Problem Solved is a weekly consumer column that fixes reader problems. From broken laptop computers to faulty kitchen appliances, nothing is off limits for this feature. Each story brings a fresh problem and solution in an engaging and succinct Q&A format.
Howard Rokofsky just discovered an unauthorized transaction on his PayPal account — specifically, a $303 charge he never made. But when he disputes the charge, the online payment service denies it within hours. Did the company act too fast?
Christine Beach hates football and has never watched it in her life. So why did CenturyLink charge her repeatedly for the NFL Sunday Ticket?
All William Wilson wanted to do was keep his phone number. He’d had the same number for 36 years, and everyone — friends, family, colleagues — knew it. And, most importantly, he knew his phone number by heart.
But his new phone company didn’t seem to care. So when he switched service, it issued a new number, despite repeated requests. Since then, he’s been trying to get it switched back to his old, familiar number — and to get a refund for the costs he incurred. Why did the company make porting his old number so hard?
The quilts Jerry Dowdy ordered online from Emma Cottons never show up. He tries to uncover answers — and a refund. Find out what he discovers.
Al Tulone’s Razer laptop problem is common. He returned the new computer, and then the company lost it. Instead of trying to find Tulone’s device, Razer apparently decided that was his problem — and kept his $3,252.
Caught in the middle of this debacle: PayPal, with its sometimes customer-unfriendly policies. This made this Razer laptop problem practically unsolvable. But then our advocacy team got involved.
The La-Z-Boy recliners Bryan Curran and his fiancée ordered aren’t the ones he expected. Why does he have to wait 12 days for a resolution that may, or may not, be to his satisfaction?
Target promises Soon Chua $60 worth of gift cards, but the money never arrives. What went wrong — and how can he fix it?
Darlene Marks’ mother had the wrong stairlift installed in her home. Neither the installer nor the manufacturer will fix the problem. Can this consumer advocate help?
Bernice Lu has a mysterious charge on her Verizon Wireless bill, and she can’t seem to get rid of it. Did she call Jamaica and run up a $291 bill — or is this just a Verizon mistake?
