name: J. S.

city: 90045

problem: 01/06/2003

I am a victim of a scam at the Ice Cold Air on Hillsborough Ave. & Town & Country in Tampa, Florida. I took my vehicle to Ice Cold Air to get a coolant flush and the antifreeze found in my radiator turned out to be water with green dye according to several dealerships who verified this for me. I ended up having to replace my radiator and most of my cooling system which in the end costed me $789 plus tax...Please do NOT take your vehicles there as you too will become the victim of these money making con artists!!!???!!! Thanks a lot Kevin R. owner of Ice Cold Air

name: D. P.

city: 90045

problem: 11/20/2002

I sent my son a Moneygram wire in 1994 for $55.00. At the time he was in the service and was unable due to training to pick the money up. So I contacted Moneygram about refunding the wire, and was told at that time I could'nt get a refund, sorry. Then in August 2002, I had to send my son another Moneygram wire of which I did, and was told by a customer service person I had $55.00 on the books, and was told whom to contact to get the refund. This person Mrs. Weems now no longer works for Moneygram, there is a Mr. Gracia who now is in charge of refunds. I have sent a fax transmission of a letter sent to Mrs. Weems because Mr. Garcia says he could'nt find any such letter sent requesting a refund, October 23, 2002. And to this day Nov. 20, 2002 I have not heard anything and I want my money back.

name: S. D.

city: -----

problem: 10/23/2002

Feb.1 2002, I sent through an order for return address labels from the above mentioned company. My cheque was cashed within the week and I expected to receive them within 4-6 weeks. Apr.1 2002 I realized I'd not received them yet and proceeded to contact the company by first e-mailing their customer service dept. 10 days later (Apr. 11) I'd not heard back from them and sent a second e-mail, not response. After no reply again, 5 days later, I found their phone number and called them "long distance" (prime time) approx. 3 times where I was left on hold for 15-20 mins. without anyone answering my call. On the 4th call (mid Apr.), I finally got a hold of someone in Cust. Serv. and expressed my dis-satisfaction with the time it took to have some return address labels delivered. They explained to me that their machine (aka: printer) had broken down, hence the delay, and that the lables would be sent out the next week. I then asked to have a Supervisor call me back to express to them how unhappy I was with their Cust.Serv.-never received a call. I received the labels approx. the last week in Apr.(3 months from the time of original order)which were spelt wrong and were on a sheet of labels that I could have myself properly on my own computer in a much shorter time frame! The week after someone called me from the company to see if I'd received the labels. I explained to them that I did, they were spelt wrong and considering the amount of time it took to receive them I could've done the exact same thing myself and that I would like my money back. The lady explained to me that it was their policy not to refund labels and I could put it towards something else at their company. I told her I wanted nothing to do with her company and again expressed that I'd like a refund. She told me there was no way I would get my money back for the labels. So, I begruggingly reordered my labels (spelt correctly). This company is a joke & should be put out of business!!

name: J. J.

city: 32131

problem: 09/05/2002

I attended the Colorado Institute of Art in Denver....now the Art Institute of Colorado....part of the Art Institutes International. I graduated in 89 from Visual Communications with honors and Portfolio Par Excellence of 70 grads. I was unemployable at the time of graduation and was told to go home and put together an advertising portfolio. I found employment due to prior job experience and could not get a job in my field. I did not know until now that students can sue for breach of contract and am way past my statute of limitations. To make matters worse, I was injured in a car wreck 8 months after grad where I suffered permanent nerve damage to my right arm and hand and spinal injuries so now am unable to hold full time employment. My student loan has gone from $24k to $70k with all the accrued interest and no policy in place for help if you are only partially permanently disabled. I work freelance but cannot pay the $600 month as that is all I average. I am also aware on the alumni site that the school has falsified alum records to give the illusion of success of the grads. One friend of mine is listed as a fine artist when he could also not get a job in the field and has been a house painter for the last 12 years. They listed another as a graphic designer when there wasn't even that position available where she worked as a SECRETARY....so, beware, these schools do not provide a useable education even today from what current grads have told me.

