Sur-prize! You just lost $1,750
Here’s one to be particularly aware of. The scam goes like this:
You get a call or a letter telling you that you won a cash prize. Further, you’re told you will receive a cashier’s check or a bank check by special delivery service in the next few days. Sure enough, a special delivery envelope arrives but instead of the $500 you “won,” the check is for $2,500!
You then get an email or call informing you the company that sent you the $2,500 made an error. It appreciates your honesty, so much so that it wants to reward you by giving you an extra $250. It then instructs you to deposit the check it sent you and immediately send it a cashier’s check for the difference. You send them $1,750. Five days later, the original check you deposited in your account is returned — NSF, counterfeit or account closed.
RESULT: You are out $1,750 with no recourse. Lori Eubank brought this one to my attention. By the way, she saw it right away as a scam and was not fooled. She is my Consumer Superstar of the Week. Thanks for the heads-up, Lori!
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A consumer wrote in concerning a matter with a local furniture merchant. I called the merchant; the problem was completely and immediately resolved. Local merchants provide our community with well-priced goods, services and local employment. If you have a problem, local merchants are a short drive or a quick phone call away. A local business that sells shoddy goods or services, or gives poor customer service, doesn’t last long.
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Another interesting case is Hughes Net. The allegation is that the company contracted to provide Internet and satellite services, and then failed to provide them. After the consumer terminated service, the company allegedly continued to make charges to her credit card. Her only successful recourse was to place all charges “in contest” and have the bank issue a new credit card with a different number.
I tried contacting Hughes Net multiple times to resolve the complaint but was rebuffed each time and at every level, including contacting the corporate headquarters.
LESSON: Don’t get involved with companies that have consistently bad online reputations. Chances are you will not be the one consumer who has a smooth experience. Absolutely don’t give them your credit card information!
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QUICK TIP: An app called GetHuman is available in IOS for your IPhone or from Google Play for Android devices. Type in the name of a company and more likely than not, either a telephone number and/or instructions on how to bypass the telephone tree will pop up. A real time saver — not to mention your nerves!
I have many more interesting cases that I’m working on as The CDA Press Consumer Guy. Call me, (208) 449-7222, email me CDAPressConsumerGuy
@gmail.com or fax me at (866) 362-9266. Also include your full name and a phone number.
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Bill Brooks is the CDA Press Consumer Guy. He is an active Associate Real Estate Broker for Tomlinson-Sotheby’s in Coeur d’Alene.