Ask the Watchdog
Watchdog columnist Dave Lieber helps you stand up for yourself against the system.
Most Recently Answered Questions
Questions 1 - 20 of 138 (Page 1 of 7)Submitted by jon windsor from ft. worth texas
Q: i have verizon cell phone service. where i live in east ft. worth, i have no bars on my phone. i have to walk out in the street to get or make calls. when i can get a call it usually breaks up or drops completely. i called verizon's tech help and they said that the reception problem in east ft. worth was known to them for a long time and they were working on it. they suggested that i needed to buy a $199.00 booster for my home. i pay for phone service like everyone else and haven't heard of anything like this. what can i do to get what i'm paying for? thanks, jon w.
Answered 06/29/09 17:45:04 by Dave Lieber
A: Send me an email with your entire story and your contact info, address, phone and account number to watchdog@star-telegram.com. I will forward it to the Verizon rep who handles Fort Worth area coverage.Submitted by Corinne Kwasney from Tolar, TX
Q: I recieved this job offer to become a mystery shopper. The company is called Consumer Evaluation Inc. I am to contact them and receive training over the phone. I was sent a cashiers check and instructed to go to certain businesses and spend a specified amount of money. After I go to these businesses I am to make a Western Union Transfer and then a Moneygram transfer. It all adds up to the amont of the check, and no money comes out of my pocket. Could you check to see if this is a legitamate offer or just another scam? Thank You
Answered 06/29/09 17:43:44 by Dave Lieber
A: It's a scam. RUN from it as fast as you can.Submitted by Joyce M. Head from Watauga Texas
Q: I do not have a question I want to tell you about home depot....when you buy something at this store even if it is when you buy it broken or does not work you do not get your money back not all of it any way they keep some of it for their trouble.... I am old and my husband is cripped and we bought a mail box that has a planter in it form home depot and it is plastic hard plastic you would thinbk great it is going to last and look good but as soon and the srewes in it got wet it but orange rust going down the white post and I can't get it off and we just paid someone 75.00 to put this in for us .. Home depot wants us to pay fro it to be sent back to them and then the want us to pay for the shipping for a new one and then they will not give us all of our money because it is damages from the rust because it was a piece of XXX form the star.... this store is going nuts .... just thought I would let you know what they do for old handi capped people in this world.... stinks doesn't it. Oh yes then i will have to pay to have someone put it in ... and how will I know if this new one will do the same thing..... Stop this madness.....
Answered 06/29/09 17:42:22 by Dave Lieber
A: I am sorry to hear about your problem. The best venue for you, I think, would be to file an official complaint with the Texas Attorney General consumer protection division at (800) 621-0508.Submitted by Taressa from Springtown, Texas
Q: If my previously beautiful 50 year old maple tree dies because of Asplundh's butcher job, can I hold them responsible? They were working at the request of Oncor, but I didn't lose power during last week's storms. The other side of town did, where the trees are trimmed more often. This was the only mature tree I had in my front yard, and now 2/3 of it is missing. Are they not smart enough to consider natural growth patterns? This was a very slow growing tree. I doubt that it will recover in my lifetime. I get sick every time I look at it.