name: E. B.

city: 92845

problem: 05/30/2002

On April 8, 2001, my young son slipped and fell while we were vacationing in Utah. Since there are no Maxicare providers in Utah, we took him to the closest hospital. This was a Sunday, so we called Maxicare the next day to inform them that my son broke his leg and needed emergency care, and gave them all of the information. One month later, Maxicare files bankruptcy. Later on in the year (around October, 2001), I started receiving bills from the hospital, doctors, radiologists, etc. After numerous telephone calls, and advising Maxicare in writing of my dissatisfaction, I ended up filing a complaint with The Department of Managed Health Care. One particular provider was processed incorrectly as an in-area claim. This provider was denied because of that. I called Maxicare to find out what to do, because this provider wanted me to pay ($1,355). After a heated discussion, this individual advised that they did, in fact, screw up and told me to have the provider file an HCFA or UB92 and re-submit the claim. Consequently, it was denied because it was now too late to file a complaint directly to Maxicare. I made numerous telephone calls to The Department of Managed Health Care, and they told me that they can't do anything exept advise the provider the attorney name and case number to file a claim through the court. I discussed this whole issue with our agency that deals with more complex insurance issues (from my work). They called Maxicare to try to help me. Maxicare told them that all claims are being handled through the medical group and that it's the medical groups responsibility. Interestingly, Maxicare mentioned another provider for $120.50 (radiology); for which they wrote a letter to last year advising that they (Maxicare) were responsible. So, I'm basically getting the run around and some of these medical providers have sent me to collections. Clearly fraud and bad faith - but what can I do?

name: J. S.

city: 90277

problem: 04/25/2002

Budget/Ryder Takes me for a Ride!- On or about January 25th I'd ordered a 24ft.truck to take my family, 3bed home and me across the country. The 800 order taker promised a rate of $650 and waived the fee for the car dolly. When I arrived to pick up the truck, I waited at the ANDERSON OHIO RYDER RENTAL for an hour and a half in the snow when the franchise owner pulled up in a fifteen foot truck. He told me he had to wait at another franchise across town and was visibly angry about this, stating, "hey, it's not my fault". When I informed him that I must have a 24 foot truck as I'd just returned from overseas and knew the exact weight of my home, he said, "Ok, I've got one out back you can have". I'd been told by the customer service 800 person I'd get a new or near new truck as this was a cross country haul, (Cincinnati to LA), and I was concerned for the safety of my four year old child and wife. The franchise owner then told me the charge was $1015.00. $100 deposit. I informed him that this was again not what was quoted me on the 800 order, he shouted, STOP YOUR WHINING, DO YOU WANT IT OR NOT. I had no choice as movers were waiting and I took the truck. Before we made it across the river into Kentucky, a nut fell off the top of the driver side mirror, and I had to make an on road repair, myself. The truck itself was old, extremely loud and the air conditioning barely worked. In Missouri, through to Arizona, we crept up hills and mountains at 35mph. We nearly overheated at several points in the journey. In Barstow CA, The power-steering began to fail, and in Torrance Ca. at the drop off the franchise owner told me the truk should never have been rented for an in town move, less a cross country. I recieved the deposit back, and thought that was the end of it. I noticed several weeks later that I was charged a second time for the rental A WEEK LATER!!!!!. When I contacted Ryder they told me they thought it was unusual to be charged twice but to correct this would take 7 to 10 buisness days. I eventually was returned my money, but it was a hassle. I've rented numerous trucks over the years and have never encountered such miscommunication, poor customer service, and awful billing, if not outright fraud in my life. STAY AWAY FROM RYDER/BUDGET IN ANDERSON TOWNSHIP OHIO.

name: S. E.

