Is your complaint being “form lettered”? Here are three ways to tell
It was just a matter of time before corporations created the perfect form letter, capable of fooling a veteran consumer advocate. Or you.
Problem Solved
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.
The Livingsocial offer that wasn’t social at all
After he buys four tickets for the Indy 500 through a coupon site, he learns he may not be sitting with his friends. Can he undo the purchase?
What makes you happiest? Your TV — and here’s why
Jessica Beeman paid $779 for her 50-inch TV, a purchase she was pleased with, until one day “it just stopped” working. And then she wasn’t.
My phone doesn’t work — do I still have to pay my bill?
Joanna Morehead’s wireless phone bill has been referred to a collections department. Just one problem: She was never able to really use her phone, which she canceled shortly after receiving it. Does she still have to pay?
Help, my Honda radio is on the blink
The radio on Narendra Goel’s Honda Accord doesn’t work properly. But Honda won’t fix it without charging him. Can it do that?
Verizon won’t replace my broken phone — do I still owe an early termination fee?
Judy Schulze’s husband needs a new phone. But Verizon Wireless wants him to sign a new two-year contract to get one. Is that fair?
The mystery of the reappearing $400 cancellation fee
Matt Solum is facing a $400 cancellation fee for a DirecTV package he doesn’t want, and believes he shouldn’t have to pay for. Is there any way to get it removed?
Did Sprint break its “buyback” promise?
Sprint offers Sarah Gagliardo a refund on her cell phone after she cancels her service. But now it’s refusing, saying she’s not a current customer. Can it do that?
I’m really steamed about a quilt I can’t return
SmartBargains.com won’t respond to Peter Zapalo’s request for a refund on a quilt he purchased through the site. How do you get the company to listen?
“I feel like Starbucks is stealing money from me”
Peter Volpe’s Starbucks account is frozen, and he doesn’t understand why. Is the company allowed to just confiscate his credits?