Call For Action Blog

ATTORNEY GENERAL FILES AGAINST CHAD FRANKLIN SUZUKI

2008-08-19T04:23:00Z

Four months after our Call for Action investigation into Chad Franklin Suzuki, the Kansas Attorney General has taken action.

There is good news for consumers. Even if you don't live in Kansas, the AG wants to help you. There is hope settlements with the dealerships insurance company could be worked out in less than six months.

Of course, this is still a developing legal case and we will continue to follow it.

No word out of Missouri as to their plans. I do know they are investigating.

Consumers I've talked to are relieved there could be help in sight. Many are voluntarily repossessing their car -- as they are unable to make the car payments. The ads promised no payment or a small monthly fee, but now many consumers are facing $500 a month car payments.

Let us know your thoughts on this latest development.

CONVERTER BOXES SALES TAX MISTAKE

2008-07-25T22:42:00Z

The stories never stop with these converter boxes. This one is stranger than all the rest and reveals a big problem.

I got a call this week from a man who got a check from Best Buy to cover a mistake in how the store calculated his sales tax on the converter box. Missouri is one of several states that calculates sales tax differently. In Missouri, sales tax is calculated after a coupon is redeemed. However, Best Buy mistakenly charged sales tax on the full retail price. It realized the probelm and sent a check to consumers.

This mistake got me thinking about what other stores may be inadvertently calculating sales tax wrong. After all, how often do you redeem coupons at electronics stores? Perhaps this was bigger.

We found Circuit City calculating tax correctly. However, Radio Shack is not. And get this...Best Buy is still calculating tax wrong! I was shocked, considering they know there is a problem. You would think they would be getting it right by now, but it was still wrong Thursday night.

Calls to Best Buy have not been returned all week.

Radio Shack apologizes for the error. It didn't realize it was making the mistake until I called them. It's swinging into action, changing it's computer systems, and offering refunds. You need to go to the Radio Shack with your receipt -- and they will give you a refund on the spot.

Here's how it breaks out.

If the price of the converter box is $59.99 and you have a $40 government coupon -- here's how it works.

$59.99 - 40 dollar coupon = 19.99
19.99 x 7% = 1.39 sales tax
19.99 + 1.39 = 21.38 cost to consumer

This whole sales tax issue really only amounts to about $3 -- but in today's economy three dollars is three dolalrs.

So, watch those receipts and arm yourself with information so you don't get cheated at the cashier.

If you live in Kansas, sales tax is charged on the full retail price.

To reccap, Missouri only charges on the price after a coupon.

Link to Missouri law:

http://www.sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/current/12csr/12c10-103.pdf

To see Radio Shack's receipt, Best Buy's letter, refund check, and receipts from Thursday showing they are still calculating tax wrong go to the text of the story on our Call for Action page or just click on this link.

http://www.nbcactionnews.com/content/cfa/story.aspx?content_id=6285cfa3-bda3-4782-83cb-89f57746aac8

Post your thoughts about this mess....

Time Warner Cable and Navigator Issues

2008-07-22T23:10:00Z

We will continue to stay on top of the Time Warner Cable story even though the company refuses to answer our questions and your questions about DVR problems. The problems are well documented and are happening in more than just the KC area. The DVR Navigator issues prompted the City Council in Lincoln, Nebraska, to hold special meetings on the issue.

While the concerns have not reached that level here in KC, I have repeatedly heard from upset customers about the problems they're experiencing with their DVR. The biggest frustration seems to be the lack of a response from Time Warner. I've been asked over and over why they released the Navigator software here in KC, if they knew it was causing problems in other markets. It's a question we tried to get Time Warner to answer.

Like every story, we do our research and then call the corporation. When I called Time Warner Cable's local spokesman, he eloquently spoke about the Navigator issue. He told me there were lots of internal tests with Navigator before rolling it out. In fact, Time Warner's own employees tested the software. The spokesman said the errors and glitches were fixed. We were told Time Warner is in the refining stage with Navigator and it was actively making upgrades and patches. It was explained to me that this should be thought of like a computer. Computers always need upgrades and patches to address issues. This is no different.

