Action Line chat with Dennis Rockstroh

(07/14/2008)

11:55

Dennis Rockstroh:

Good afternoon. We are live, you and me. Let's chat.

Monday July 14, 2008 11:55 Dennis Rockstroh

11:56

[Comment From Jack MJack M: ]

Hello Dennis, I've always found your column very interesting and informative, and have wanted to contact you regarding some of my complaints, but haven't had the time to... Anyway, here's my latest one. Last night, my wife and I placed an order for a camera over some website, and were sloppy, and did not do what should always be done before doing business with an obscure store, which is to check out their reviews. This morning at 8am (ouch), we were woken up by a phone call from this New York shop, and the guy asked to speak to my wife. He tried to sell her a memory card, an extended warranty, both of which she declined (the rep didn't like it), and an extra battery (which he made sound like a good deal, for the discounted price of $99) which she unknowingly accepted. So when he told her the new total, it was more than the original order we placed last night, and she politely requested that he just send the order as is, at which time he became very rude, and told her he owns the store, and she either takes it all or she can go buy it from another store, and hung up. Afterwards, I tried calling back, and got his name from a "customer support agent" (his name is apparently Frank or Frankie), then I did a little Googling of my own, and it turns out this is a well known scam done by this company (under several different names). The one we dealt with is called TechonDIGITAL (http://www.techondigital.com/). Ripoff Report has many pages about this scam site (http://www.ripoff

Monday July 14, 2008 11:56 Jack M

11:57

Dennis Rockstroh:

Hi Jack. I started early because I saw you out there all alone. I am still reading your question. And I think I have heard this one before.

Monday July 14, 2008 11:57 Dennis Rockstroh

11:57

[Comment From Jack MJack M: ]

sorry about the long message, I just didn't know how this chat works, so I pre-typed it

Monday July 14, 2008 11:57 Jack M

11:59

[Comment From Jack MJack M: ]

I bet you have! Seems like it's a well-known scam, which nobody seems to be able to stop.

Monday July 14, 2008 11:59 Jack M

12:00

Dennis Rockstroh:

Yeah, this is an old hard sale that dances on the edges of legality. I think it is a scam. You get the product which is sometimes used or a return and all kinds of over-priced extras you really didn't want.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:00 Dennis Rockstroh

12:01

Dennis Rockstroh:

Jack, check out http://blogs.mercurynews.com/consumeractionline/2007/07/28/broadway_photo_scam_artists/ Sound familiar?

Monday July 14, 2008 12:01 Dennis Rockstroh

12:02

Dennis Rockstroh:

You can also do a search on this blog for "photo scam."

Monday July 14, 2008 12:02 Dennis Rockstroh

12:02

[Comment From Jack MJack M: ]

They actually wouldn't sell us (luckily) the camera alone, unless we bought the extended warranty, extended battery, etc...

Monday July 14, 2008 12:02 Jack M

12:02

[Comment From Jack MJack M: ]

sounds very similar.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:02 Jack M

12:04

Dennis Rockstroh:

I'm glad you didn't get taken. I know about this one from personal experience. The lesson I learned was to do my homework. Do a Web search or check with the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:04 Dennis Rockstroh

12:04

[Comment From Jack MJack M: ]

I just hope there was a way to save other people from such scams. I've learned my lesson. (I hope, there's no more lessons to be learned from this episode)

Monday July 14, 2008 12:04 Jack M

12:05

Dennis Rockstroh:

Tell your, friends, Jack. I think we are telling people now.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:05 Dennis Rockstroh

12:05

[Comment From NanncyNanncy: ]

I read your blog today about the San Jose City cutting services, such as tree trimming; however they raised their salaries! I heard this story many times before when the city has a budget problem. They had to cut many services: library hours, sweeping streets, park hours, etc…but continued to increase their pay raises. The city should learn to adapt the private sector’s business practices: figuring out how to increase quality services and products before increase their salary, specially when it’s in hard times!

