that company have been some of the worst ever! Since I only have a customer service number can you share a contact name and number or email address where I may have a voice? I believe the notes entered on my account by the various csr's have been slanted in order to cover their mistakes. Thank you!
Answered 10/09/09 18:59:28 by Dave Lieber
A: I would be happy to forward this on to my new Pinnacle contact. Send me an email to watchdog@star-telegram.com with your name, address, contract number and problem and phone, and i'll pass it on to them. daveSubmitted by Mike Senyard from FTW TX
Q: Hello .I worked for a co here in FTW for a little over ten years. I quit them a little over two years ago .They said that they hav a retirment /401 plan and I hav papers showing that .The papers also state that opon termination you will recieve your money or be able to transfer it to your account .. They wont even return my phone calls .
Answered 09/14/09 23:30:02 by Dave Lieber
A: I suggest you go and read the federal "Employee Retirement Income Security Act." It covers some of this. Under this law, you are allowed to sue your former employer for denying you benefits. When you read it and read descriptions about your rights, you'll find you have other options. The state of Texas may also regulate this, too. Best if you consult a lawyer for advice.Submitted by Michelle Davila from Fort Worth, TX
Q: Dave, I am Sandy Bailey's daughter & I just wanted to thank you for helping my mother. You don't know how much it means to our family. We have all been praying for her & her health for a long time. You have answered our prayers. We appreciate it very much! Thank you so much & God bless you, Michelle Davila
Answered 08/24/09 21:38:35 by Dave Lieber
A: Happy to help. I took all the readers that wanted to help Bob, the senior and veteran who was eating lettuce and potatoes because the state food stamp program is months behind -- and I let them know about Sandy. Bob didn't want help. Sandy needed it. We just turned the ocean liner of Watchdog Nation readers in a different direction. By the way, Bob wrote in, too, saying he had found the help he needed after the column appeared and he was very happy. If you missed the story of Bob, here it is: http://bit.ly/sNq8eSubmitted by judy from ft..worth tx
Q: i live in apartment on last month i receive my electric bills i receive a tamper feed on my bills but when i call to found out why they told me that my meter had been switch out but since i live there i was response for it but i told them that i be at work that was not my fault
Answered 08/20/09 20:21:19 by Dave Lieber
A: Send you problem with your name, account, address and phone to watchdog@star-telegram.com and if it's an electric company (please name it in the email) that I can forward to, I will.Submitted by olive wood from Ft Worth
Q: A large fine for brush on the curb gets my vote although all of the problems must be exceeding frustrating to the people who wrote.
Answered 08/19/09 18:43:10 by Dave Lieber
A: I agree they are all frustrating, Olive. I am unable to cast your vote for you. That would be election fraud. But if you go to this web site, you will see the ballot and you could vote. I hope you understand. I don't want to have to go to jail for rigging my own election. :) http://www.star-telegram.com/news/columnists/dave_lieber/Submitted by martin g from fortworth
Q: i want to send you this can explain in normal words the pros and cons i do not anderstend please help i got 4800 dls in a check no need to put the maney in the income tax
Answered 08/18/09 13:03:15 by Dave Lieber
A: My email address is watchdog@star-telegram.comSubmitted by Lina McClintock from Arlington, Texas
Q: I received a letter from "Mutual Service Corporation" telling me that as of Sept. 14, 2009, they are handing over my "mutual fund or insurance/annuity accounts"to LPL Financial. (I never heard of either co. and do not know what accounts they are referencing.) What really bothers me is this shortened version of their request. "If you do not wish to have LPL Financial as your broker/dealer, you will need to send the name of your mutual fund or insurance/annuity company and account numbers in a written notification by Sept. 11 to: 2810 Coliseum Centre Dr., Charlotte, NC 28217, ATTN: Conversion Department. (signed) Derek Bruton, CEO, Affiliated Broker/Dealers, National Sales Manager, Independent Advisor Services, LPL Financial" It recommends that I contact my Financial Advisor if I have any questions. I do not have a Financial Advisor. We do have annuities and two ever-shrinking mutual accounts. There is no phone # on the letter, just the address. The letter is full of meaningless doubletalk, and seems to me to be a scam. What do you think? Should I just tear it up? Thank you, Lina McClintock
Answered 08/18/09 10:35:17 by Dave Lieber
A: You wrote, "We do have annuities and two ever-shrinking mutual accounts." So what I would do is call the company where you have these accounts and check in with them. If all is OK, then yes, it's a scam. Keep the letter. Don't pitch it. But don't do anything with it. You are smart to check and fret about this. And this is a scam that I haven't heard.Submitted by Jim Riggs from Fort Worth, TX
Q: I have no question but wanted to say thanks for the great job you do. Your column is one of the best things about the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Answered 08/16/09 23:14:14 by Dave Lieber
A: Thanks Jim. And readers, I swear I didn't write this. :) LOLSubmitted by Robert Retter from Ft Worth
Q: Are you aware and can you explain how and why the cable and phone companies get away with fluctuating sales tax rates. It has been a mystery to me for many years. For example, all the various charges on my cell phone bill this month were EXACTLY the same as last month and the total due was EXACTLY the same. However, this month my local sales tax total decreased by a penny while the state sales tax increased by a penny. I've seen this happen many times, but, when contacted, the companies can't explain it so I thought I would pass this mystery along to you.