Time Warner told me there are forty to forty-five boxes in use throughout the metro. They all look the same to the consumer but they are internally different. The trouble is, that means you have to make a different patch for each one. For Time Warner, that was half the problem as it was explained to me.

But, Time Warner also talked about the exciting new features of the software that was installed on boxes. The A button Access key was touted. Caller ID on TV is now an option.

Time Warner's spokesman told me he is well aware of the complaints, and that the complaints are an important component to troubleshooting these problems. But, while there are complaints they are seeing positive responses as well. The message from the local spokesman was be patient and stick it out. Time Warner said Navigator problems are their daily focus until they find permanent fixes.

After that brief quesetion and answer conversation with the local spokesman, I aksed for an on-camera interview. We set up a time and a date and I hung up feeling like we finally were making progress. After all, we've been reporting on DVR problems since last summer. There have been many issues -- the Navigator issues are just the most recent problem. But, this was the first time the company was willing to address the questions. I was excited that KC would finally get some answers.

Then, my phone rang again. This time, the spokesman explained that Time Warner Cable's corporate office did not think an on-camera interview was the best idea. He would have to cancel our appointment. I was told that the issues are so specific and technical, there was concern that Time Warner would not be able to address the issues on camera. I tried several times to get Time Warner to talk on camera, and they refused.

Instead, I was told coproate Time Warner Cable wanted the questions in writing. I decided it was in our viewers best interest to provide a set of written questions. Time Warner Cable is one of the biggest -- if not the biggest - cable provider in our area. Our viewers, their customers deserved answers. So, we supplied a list of questions that addressed the issues and the steps they were taking to fix the issues.

Then, I got this response:

"Im pleased to report that the issues you addressed in your questions have been fully resolved. Should anyone experience issues along those lines, they have a service issue with either their signal or cable box that requires a service call. Thank you."

I immediately sent another email asking how they were sure the issues were fixed this time, and how they suddenly found a fix that they couldn't find for the last few months. I never did get a response.

So, I called the corporate headquarters. My phone calls have also not been returned by the corporation.

Feel free to share your thoughts.

UPDATE 7/23/08

From emails from viewers....

I have the same issue, but I don't have the DVR box. I just have the Digital Cable box/service. Mine reboots 5-10 times a week. Thanks for running this story so I know what the true issue is!!!

================

Jenn,
I saw the end of your segment on the Time Warner issue Call for Action dated 7/22/08. If this involves the Navigator issue I have had many. As a paying customer it is very frustrating with the issues listed below:

-A few channels have no sound
-When switching to the menu guide there is a very long delay
-There are times when the whole system just resets and takes a few minutes to recycle.

-Also some channels are in Spanish, and they should not be.

I am not sure this is the issue that you were talking about but I did want to state my concern about what I have been experiencing.

I live in Edwardsville, KS and this has been happening for more than 3 months now. Feel free to post this on your blog as I was not able to post any comments. Thanks and have a great day! J

Regards,

Joe Bates.

------------------

I was just watching your segment on Time Warner Cable about the boxes re-booting all of the time. Just as you were about to say several top executives have lost their job's, my cable box went out! What are the chances of that happening! It is still trying to re-boot now.

We did make a call to the company about this and we were told that the system re-boots every night to update info.

Thanks for the segment!

=============

DEAL OR NO DEAL UPDATE

2008-05-14T20:29:00Z

Call for Action continues its investigation into Chad Franklin. We've heard from over 90 consumers who are in the same situation. Our latest investigation reveals questions over the paperwork. Consumers say they filled out a handwritten application asking for address, income, and employment history. But, consumers say when they call their lender, they are told the lender's application shows different answers to those questions.

If you are a customer, you should call your lender to see what they show on their application. Often, the dealer will send that directly to the lender and the consumer may not see it. But, you have a right to it and should ask your lender to work with you and give you a copy.