city: 74012

problem: 04/17/2002

Budget Movers (Tulsa, OK) damaged quite a lot of our furniture (dings and water stains) and one of the two movers was almost completely worthless and lazy! To top it all off, when we called to complain, the owner himself told us to "...go jump in a lake!"

name: E. M.

city: 27606

problem: 03/27/2002

My problem is with a company much like the CRS, this one is called CMS. Ive gotten many many phone calls from these people and "tried" their service and no I cannot cancel my service. Help!

name: F. T.

city: 96789

problem: 03/26/2002

I have had an account with Direct Merchants Bank for approx. 5yrs., I have paid my payments regularly when due, except (1) month, when my wallett was stolen. My daughter notified all credit card company's plus by bank, and everyone was extremely kind and helpful, EXCEPT Direct Merchants Bank!! I was deliquent on one payment, and being on a fixed income(Social Security), I wasn't able to send 2 full payments, however did catch up my account. I received calls from Direct Merchants Bank Reps., 2-3 times a day for 2 months threatening me with reports of bad credit rating, they even had the nerve to call to Thank me for getting my account in order, but I was short $19.00, in interest and they wanted to know how soon I could pay them, or else they would have to add $29.00 more dollars in interest for this overdue amount. I am elderly, and have Heart and Blood pressure problems, so my daughter tries to handle most of these calls, and explained my health, so they insisted she and my son-in-law pay them, or they would have to take further action. They were receiving my payments but not crediting them for 2 weeks, just to collect more interest. These people have extremely shady business practices, and prey on the Elderly with threats and Telephone harrassment. Please stop this Company from harrassing and threatening people, who pay their bills ON TIME, except in unforseen circumstances.

name: D. K.

city: -----

problem: 03/26/2002

Publishers Renewal Service will not cancel an order that I believe they obtained through illegal telemarketing magzine subscription

name: K. B.

city: -----

problem: 03/25/2002

Washington Mutual refuses to remove my name from the ChexSystems report even though the debt was paid in full. They will not return my phone calls, nor will they respond to any of my many emails. I have filed complaints with The BBB, Federal Trade Commissions, and the Office of Thrift Supervision. It clearly states that I paid the amount that was incurred, and that I owe nothing, yet I still can not open an account with ANY financial institution until my name is removed. made on 2-15.

name: J. T.

city: 85210

problem: 03/01/2002

I purchased a wireless phone from quest. the first phone that was sent I never recieved. A new phone was sent to me, but since then I have never recieved credit for the first phone which was sent to the wrong address, my bill has never been correct, and now my phone has been disconnected for non-payment, even though my payment was made on 2-15.

name: C. W.

city: 20036

problem: 01/02/2002

Two years ago I bought a computer for $2,100 through 1-800-gateway. Over the phone, they told me about a $400 rebate when you sign-up up with Compuserve internet service for 3 years. I asked if there was a penalty for cancelling with Compuserve early. Within days I received my computer, and signed up with Compuserve over the phone, and sent in my rebate info. After my rebate didn't show-up from Compuserve, I called, and found that they had set up my account incorrectly. They closed my first account, and opened a second one. After several weeks, I received my $400 rebate. Now, two years later, I have switched over to a DSL service, and called Compuserve to cancel my account. Not only did I have a lot of trouble finding the correct number to call, but the first time they hung up on me, and the second time, I was on hold for 40 (yes, FORTY!) minutes. Very rudely, the Compuserve person told me that I owed them $350 because I didn't fulfill the full 3 yr. contract after having received a $400 rebate. I was shocked because this was the first I heard about a cancellation clause. I was especially upset because I had specifically asked whether there was such a cancellation fee when I bought the computer through Gateway and when I signed up for Compuserve. They lied! The man on the phone spoke to me like I was a child. He asked me if I knew what a contract was! I told him that I wanted to see the peice of paper I signed agreeing to such a thing. He then asked if I knew what an electronic contract was very rudely. I told him to show me any electronic document that I had "signed". He was so rude. I told the man that I would tell all my friends how awful Compuserve was, and not to use them especially since I had other problems with them overbilling my account. He then threatened me, and told me that the phone call was being recorded, and I "don't want to embarass myself". What jerks! So, now I'm stuck paying for an overpriced, slow internet service that bombards my computer with ads, in addition to my DSL service. It stinks!

