Action Line chat with Dennis Rockstroh

(07/28/2008)

11:59

Dennis Rockstroh:

Good afternoon, wherever you are. Let's chat.

Monday July 28, 2008 11:59 Dennis Rockstroh

11:59

[Comment From John EldredJohn Eldred: ]

my AT&T unauthorized charge by Enhanced Services billing - see my email to you Sat. July 26 John Eldred

Monday July 28, 2008 11:59 John Eldred

11:59

[Comment From John EldredJohn Eldred: ]

AT&T charge enhanced Services Billing - billed on behalf of TriVoice International - Vmail monthly fee 15.70. When I googled this I found people had great difficulty getting the charges credited. AT&T said to people that they just bill whatever somebody tells them to. John Eldred

Monday July 28, 2008 11:59 John Eldred

12:01

Dennis Rockstroh:

Hi, John. This is a big problem. Everyone, check your bills for unauthorized charges. I forwarded your e-mail to AT&T. John. They should fix it for you. If not, let me know

Monday July 28, 2008 12:01 Dennis Rockstroh

12:02

[Comment From ImHungry247ImHungry247: ]

Hi Dennis...my bf emailed you last week about not being able to get a reward on his MLB Extra Bases credit card. We planned a trip around this reward and now we're stuck.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:02 ImHungry247

12:03

Dennis Rockstroh:

Hi Hungry. Did you call the number on the card. What did they say?

Monday July 28, 2008 12:03 Dennis Rockstroh

12:04

[Comment From hey dennishey dennis: ]

i have a problem with someone using my ss# for employment purposes , i have filed a police report years ago and i misplaced the # . how would i proceed to get the i.r.s. off my back?

Monday July 28, 2008 12:04 hey dennis

12:05

Dennis Rockstroh:

What's the IRS trying to do, Hey?

Monday July 28, 2008 12:05 Dennis Rockstroh

12:06

[Comment From ImHungry247ImHungry247: ]

They said that we were only allowed to get rewards based on our "team" -- which right now is the A's. We wanted to use the reward to see a Yankee's game in NYC.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:06 ImHungry247

12:06

Dennis Rockstroh:

Hmmm, Hungry. Did they spell this out in the agreement?

Monday July 28, 2008 12:06 Dennis Rockstroh

12:07

[Comment From ImHungry247ImHungry247: ]

Nowhere on the site does it say that you can only use your reward points for "your" team. We tried clicking around and was able to use our rewards for some misc team stuff but not for the exact reward we wanted. The people we called said they can't do anything about it but will email MLB and they will contact us.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:07 ImHungry247

12:10

Dennis Rockstroh:

Try calling the Consumer Protection Unit of the DA's office at (408) 792-2880. Also, you might want to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Do a Web search for them. They have a complaint form right on the Web site. This one could take a while to solve. Keep complaining to the bank that issued the card. Talk to a supervisor. Mention the word, "lawsuit.''

Monday July 28, 2008 12:10 Dennis Rockstroh

12:11

[Comment From ChandruChandru: ]

Hi Dennis. I love your column. I read it every day. I have a question regarding a car wash on Camden and Bascom Ave. All the soapy water they use gets dumped into the storm drain. Is this legal?

Monday July 28, 2008 12:11 Chandru

12:12

Dennis Rockstroh:

Thanks, Chandru. I don't think so. Look around the area on the curbs near the storm drain. There should be a phone number to report this.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:12 Dennis Rockstroh

12:12

[Comment From jorgejorge: ]

they are charging me because they say i have unreported income.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:12 jorge

12:13

Dennis Rockstroh:

Wow, Jorge. Send me the details to drockstroh@mercurynews.com. I will forward the e-mail to the IRS and see what advice they have for us.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:13 Dennis Rockstroh

12:13

[Comment From ImHungry247ImHungry247: ]

Our trip is planned for the end of this month (we have our flight already) so we're a bit on a time constraint.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:13 ImHungry247

12:16

Dennis Rockstroh:

End of the month? We're almost there. All you can do now is keep good records and file a claim later. That is, if the bank number doesn't work for you. Try that. Be calm but firm.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:16 Dennis Rockstroh

12:17

[Comment From ImHungry247ImHungry247: ]

According to the website - "Fans can choose an MLBTM Extra BasesTM credit card bearing the MLBTM logo or the logo of their favorite team. Each time the card is used for a purchase, the cardholder earns one point for every dollar spent. Accumulated points can then be redeemed for an incredible spectrum of unique rewards that only MLBTM and its 30 teams can deliver, many of which are exclusive to this program."