Jenn (strathman@nbcactionnews.com)

DEAL OR NO DEAL STORY

2008-05-01T03:00:00Z

Call for Action hears from upset consumers on a daily basis. I started hearing rumblings about these deals quite some time ago and saw the ads myself. As time passed in my investigation, this story just exploded and the calls continue to pour in. Which is great. We are hear to listen and try to help.

I have been hearing the same complaints over and over and listened to frustrated consumer after frustrated consumer. The stories are all similar. They all circle back to the ads that were seen on television screens across the metro. The consumers remember the bold typed words like "Never" and "No" payments for life. It's hard to focus in on the fine print that appears at the end of the commercial.

While I've attempted to answer so many quesitons in our story, we know it just scratches the surface. There are still many avenues we ware pursuing and would like to hear your side of what happened. Feel free to blog or email me strathman@nbcactionnews.com

Many questions remain, but we hope we get the opportunity to ask those questions to the dealer himself, Chad Franklin. We have attempted several times to speak with him on camera, but he is declining our offer at this time. However, he did issue a written statement which you can read on our Call for Action page. While Chad Franklin is not speaking publicly at this time, consumers are faced with decisions. As so many have shared stories of how they are financially trying to come up with enough money to make their skyrocketing payments that often hover around 5 and $600.

Feel free to blog.

Update: Sorry the blogs took so long to get posted. I'm new to this and was looking for comments in what is called the "inbox" of our blog program -- and none were showing up. I didn't realize they show up in another spot. I'm not an expert in our blogigng program. Everyone is posted now. Thanks for your patience. Jenn

CAR DEALER -- DEAL OR NO DEAL?

2008-04-30T02:18:00Z

It's a question many consumers across the metro are asking about a car dealers ads. They saw and heard the promises on television and radio. We've heard from many customers who saw the promise, walked into the dealer, and signed up for the offer. Fast forward six months to a year. Now, the consumers say the dealer is not holding up its end of the bargain and they're stuck with the financial burden. We go undercover to find out what's really going on at this dealership. Then we go back with our cameras rolling to get answers. What happened to the advertised deal? Was it really a deal or is there no deal at all? Tune in Wednesday night at 10 for this Call for Action investigation.

Feel free to share your thoughts....

ID THEFT TEST

2008-04-29T03:00:00Z

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes, and I'm constantly doing reports on this crime. That's why we recently held our Shred-it event where we shredded 98,000 pounds of paper in just four hours! Just another way we are trying to keep you safe.

While I do stories to help you protect yourself, I wanted to see how well the general public safeguards its information. So, we set up a raffle in a park near the Plaza and asked entrants for the basics and a few extras. We asked for name, phone number, address, email, and Social Security number. Several people asked about the social security number and questioned why we needed it -- but then they gave it to us. We were shocked at just how many people gave us the 9 identityfing numbers that could be used to steal their identity.

Our story shows that a lapse of judgment for just seconds -- is enough to make you a victim of identity theft. Just the simple lure of free amusement park tickets -- and our viewers made themselves vulnearble. Some people told us they trusted us -- trusted the name NBC Action News -- but I'll caution you NEVER to trust anyone. Luckily, they gave their Social Security number to a station committed to prevent idenity theft so all the entries were shredded.

Would you pass or would you fail? Think next time before giving your social security number to anyone! You need to safeguard it like you do the keys to your house.

Links....

FTC Identity Theft Site http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/

Identity Theft Resource Center http://www.idtheftcenter.org/

CFA Identity Theft Pamphlet... Download the PDF

Feel free to leave your thoughts....

Jenn.

TIPS TO SELL YOUR HOME IN A SLOW MARKET

2008-02-20T00:00:00Z

The headlines tell the story. It seems every day we are reporting on some new data showing the slowing housing market. But let's face it, sometimes you still have to sell. We found there are quick and easy ways you can make your house more marketable in this slow market. Here are the top ten.