Answered 06/19/09 13:30:35 by Dave Lieber
A: This is serious. I know they look horrible when they are trimmed, but they do grow back quicker than you think, certainly in your lifetime. I'm not familiar with all the procedures, but you could file a formal complaint both with Oncor and also with the PUC. You could cite damages to the property and see where it takes you. I'm sure there is a body of written work on this subject on the Internet because it is of concern to many people. I would use search terms like "Oncor and tree damage trimming" and various combinations to read up on what others have done.Submitted by Cathy Couto from Arlington, Texas
Q: I purchased an Electrolux dryer from Best Buy in February 2009. It hasn't worked for more than a month and warranty service has been performed 4 times with no result. What can I do? I want a new dryer but Best Buy and Electrolux both refuse to consider this even though Electrolux told me verbally earlier on they would do so if the dryer wasn't repaired in a timely mannger. I appreciate your advise. Cathy
Answered 06/19/09 13:28:17 by Dave Lieber
A: I would do three things. I would file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General Consumer Protection Hotline in Austin. I file file a BBB complaint against BB. And I would consider taking them to small claims court for the cost of a brand new machine. One of those three could catch their attention. You get them on three fronts.Submitted by Fred Kesner from Fort Worth TX
Q: Today, Thursday, June 18, I pulled into my driveway just as the "green cart" pickup was loading my cart into a truck! I yelled at them, but they drove off. I immediately called the number in the phone book and after holding forever, I spoke to "Crystal". She informed me that the city had the right at any time to pick up the cart because it was a part of the pilot program that our eastside neighborhood has participated in since its inception. If we "would like the priviledge" of continuing in the green cart service, we could buy a new cart for $75. Is this extortion? Will my water bill reflect a reduction because I no longer participate? I have called my city councilman, Danny Scarth, but have not heard from him. I hope you can shed some light on this issue. Thank you, Fred Kesner
Answered 06/18/09 11:03:50 by Dave Lieber
A: So if I understand, you did have free use of a cart under the pilot program? See, in my neighborhood if I want the green cart, I do have to pay a fee to "rent" it. I wouldn't worry about the water bill until it happens. If you have any further problems, please write to me at watchdog@star-telegram.com and fill me in on the details.Submitted by Danny Dean from Everman
Q: Can you help me with Shell Oil, selling bad gas? The station mgr. seemed to be willing to re-emberse me for getting my car fixed, but it has been 2 months now and still no help. The Shell is at Enon and Forrest Hill in Everman. Thanks!
Answered 06/17/09 21:02:58 by Dave Lieber
A: You want to file an official complaint with the weights and measures division of the Texas Department of Agriculture in Austin. That's how this can be solved.Submitted by Craig Patty from Fort Worth Texas
Q: What reporter specializes in public school issues - big issues- have been documented extensively over time. Include third degree felonies for alteration of school records, SBOE Code of Ethics violations and Civil Rights violations?
Answered 06/16/09 08:59:44 by Dave Lieber
A: Feel free to send your story idea in an email to watchdog@star-telegram.com and editors will review it for consideration.Submitted by Krista Lash from Granbury, Texas
Q: This is in regards to the Attorney General Child Support Division. My husband is currently on Social Security Disability. Each month both of his ex-wives receive a check from the Social Security Department. Although we have been to court several times on both cases the attorney general is still not giving my husband credit for the money one of his ex-wives is receiving. He has a signed court order stating the current modifications, however they are once again attempted to garnish his social security check for $420. This is in addition to the $430 she is already receiving from the government. This leaves my husband with only $500 to live on. We cannot afford an attorney and do not qualify for legal aid. We have made several complaints to the Obudsman Dept but have failed to get anything resolved. The case is orginally out of Houston and it's a constant battle just to get someone to speak to husband. The incompetence of the child support division is just unbelievable. Unfortunately we are the ones who suffer for it. If there is any advice you can give me or the name of someone who could help us. I would greatly appreciate it. The problem with the attorney general has gone beyond harassment.