Monday July 14, 2008 12:05 Nanncy

12:09

Dennis Rockstroh:

I agree, Nancy...it is Nancy and not Nanncy, right? The folks at City Hall just don't get it. Or, maybe, it's us. We don't get it. We keep letting them take things away from us and they keep jacking up the costs to us. Then, the salary thing. Don't get me started. Folks should check out our data base on public salaries. There's a link to it at the end of the blog item below this chat.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:09 Dennis Rockstroh

12:09

[Comment From Jack MJack M: ]

Oh I will tell everyone I know about this. Thank you, Dennis.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:09 Jack M

12:10

Dennis Rockstroh:

And tell them about this chat and blog, too, Jack. Remember, there are three kinds of people, those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and the rest of us who wondered what happened.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:10 Dennis Rockstroh

12:12

[Comment From DebbieDebbie: ]

The U.S economic today makes many people worry about their financial situation. I have a question: -If a bank is closed, what would happen to people’s saving? Where does the bank get money to pay back to people?

Monday July 14, 2008 12:12 Debbie

12:16

Dennis Rockstroh:

The FDIC insures our money to $100,000 so if you have less than that you're OK. In the worst of cases the closed bank gets its money from taxpayers. This whole thing is making everyone a bit jittery on top of all the other bad economic news. We oldtimers have been through this before. It may get worse before it gets better. It always gets better.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:16 Dennis Rockstroh

12:16

[Comment From GuyGuy: ]

I have read that the SJ police want even more money they NY city police which I personally spent a lot of time in and can tell you they have a much harder job then SJ. I suggest that ticket cops get paid less as they are in less danger they some other ones and desk cops get even less as the danger is about the same as any office. They also don't pay into their pensions which I feel everyone should have to do. It's time everyone including the police realize that we are in bad shape for money so quit complaining as per there years of education they have less deaths related to their jobs then many construction workers.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:16 Guy

12:18

Dennis Rockstroh:

Right, Guy. We're all going to have to tighten our belts a bit -- for our own good and for the common good.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:18 Dennis Rockstroh

12:18

[Comment From Norman SmithNorman Smith: ]

Hello Dennis...since you don't seem too busy...did you happen to read my email the other day about the automated telephone calls from "Dave" about carpet cleaning?

Monday July 14, 2008 12:18 Norman Smith

12:21

Dennis Rockstroh:

Not busy? Norman, You should see the line behind you. Eek is all I can say Yes, I read your e-mail. Check this blog. Do a search for "Dave.'' I even did a video on it. Dave and all his pals are running an illegal call center that apparently is located in Van Nuys and has not been shut down yet. You can also do a Web search. Dave and his pals are nationwide.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:21 Dennis Rockstroh

12:21

[Comment From Jack MJack M: ]

I would much rather be one of the first kind, but feel helpless against these shady businesses.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:21 Jack M

12:21

Dennis Rockstroh:

I know the feeling, Jack.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:21 Dennis Rockstroh

12:22

[Comment From Norman SmithNorman Smith: ]

In response to Debbie: FDIC Insurance guarantess accounts for up to $100,000 per account.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:22 Norman Smith

12:22

Dennis Rockstroh:

Thanks, Norman. You can be my deputy.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:22 Dennis Rockstroh

12:22

[Comment From Jack MJack M: ]

Oh, and by the way, this company's predecessor left a death threat to a customer, which I thought you might find interesting: http://www.leeholmes.com/blog/content/binary/wawadigital_death_threat.mp3 (warning, contains language)

Monday July 14, 2008 12:22 Jack M

12:23

Dennis Rockstroh:

Yes, I've see these death threats. It's another scam going around. And it should be reported to police.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:23 Dennis Rockstroh

12:24

[Comment From CarlosCarlos: ]

Dennis, first, you are doing a great job. Two issues with gift cards: did iTunes find a loophole with their gift cards because they must be redeemed and two, must gift cards at Chevron comply with the California gift card law (cash under $10)?

Monday July 14, 2008 12:24 Carlos

12:27

Dennis Rockstroh:

Thanks, Carlos. Not sure about the iTunes. What are the details on that? And yes, Chevron has to comply with California law. The only exceptions to this law are those gift cards with bank logos or those with things like Visa and Mastercard, Amex and Discover. Stay away from those ones. They expire, charge fees and are generally a bad deal. Don't buy them for family or friends unless you tell them to use them pronto.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:27 Dennis Rockstroh

12:27

[Comment From AndrewAndrew: ]

Hi Dennis. I get a lot of calls (mostly messages) from a company or companies that want to sell me an extended auto warranty (for an 8 year old car!). When I've picked up the phone and spoken to a human, they say they'll take me off their list, but I still get these calls once or twice a week. I'm on the Opt-Out list. Any tips for tracking this company or companies down?