1. Declutter and store

Experts say you need to pack up personal belongings and pictures long before you think about moving. Take down pictures -- you don't want to be the focus when a buyer is looking at the house. You want the architecture to tell the story. Also, what's personal to you is not to the buyer. They may have a different style than you and if your style dominates, it might be hard for the buyer to see themself living in your home. Once you pack up extra items, store them neatly in your garage or rent a storage unit.

2. Paint

You want the buyer to walk in notice how fresh and bright your home looks. A new layer of paint in a neutral tone will help sell the house.

3. Create space

You want your home to look open. Experts say many people move because their old space is too small, so create space. Remove your appliances from the countertop. Leave only one out. You don't want to distract from the countertop and backsplash. Also, if there is empty countertop it makes the buyer think there is enough space for all their appliances.

If you have a side pantry or rolling cabinet, move it or remove it. Make sure it's not in the way doesn't interupt the flow of the room. Also, it might lead the buyer to think there is not enough cabinet space so it may be best to remove it.

If you have a bed against two walls, move it away from one to create space on both sides. It makes your room look bigger. Keep the corners of your room open. If you have six dining room chairs, but only four at the table, and the remaining two in the corner of the rooms -- put them all around the table. It opens up your room and creates space.

4. Update

Make sure the house is modern and updated. You can add new lights, faucets, and door handles for cheap. If you want to spend money, do it in the kitchen or bath. New stainless steel appliances are a plus in your kitchen.

5. Clean

Clean the light fixtures, windows, and your driveway. Make your home easily accessible and remove snow. If you declutter your home before you put it on the market, it will be easy to keep it clean during the sale.

The best advice is to walk around your home and look at it. What is the first thing you look at when you walk in the room? Create a focal point and make sure it blends with the house. If you find it hard to figure out what to take down, ask a friend or neighbor to walk through the home to help you decide what personal effects to remove. Experts say it's essential to detach yourself from the house if you want to sell it.

A popular new trend is to stage a home. Your realtor can help you do this or you can hire a professional for $250 or more to help you figure out what needs to go and what should stay.

If you have any comments or tips...feel free to share them.

Jenn

BLOCKBUSTER CHANGES

2007-08-27T18:15:00Z

Movie buffs alike are sounding off about Blockbuster's changes to its online movie rental agreements. Emails have been sent to some customers alerting them of the change. Many consumers liked Blockbuster over the competition, Netflix, because Blockbuster has stores all over the country where you can exchange the movies you ordered online. Now, SOME customers who had unlimited rentals are being forced into plans with limited in store exchanges. I heard from a few, but Blockbuster says the majority of its subscribers were not affected by a change in their plan's pricing or terms.

Blockbuster says it doesn't want to lose subscribers but feels it's offering flexibile and valuable plans while striking a balance between growth of its service and profitability.

Let us know how you feel.....

MOLDY DECK

2007-08-08T20:19:00Z

COMPOSITE DECKS

Composite decks are all the rage but if you've noticed the advertising has changed a bit as the product has been exposed out in the market. From no maintenance to low-maintenance to even some maintenance. So what does this mean for you? It means you should not throw away those scrub pads just yet when you buy a composite deck.

Composite decking offers lots of advanatages over wood decks but expect to use a little elbow grease to keep yours clean. After all it's out in the environment so succeptible to problems. You may not be staining it every few years, but you still need to keep it clean.

MOLD

Composite decks are succeptible to mold. That's right mold. Take a look at some of the pictures we've seen on decks across the metro. The manufacturers say it happens because the decks are installed wrong and homeowner's don't keep them clean. But, we even met a man who cleans his deck with a blower several times a week and still had a mold spotted deck.

Click here to view a controllable slideshow and individual photos.

CLEANING

Mold is an industry problem, but each manufacturer addresses it a little differently. Some tell you to throw a 3-1 bleach solution on it to clean. We've heard from many consumers thinking that's simply way too much and consumers are concerned about the effect the bleach has on the deck itself and the plant life around the deck.