Answered 06/16/09 08:59:03 by Dave Lieber
A: Honestly, these matters are of such great complexity. The Watchdog has no expertise here. A lawyer is the answer. You can try free legal aid. Here is some information: Legal Aid at 817-336-3943. The Tarrant County Bar Assoc. offers a free legal line on the second and fourth Thursday from 6-8 pm at 817-335-1239. ### Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas Denton Branch Office 625 Dallas Drive, Ste. 350 Denton, TX 76205 Map 800.955.1407 940.383.1406 (fax) 940.382.7797 Counties: Denton, Cooke, Jack, Montague, Wise + Fort Worth Branch Office 400 N. Beach Street. 2nd Floor Fort Worth, TX 76111 Map 800.955.3959 817.336.3943 (fax) 817.877.0804 Counties: Tarrant, Johnson, Somervell, Erath, Palo Pinto and HoodSubmitted by Sara Salinas from Dallas, TX
Q: I have a terrible problem. I have been leasing my apartment from GTF Realty in Dallas since November. I have had the worse luck and living situation since I have been there. In December the heater was not heating and it took them two weeks and several phone calls and appearances to fix it. Then came early May when I decided to turn on the AC. The unit was blowing out hot air. It took them over three weeks to fix the unit which they replaced. Last week water stains appeared on the ceiling and a few days later the ceiling collapsed in the living room. That happened Saturday night. As of today a plumber went out to look at the situation and apparently he said the AC people did a bad job with the installation. They are to order the part and GTF Realty told me hopefully by the end of the week the ceiling should be fixed, that is once the part if replaced. If water has been leaking, wouldn't that create mold? The office is awful to deal with and consistently tell me they have to work with the owner and his contracters first. Is there something I can do to get out of this awful mess? The list just goes on and on. What do I do? Thanks Sara Salinas
Answered 06/15/09 17:37:14 by Dave Lieber
A: Call Code Enforcement for your city and have them come out and write up all the complaints. Then get that report and use it in landlord-tenant court(small claims court) to get your money back or whatever damages you seek under the law that governs this (which you would have to research on the Internet in the Texas Property Code, for landlord-tenant court.) Lots of rules. Very easy to follow though, once you look them up.Submitted by Maria Van Daele from Fort Worth, TX
Q: On 09/02/08 you responded to a question about collect calls from the county jail. In your response you said that you had written an article about that, but I cannot find it. My mother received a collect call which she did not accept and the phone company has charged her for it. I would like to be able to read the article to see if there is any information in it that might help her with getting the charges removed. Thank you, Maria Van Daele
Answered 06/08/09 15:46:15 by Dave Lieber
A: Please send an email to watchdog@star-telegram.com requesting the previous column on collect calls from jail. Can't capture your email address on this board. But whether or not the story has any relevant information, I'm sure you know the first thing to do is to contact the telephone company and file an official protest/complaint. And ask what the resolution procedures are. Unless you ask, they won't tell you. You have to "tally up" as an official complainant. If you can't get justice and the phone company is AT&T, let me know in the email above and I can send to my AT&T contact. You shouldn't have to pay for the call.Submitted by Jan LaPine from Grapevine,Tx
Q: Can businesses legally charge a service fee, when a customer pays with a credit card?
Answered 06/02/09 23:37:54 by Dave Lieber
A: That's actually a story I want to do. You're not the first person that asked me this. I don't know the answer yet. I even have a file open on the question. I hope to get to it this summer.Submitted by Marianne Kline from Arlington TX
Q: I thought I did everything right to get a sprinkler system installed at our home. I asked the lawn service (Kelly Green Law) I had started using for recommendations and got two bids. Hired the company with the lower bid that had been in business for 18 years, made a down payment of $1000 in April and then it rained and rained and rained. He came out and did some things in between, then I didn't hear from him and kept leaving VMs. I finally received a check for $700 with a letter indicating that he couldn't complete the install because the state comptroller had shut down his business. Now I need to find someone to come in behind the work he did (I hope so I don't loose the $300 already paid) to install and I am scared to death to make a choice. My husband would normally take care of these type of things, but he's a Vietnam Veteran who is now in a hospital bed at our home. Do you had any suggestions, I have placed a couple of phone calls from the ads in the Star Telegram, but I am scared of getting burned again or not being able to get this done since it's starting to be busy season and prices are probably going up. I retired early from SBC to take care of Bill so money is also an issue. Thank you. Marianne Kline