Answered 08/14/09 19:36:40 by Dave Lieber
A: Well, I'll tell you how you can find out. This is what I would do if the question bugged me. Call the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts in Austin and ask them to connect you with the sales tax division. There are also local offices in Fort Worth and elsewhere and you can find them in the phone book. They will answer your question, and feel free to share your answer with everyone else here. That's how you get to be YOUR OWN watchdog! You'll find their numbers on their Web site.Submitted by colette mathias from arlington, texas
Q: This is more of a frustrated comment on "the system" and a cause of extreme internal rage when I read about the banking system abuses, profits and perqs. I'm looking at my mortgage refinance rejection from Bank Of America. One of the two reasons for rejecting my application? "Income insufficient to support expenses"! Why,that's a perfect reason not to lower my monthly mortgage rate! It would make it more affordable! I'm not in financial difficulties(yet) and have not gotten behind in any payments and refinancing was a way to reduce expenses, but the mortgage industry sure doesn't make it reasonable or logical. Etc, etc. I don't really understand how the Obama admins mortgage modification program works, but I gather one must be in actual arrears before being eligible. I don't really want to deliberately miss payments in order to qualify. Oh well. Thanks for listening, in a detached, electronic sort of way.
Answered 08/12/09 17:16:17 by Dave Lieber
A: Not so detached and electronic. I read this loud and clear and now I share with everyone else. If you want to vent intelligently, this is the place!Submitted by regina carter from hurst, texas
Q: I shipped 2 boxes containing treasured artwork my dying mother left me and shipped from Nevada to my work address in Hurst, TX. It was given to UPS by the shipping outlet called PostNet. I received one box but the other was missing. The UPS tracking report showed box was received empty and the merchandise was a "fallout" and the box was discarded. I filed a lost merchandise claim and UPS denied the claim saying improper packageing. Even though the box was discarded and I was never delivered anything. To date I have not gotten my missing merchandise and was denied the money I insured it for. I have made several efforts to communicate with UPS to find my paintings. I filed the claim within 3 business days after I knew the box was missing and to this day still no merchandise or any response from UPS or PostNet. I truly believe someone at UPS has stolen my merchandise and I am left with nothing. No insurance money , no merchandise. I am going to file a case in small claims court on both parties involved in the neglectful handling of my freight. My question is can I file a police report on this missing merchandise against the UPS employees who handled this merchandise? The UPS driver told me the box was scanned received at the FT Worth depot, but was never put on his truck. My mother died the day before I got news my stuff was lost. That is what makes this so hard to take. Serveral UPS drivers I have spoken to tell me it is not uncommon for merchandise to go missing like this and the claims department classify it as "bad packaging" to get out of paying customers. I see why the employees can get away with theft of goods. I think it's dispicable that this can happen to people who trust a shipper to deliver merchandise and can get away with neglecting it like this. I would appreciate your helpful advice because I have wriiten to other media outlets and have not gotten any response. Thank you for your time, Regina Carter
Answered 08/12/09 17:15:12 by Dave Lieber
A: Regina, Send me everything you have on this including your personal contact information and I will send to my postal clerk for a second look. Send email to watchdog@star-telegram.com.