Monday July 28, 2008 12:17 ImHungry247

12:18

Dennis Rockstroh:

You might have a case for fraud. Tell the bank your complaint is going live over the Internet.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:18 Dennis Rockstroh

12:19

[Comment From NoamNoam: ]

Hi Dennis, I have a question related to a my teenage daughter job issue

Monday July 28, 2008 12:19 Noam

12:19

[Comment From NoamNoam: ]

Hi Dennis, my 15 yo daughter got a couple of summer job offers last April. She accepted one of them, got her work permit with that place, and was told by the owner to reject the other offer and wait for her beginning day schedule. My daughter was waiting for weeks, leaving notes and phone messages to the owner who never got back to her. Finally last week she got hold on the owner and was told by the owner that they are not interested in her any more along with some insults and personally demeaning remarks. is there anything we can do?

Monday July 28, 2008 12:19 Noam

12:20

Dennis Rockstroh:

What's the name of the company, Noam?

Monday July 28, 2008 12:20 Dennis Rockstroh

12:20

[Comment From Nancy E.Nancy E.: ]

Hello Mr. Rockstroh, I live in San Jose and work in Redwood City. The gasoline cost takes a big chunk of my income now. I hope the BART will become a reality someday soon. Do you know the latest development in this transportation to San Jose? Is there any hope? Thanks for the information.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:20 Nancy E.

12:22

Dennis Rockstroh:

It will be years before BART comes to San Jose, Nancy. And I don't think Redwood City is part of an expansion. However, there is CalTrain. Have you looked into that?

Monday July 28, 2008 12:22 Dennis Rockstroh

12:22

[Comment From FasTrakFasTrak: ]

I have a disputed FasTrak bill. I live in Northern CA but Somebody in Southern CA somehow got their license # attached to my FasTrak account and has been using toll roads in Irvine, CA. needless to say these charges wound up on my account. The less than helpful people at FasTrak will do nothing for me. I have sent letters to their 'Dispute' department but I get no response. is there anything I can do to get these charges removed?

Monday July 28, 2008 12:22 FasTrak

12:24

Dennis Rockstroh:

Yes, FasTrak. Send the details to me at drockstroh@mercurynews.com and I will forward your e-mail to the FasTrak people. Mention the "chat.'

Monday July 28, 2008 12:24 Dennis Rockstroh

12:24

[Comment From ImHungry247ImHungry247: ]

Thanks Dennis. Just realized that it's still July. Trip is planned for the end of Aug. Have a lil bit of time but it's still stressful. We'll try your advice.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:24 ImHungry247

12:27

Dennis Rockstroh:

OK, Hungry. Persistence works. Key words to use in negotiations are "lawsuit,'' "going public,'' "district attorney,'' "attorney general,'' "FTC.'' But remain calm. To customer service peope, that is scary, I mean, the calm part.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:27 Dennis Rockstroh

12:27

[Comment From Stephen ChenStephen Chen: ]

I hate dealing with these credit rewards. The only worthwhile reward, in my opinion, is cash-back.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:27 Stephen Chen

12:28

Dennis Rockstroh:

Personally Stephen, I ignore all of that "rewards'' stuff. It's just bait.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:28 Dennis Rockstroh

12:28

[Comment From OwlbcnuOwlbcnu: ]

Hello Dennis, love the column. My question is I thought it was illegal to add a surcharge when paying with a credit/ATM card. When I went to a fast food joint last week, I was told there is a $1.50 charge to pay via Debit vs. No charge if paying by credit card. Can you please clarify this for me? Thank you for the time.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:28 Owlbcnu

12:30

Dennis Rockstroh:

It can be confusing, but here goes, Owl. It is illegal to charge a fee to use a credit card but OK to offer a discount for cash. It OK to charge a fee for a debit card as long as you are told in advance.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:30 Dennis Rockstroh

12:31

[Comment From NoamNoam: ]

It is a frozen yogurt shop in a mall near by our home

Monday July 28, 2008 12:31 Noam

12:31

[Comment From NoamNoam: ]

It is called FroYo

Monday July 28, 2008 12:31 Noam

12:35

Dennis Rockstroh:

Maybe you could write a polite letter to the company telling them that you are upset by this unfairness. Or mention that you complained to Action Line. But in the end it may be a lesson on how some businesses act. Our children have to know that you have to be on guard all the time.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:35 Dennis Rockstroh

12:35

[Comment From JMJM: ]

If your employer has filed Chapter 11 can they refuse to pay accrued vacation and sick time, if this time was accrued prior to the filing?

Monday July 28, 2008 12:35 JM

12:40

Dennis Rockstroh:

You might have to get in line with the other creditors, JM. Depending on the amount, you might want to seek legal advice. Basically, vacation time is due compensation while sick time sometimes is and sometimes isn't. You are probably owed the vacation time but if the company runs out of money, you are stuck with the creditors.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:40 Dennis Rockstroh

12:41

[Comment From MaxxBarkerMaxxBarker: ]

Hi Dennis! We are having trouble getting a refund from a company in Utah. A year ago we oredered an item and it was defective. We returned it immediately and then found out that there are many lawsuits against this company and they do not have a favorable report with the BBB-Utah. They gave us store credit but we do not want it. They said if they put the $ back on our credit card then they would charge us a fee (somewhere around $25.00). My husband is disabled and can use the money. How do I get this my $200.00 back from this company!!! I have waited a year already and nothing seems to convince them to return our money. Thanks!