name: A. B.

city: 87401

problem: 10/18/2001

Recently my wife and I decided to do an "envelope stuffing" program found on realworkathome.com. This is a huge scam. Money is _not_ earned by means of stuffing and mailing envelopes. Quite the contrary, one needs to advertise their product, receive money from those who want to buy the product or are interested in the product. The requests are then sent to Advanced Marketing and only then is money received. If a person lives in a small community, money is nearly impossible to earn. This is just part of the scam. The other part is the $89.95 registration fee, which is returned and even doubled _if_ fifty people have paid to get information on the product being sold. Absolutely none of this is stated in the recruiting ad. Unless a person has time enough to find fifty gullible people to send $5 to the advertiser, the $89.95 is lost. I feel that many people have lost this fee. This company is blantantly misleading those who read their ad and even admitted it to me in an email sent by their customer relations person. I have saved the email and can forward it to your site if you'd like. I highly admonish any who may be interested in this program. It is false advertisement by the mere fact that they have not told the whole truth behind how the money is earned. Again, if it seems too good to be true, it is.

name: L. ?.

city: -----

problem: 10/14/2001

I had a credit account opened with Goodyear who actually use Hurley State Bank to hold the credit account. After some time of being unemployed I fell behind on my payments and they sold the account to another agency, ER Solutions. I have since paid the account in full to ER Solutions but Hurley State Bank will not release the negative information on my credit report. I have repeatedly contacted ER Solutions and since paying my debt 7 months ago Hurley State Bank still has not noted the account as paid!

name: R. W.

city: 33756

problem: 07/18/2001

DO NOT GET VERIZON DSL -
VERIZON DOES NOT PRACTICE HONEST BUSINESS -
NOBODY NEEDS THIS ABUSE OF POWER BY CORRUPT CORPORATIONS

July 2001: Verizon is still billing me for an account closed in November 2000; in addition, Verizon has just sent it to collection.

I had escalating DSL problems from the start. 2 different techs came to home and checked phone lines. Second tech recommended installing separate modem line. Did that $200.00 with my own money trying to help -same problem. Called VERIZON DSL tech support, tested again, didn’t help. Verizon said I need Static IP Address. He said transfer my home account to Business Account (I have no business - They set me up!) Sean Williams, 877-483-1794 ext 5845 business dept, emailed contract. Waited over 2 wks+, then couldn’t even connect to internet! Very next day, called Verizon Tech Support, they still couldn’t fix it. Called 877-483-6006, told Paul problems, what all we tried, and to cancel service entirely because THEY couldn’t get service running. The cancellation order ... was submitted by Paul Nov 3, 2000. I specifically asked if I needed to contact anybody else in business dept. Paul said NO it is completed with this cancellation order. He made account retroactive to start date August 16, 2000.

NOTE: VERIZON gave me my money back for (retroactive) charges I paid on monthly phone bills. They admitted there was a huge problem with my service, let me out of my year contract lease, and refunded me money!

Month later, received bill from “VERIZON Internet Solutions”. Thought cancellation didn’t go through yet, so didn’t think much of it. Next month received another bill. Called (800)927-3000, said there was NO cancellation record. I explained situation, gave cancellation number, and spoke of Paul’s conversation. I explained when I cancelled Paul told me EVERYTHING would be taken care of by him. Cancelled AGAIN, this cancellation was done in writing by Justin lljana @ 972-399-5856. Thought everything was over until received another bill. Called back, they said because of contract had to pay monthly rate for Business DSL Service. I explained the service NEVER started, Verizon already closed my account/refunded me money, and I shouldn’t be obligated to a closed account. In addition, when Verizon closed/refunded the account, I sent Verizon their modem back in November 2000; therefore, there is no way my account could even be used.