Answered 06/01/09 18:50:48 by Dave Lieber
A: First, if you send an email to me at watchdog@star-telegram.com, please ask for me to send you the attachment about your rights when a business closes. I can't capture your email address here. Secondly, I am sorry to hear about your husband, but I want to tell you that it is not as difficult as you think. You sound like you have strong instincts. Now you have t listen to them. Pick out five irrigation companies. Check their ratings on the Better Business Bureau Web site. Run their company names and the word "scam" and "ripoff" next to their names and see what happens. When they come over to give you bids, get it in writing. Only give a $100 deposit. Tell them that's all and you're just going to have to do the job. If they balk, steer clear. Also, tell them that you want to show the contract to your lawyer first and tell them to call you the next day. If they balk, steer clear. You can do this.Submitted by Fe from Arlington, Texas
Q: fredlenderfirm09@goolemail.com and unitedb_office@sify.com; are these online lenders scam or legitimate, sir, I would like to ask???? Respecfully yours, Fe
Answered 06/01/09 00:45:54 by Dave Lieber
A: My philosophy is simple: If your gut instinct causes you to ask the question, the answer most likely is always the same: Yes, it's a scam.Submitted by John from Bedford, TX
Q: electricity column
Answered 05/27/09 22:55:29 by Dave Lieber
A: please send your email to watchdog@star-telegram.com. this doesn't capture them.Submitted by Elizabeth Choate from Arl. Tx
Q: Please send me a copy of Electricty column on how-to-switch Thanks, Libby Choate
Answered 05/26/09 12:13:12 by Dave Lieber
A: please send an email request to watchdog@star-telegram.com for that.Submitted by Earnest Morgan from Haltom City Tx.
Q: Electricity column
Answered 05/25/09 20:26:30 by Dave Lieber
A: Please send your email to watchdog@star-telegram.com. This doesn't show me your email address ... for the electricity column.Submitted by J. A. Stier from fort worth, texas
Q: Re: your art. of 5-24-09, concerning Hobsons hvac sales methods. We may have a similar situation with the same co. We bought a new furnace from Hobsons because Two of their techs supposedly found a faulty heat exchanger leaking co2. I still have the old furnace and would like to have another company inspect it. Could you recommend someone. I can't seem to find anyone willing to do that. Also, can you explain the small claims court proceedures.
Answered 05/25/09 20:25:40 by Dave Lieber
A: Small claims court? You don't need a lawyer. It costs less than $100. You should visit the small claims court in your precinct area and get brochures to fill in all the legal questions. I can't recommend anyone, but if you keep calling around, someone will charge you the price of a service call to come and inspect.Submitted by Chuck Wilks from Keller, Texas
Q: Electricity Column
Answered 05/22/09 21:47:32 by Dave Lieber
A: Chuck, Please send an email to watchdog@star-telegram.com. This site disguises your email address until i get a verification message at the end, but only if you select "chose to hear" option. ~ daveSubmitted by Jim Reinarz from Grand Prairie, TX
Q: We are having a fight with Dell computers trying to get our 8 month old laptop repaired. We have spent hours on the phone and on line with tech service and the techs have been to our house to replace the motherboard twice. The computer still does not work right. Who can we call to get this taken care of? Do you have Michael Dells' phone number?
Answered 05/19/09 22:38:44 by Dave Lieber
A: I would give you Michael Dell's email address, but I heard that his laptop broke and he can't get decent customer service from Dell. OK, I made that up. I do have a contact at Dell, but right now I am writing something for Friday's paper about how a Tarrant County judge can't get her check from them even though they promised it to her. (And I wrote about it in the newspaper!) What I'm saying is that I have had not such good luck getting real action from that company. That being said, I do have a contact there, and if you are patient and hopeful and pray a lot, something could come out of this. Eventually. One day. In this century. Please send me your story to watchdog@star-telegram.com and I will forward it to my contact. Include all your contact information, etc. Everyone keep your fingers crossed for Jim of Grand Prairie. Miracles do happen!