There is a company in Lawrence that offers a more bleach diluted product. Watch our story to see them in action cleaning a metro man's deck and decide for yourself. The company is Prosoco, and is featured on the Trex website as a possible cleaning solution. Here is the link to Prosoco.

http://www.psc-solutions.com/DC_Main.asp

In the video, we used Composite Deck Restorer and the sealer is Composite Deck Protector. For the deck you saw in the video, the company says it would cost $130 for materials and it should last you 1-3 years before you see mold spots again. I do not endorse products, we simply showed you this as a possible solution. The real test will be long term. The bottom line...it looks like you're going to have to do some cleaning on your composite deck. Nothing is maintenance free.

Trex has a pretty comprehensive website and informational brochure on the mold issue and lists the Prosoco product. Trex says low maintenance means you don't have to apply a sealer yearly to protect it.

http://www.trex.com/universal/technical_info/tech_mildew.asp

CALL THE MANUFACTURER

If you're unhappy, call your manufacturer. AERT manufactures ChoiceDek and it is in the KC area cleaning decks. The company can't help you if it doesn't hear from you, and I know some of you had trouble before getting help. I think we finally have their attention as there are deck cleanings and contacts now.

Let us know about your experience. Happy blogging! Jenn

THE UGLY TRUTH

2007-05-11T03:15:00Z

The ads are everywhere showcasing businesses offering medical and spa like services. Often you can get both under one roof. The industry and the state boards are now refering to this type of business as medspa or medispa.

Tonight, we exposed how these new facilities are falling through the cracks and how some treatments aren't even FDA approved.

The problem stems from confusion and jurisdiction of the law. Oversight is unclear because the services offered at these facilities are split between the state's medical and cosmetology boards.

Bottom line, it's up to consumers to ultimately decide. So, make sure you ask about the person's training that is providing the treatment and get the full details about the treatment itself.

Check out my story and share your comments.

DEAL OR NO DEAL?

2007-04-18T19:13:00Z

Deal or no deal results
The coupons advertise carpet cleaning for less than ten bucks a room. Sounds like a good deal, right? To find out, we filled a house with hidden cameras. Out of the four companies we tested, only one honored its advertised price. We got quotes ranging from $57.98 to $384.70. What a price difference. Remember, we have coupons that have a two room mimimun so we should be spending less than 20 dollars! So where does $384.70 come from? We wanted to know as well, so we confronted the salesman who didn't give us very many answers. Guess what...his bosses never returned any of our calls either.

When does $9.95 Apply?
We did hear from some of the other companies. They all tell us the advertised price is for a basic steam clean. They tell us they do hundreds of basic steam cleans, but mostly for repeat customers who get their carpets cleaned on a regular basis. Companies admit the $9.95 doesn't really apply to new customers because often their carpets are more dirty and they need deeper scrubbing and they charge for it. But get this....according to the IICRC or Institute for Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (sort-of the industry setting body for the carpet cleaning industry) customers should expect these basics in all carpet cleaning: Vacuuming, Preconditioning, Extraction, Grooming, and Drying. While the IICRC sets the standard for carpet cleaning, these are just recommendations. So in essence, there should not be an extra charge for scrubbing since the IICRC says that's a basic part of carpet cleaning. But, again, the IICRC just recomends companies follow those standards -- they don't require it. And, not every company is a member of the IICRC.

Finding an IICRC company
To become an IICRC certified firm you must meet tough criteria that aims to protect consumers. To find one in your area...go to the following website.

http://www.certifiedcleaners.org/locator.shtml

Changes on the way
Two carpet manufacturers (Shaw and Mohawk) are making changes to their warranty. The carpet industry hopes this helps customers from getting taken by unscrupulous cleaners. Starting in 2008, customers must use IICRC certified cleaners when getting their carpets cleaned. .

It's expected this will help the situation, but it's likely these bait and switch tactics will continue in some form.

So have you found your carpet coupon to be a deal or no deal at all? Share your experience below....