VERIZON sent it to collection. Called Verizon Internet Solutions July 10, 2001, 800-927-3000, Iris transferred me to “Advanced Billing”. Asked for manager – they said NO! Steve (REP ID# 3393, would not give me his last name) said operators are managers and he’s been there 2 yrs, felt sorry for me, sees this all the time, and no recorded of me ever having ANY problems. Bottom line, Verizon wants $449.40+. Verizon says TO PAY WHETHER I GOT ANY SERVICE OR NOT because of contract. Contract SAYS 30 days to cancel…I did. Look where it got me.

All I want is for Verizon to close the entire account as promised, take me off collection status, and leave me alone. Verizon obviously has an internal paper debacle that if ONE person there would take time to investigate - this entire matter could be put to rest. Verizon refuses to let me speak to ANY managers and Verizon's CEO will not return my messages. VERIZON SAYS TO PAY EVEN IF THEY ARE UNABLE TO PROVIDE THE SERVICE TO THE CUSTOMER. This type of business practice is ethically, professionally, and humanly wrong. Verizon is so big that they just ignore the little guys problem. I REALLY need help. Verizon is abusing its power.

P.S. This is not the only complaint posting I have done. So far my list is up to 45+ different places including local radio, local news/TV, 20/20, better business bureau, dsl reports, New York Times, Washington, State capitals of Florida, Texas and Georgia, attorney general, federal trade commission, Florida Public Service Commission, Florida Governor Jeb Bush, Internet Fraud and National Fraud Commission,and more - I am not done!

I am NOT alone, see site: http://bellatlanticpathetic.com/bb.html

name: B. L.

city: 34428

problem: 06/12/2001

On March 15, 2001, I signed a contract for the purchase of a house in Crystal River, Florida. The closing date was scheduled for April 16,2001. At that time, I was assured by the real estate agent, Richard Venticinque; ReMax Realty One that the house would meet FHA standards. The house failed several FHA inspections and the closing was repeatedly delayed for this reason. Mr. Venticinque coerced me into making repairs on the property so that it would pass inspection. He told me that if I did not make these repairs, that he would hire someone else to do it and bill me for it. When I voiced my concerns about investing time and more money into this property before closing, Mr. Venticinque threatened me stating "I have another buyer that will pay more money and you will lose your earnest money" using foul language, which further intimidated me.

I began to get suspicious when my requests for inspection reports were ignored. On the advice of a friend, I hired Jim Bourgoin; Buyer's Broker from "Buyer's Advantage" in Springhill. Mr. Bourgoin has assisted me in learning my rights and responsibilities regarding the purchase of this house. So far, with the assistance of Mr. Bourgoin, I have learned that the house has extensive termite damage which was not disclosed to me, but known to the seller and the real estate agent. According to the contract, I should have been made aware of the termite damage in writing within 4 days of discovery to give me an opportunity to withdraw my offer if I so chose. I was not notified.

After failing numerous FHA inspections and finding the extensive termite damage, I decided that purchasing this property was not in my best interest. Mr. Bourgoin (my representative) has attempted to communicate with Richard Venticinque(realtor) in an attempt to resolve this matter, but was verbally abused by Mr. Venticinque. Attempts made by Mr. Bourgoin to communicate with the broker, Mr. Steve Varnadoe were to no avail either. Mr. Varnadoe does not address the issues at hand, but continually diverts attention away from these issues with personal insults and lies.