Monday July 28, 2008 12:41 MaxxBarker

12:43

Dennis Rockstroh:

This is a tough one, Maxx. It looks like your best bet is to take one of their offers. This looks like a company in trouble.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:43 Dennis Rockstroh

12:43

[Comment From FrustratedFrustrated: ]

I received notice from my employer that my wages were going to be garnished for 377 dollars by the Franchise Tax Board. I was a bit confused sine I do not owe taxes. Long story short- I am told that I did not pay a fix it ticket from 1996. I know I paid the ticket but since my bank keeps records for 7 years I can not get a copy of a cancelled check. I was unaware about this unpaid ticket until Friday when I received the letter from my employer. I spent 25 minutes on hold to speak to someone at the Franchise Tax Board only to be told- there is nothing we can do about it. They said they sent a letter to me but the address they used was from 10 years ago. The address on the letter was wrong as well. What can I do?!?!

Monday July 28, 2008 12:43 Frustrated

12:45

Dennis Rockstroh:

Try to get help from one of your local state legislators, Frustrated. They have staff members who can help with state agencies. It's a part of the service your elected officials offer.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:45 Dennis Rockstroh

12:47

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Their offer is store credit. They are not in trouble and just plain mean. They are a hobby company that receives thousands of orders from companies worldwide. Guess will have to continue on my own.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:47 Guest

12:49

Dennis Rockstroh:

If they are just "plain mean,'' Guest, that may translate as fraud. In that case, you might want to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Do a Web search for it. If they get enough complaints, they can take legal action. Sometimes that results in the victims getting their money back. It's worth a try.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:49 Dennis Rockstroh

12:50

[Comment From KaleenKaleen: ]

oops . Hi Dennis. I sent an email earlier about this. But it is a burning question. There is an imposter profile on myspace that is slanderous and completely fictitious except for our home phone and address. I have heard others tell me that myspace can take up to 4 months to delete such things. I am scared, and cannot wait that long. I feel my safety is being compromised. The site has been up for 2 years and I just found out about it.. which is the good and bad. How can I get myspace to move on this quickly.. i.e. within the next few days? Please help. This is a scary thing.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:50 Kaleen

12:53

Dennis Rockstroh:

I saw that Kaleen. And it is, indeed, scary. But I don't know how to deal with something like that. Anyone have any ideas? Meanwhile I am mulling this over. Also, call law enforcement at 311 and discuss this with someone.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:53 Dennis Rockstroh

12:53

[Comment From NoamNoam: ]

Thanks Dennis, It is a real life lesson in did, but can we go after lost income or damages? Is there a lesson for a store owner who exploit teenagers?

Monday July 28, 2008 12:53 Noam

12:55

Dennis Rockstroh:

You can discuss that with an attorney, Noam. You can get 30 minutes for less that $40 by contacting your local county bar association. You can do a Web search for them.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:55 Dennis Rockstroh

12:56

[Comment From GloriaGloria: ]

I recently saw a TV report that Mr. and Mrs. McCain spent fifteen million dollars last year on them and their children’ leisure. How can these billionaires understand the difficulties of the people who have limited budgets? The American seem to look up and fall in love with the people like the Bush and McCain. Do you think part of it is because they are the best consumers of American which billionaires are worshipped? Did your Action Line ever getting any attention from any local representatives? Thank you for doing a good job, Mr. Action Line.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:56 Gloria

12:57

Dennis Rockstroh:

Uhhh. Wow, Gloria. You have left me speechless. Thank you. I have no response. But I did the question fascinating.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:57 Dennis Rockstroh

12:58

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Lawsuit for libel and a subpoena for myspace records on the owner of the page?

Monday July 28, 2008 12:58 Guest

12:58

Dennis Rockstroh:

Thanks for the idea, Guest. Besides discussing this with law enforcement, you might want to talk to an attorney.

Monday July 28, 2008 12:58 Dennis Rockstroh

1:00

[Comment From GraziGrazi: ]

We have 2000 Chevy Mailbu. The anti theft system has begun activating when we turn the key. We then need to wait 10 mins. for the light to clear before restarting. I've gone on line and many owners seem to have the same problem. The dealer says it is not an issue that is covered. Seems to me that it should be a recall.

Monday July 28, 2008 1:00 Grazi

1:00

Dennis Rockstroh:

I am still mulling this one over, Graz. Anyone have any ideas?

Monday July 28, 2008 1:00 Dennis Rockstroh

1:01

[Comment From jorgejorge: ]

i have sent information i thought was useful pls, if anything else is needed i would like to know

Monday July 28, 2008 1:01 jorge

1:01

Dennis Rockstroh:

OK. Jorge. I will send it to the IRS and let your know.