Since there were numerous areas where not only the spirit of the contract, but also the letter of the contract were broken by the agent, I feel that I am entitled to a full refund of all money that I spent toward the failed purchase of this property. My out of pocket expenses to date are as follows:

Earnest money...........................1,000.00
Inspections...................................510.00
Painting supplies and rental equip...200.00
20 hours of labor.............................?????
Total -------------------------------------- $1710.00

I find it difficult to place a dollar amount on the considerable amount of time and energy I put toward this transaction. The real estate agent and his broker, Steve Varnadoe, flat out refuse to refund my earnest money, let alone reimburse me for anything else.

Jim Bourgoin of Buyer's Advantage informs me that although there are regulatory agencies, such as the Florida Real Estate Commission and the local Association of Realtors it would take time in investigating the facts of the transaction. Usually the transaction is whitewashed and the investigation usually takes so long that even if one does not drop their dispute, and an agency does find that illegal/unethical/ or misleading practices were carried out, there is only an insignificant token punishment handed out.

This "wink and a nudge" association between brokers and their regulating agencies leaves me and the rest of the public with little or no recourse for satisfaction. We are merely targets for unethical real estate practices and powerless victims afterward.

It is my hope that you can intervene in this matter for both personal satisfaction and as an expose into the lack of rights potential homeowners face whenever they put up their earnest money in good faith. This may also be a lesson in "Let the Buyer Beware" to not be coerced into activities such as pressure cleaning and painting a prospective property, no matter how insistent the seller's agent is or how he uses his position of control to strong arm people to make happen what he wants to occur. I know there are many more like me that have been taken advantage of in a similar way, but are so embarrassed that they do not speak up. I too, almost took this route; but I realized after mulling this over that the realtors know we will usually shut up out of shame. Well, this time I'm speaking out in the hope that others with like experiences won't endure quietly what I have had to go through.

I would like to add that I will never again enter into a real estate transaction without a buyer's broker. I recommend that EVERYONE buying a piece of property hires a Buyer's Broker and I highly recommend Mr. Jim Bourgoin with Buyer's Advantage in Springhill, Florida.

name: G. W.

city: 92119

problem: 06/08/2001

I believe I have been the victim of a "bait and switch" by Hilton Reservations. However, to give Hilton Reservations the benefit of the doubt, at the very least, a reservation clerk made a mistake which I may have to pay for.

On June 5, 2001 I made a room reservation using the Hilton Honors reservation line for a 1-night stay at a Hilton affiliated hotel in NYC, The Millennium Hotel, Confirm No. # 3133417793.

When making the reservation, I was told that I had until June 20 to cancel the reservation. At no time was I told I was making a non-refundable reservation.

Today, June 8, I called Hilton Reservations to cancel the reservation. I was told that I was calling past the cancellation date of May 8, and that this was a non-refundable reservation. In short, I was out of luck and had to pay for the room whether or not I stayed there. When I asked how it could be that I made a reservation on June 5th, which is a month after May 8, and not be told it was non-refundable, they had no answer.

I immediately asked to speak with guest services in Hilton's Dallas offices, and spoke with a Supervisor, Melissa McCowan, 1-800-446-6677 who informed me Hilton would be charging me regardless of what I said about what the initial reservations agent had told me. Although they would not say so, they were in essence, calling me a liar.

It appears it is now my word against theirs. I have left a message with Ms. McCowan's supervisor, Kendra London. Ms. McCowan said I was wasting my time calling Ms. London, as she will tell me the same thing. In essence, they will not admit their reservations agent made a mistake, they are assuming I am trying to pull a fast one.

I have assured them I will persue this and will take them to court if I have to. I will also be contacting various "complaint" web sites to publicize this matter as much as possible.

I have contacted my credit card company, DIners' Club, who informed me that two "authorizations" for the amount of the room were made on June 6th. Why Hilton asked for two authorizations for a 1-night stay, I do not know. Diners' Club assures me they will dispute the charges on my behalf once they come in.

At this point, the principal of the matter is most important to me, not the money. I am prepared to sue Hilton in small claims court if need be. But, I would prefer they settle the matter properly by not charging me for the room.