Monday July 14, 2008 12:27 Andrew

12:29

Dennis Rockstroh:

You can report them to the Federal Do Not Call Registry. Do a Web search. They have a complaint form right on the Web site. Most of these calls are scams or near-scams. You don't need an extended warranty on a car unless it's a clunker and you plan to keep it for a long time.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:29 Dennis Rockstroh

12:31

[Comment From npnp: ]

I have a question about buying a used car. I financed a used car the first day having it a noticed it was leaking from the timing cover i went back to the place first thing i was told is i didnt get the warranty he said the would have there mechanic fix it picked my car up a week later still a leak the owner promised to send it out to another mechanic in get i fix correctly he told me to write a list of things wrong i notice the car had stalled at least twice so i put that on the list as well as the leak 2weeks later i pick my car up didnt see a leak but car stalled a block a way i called the owner and he said he wasnt doing anything else to my car i was promised it will be fixed correctly in thats the response i get . Is there anything i can do to let people know how this car place runs business.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:31 np

12:33

Dennis Rockstroh:

I think that you have brought up the subject, NP. It's a good warning for anyone buying a used car. There are plenty of Web sites that can give you guidance on how to go about buying a used car. In your case, you might want to discuss this with the folks at the Consumer Protection Unit of the DA's office at (408) 792-2880.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:33 Dennis Rockstroh

12:33

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Dennis, I only have a few moments to ask this. What are the rights of office tenants relating to bug infestations? My landlord is not really inclined to take care of an ant problem I have.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:33 Guest

12:35

Dennis Rockstroh:

You can probably take care of the ants yourself, Guest. Do a Web search for "How to get rid of ants.'' You will find plenty of suggestions.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:35 Dennis Rockstroh

12:35

[Comment From CarlosCarlos: ]

This is the response I received from iTunes "Thank you for asking how the new California law affects your iTunes Store account. My name is Michelle and I'll be more than happy to address this issue for you today. I should inform you that this new law does not apply to credit balances in accounts." I think they force consumers to redeem the entire amount (hence the loophole).

Monday July 14, 2008 12:35 Carlos

12:37

Dennis Rockstroh:

If it's a gift card and not a bank gift card, the law applies, Carlos. However, it may not apply to "accounts.''

Monday July 14, 2008 12:37 Dennis Rockstroh

12:38

[Comment From DBDB: ]

With the gasoline price sky rocketing, I am thinking seriously about buying an electric car, or a hydrogen car. However, I am confused with limited information. Do you know if there’s a good source of information, or web sites that deal with buying and up keeping an electric or hydrogen car?

Monday July 14, 2008 12:38 DB

12:39

Dennis Rockstroh:

I don't know of any, DB. There aren't many electric or hydrogen cars around. Yet. Do a Web search and let us know what your find.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:39 Dennis Rockstroh

12:40

[Comment From AJAJ: ]

Dennis, are you ever going to inform your readers in your column about the how the US Post Office is purposely trying to rip off customers? All signage regarding media mail and first class have been removed and all employees offer is either overnight or priority. Unless the consumer is aware that other option exist, customers are led to believe that overnight and priority are the only options.... even for items going shipping nearby like Sacramento, etc. Why hasn't anything been done about this?

Monday July 14, 2008 12:40 AJ

12:40

Dennis Rockstroh:

I don't know the answer, AJ. I will check with the Postal Service and answer your question in a future column

Monday July 14, 2008 12:40 Dennis Rockstroh

12:41

[Comment From npnp: ]

I had the car since april 1 2008 i have only been able to drive it for like 2weeks it been at the car people shop or in a shop i had to pay to put it in to fix the problems. i work taking care of seniors with diffrent illnesses and i have had to take the bus because i bought a car that has given me problems. I wish i would have known about the diffrent websites on buying a used car .

Monday July 14, 2008 12:41 np

12:43

Dennis Rockstroh:

I know, NP. I have run into the same problems myself. It's always a good idea to check the Internet when you plan a major purchase. There are many Web sites that list problems you may run into.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:43 Dennis Rockstroh

12:43

[Comment From npnp: ]

can u send a payment for a ticket to the superior court certified so you will know the will get it?

Monday July 14, 2008 12:43 np

12:43

Dennis Rockstroh:

I think so.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:43 Dennis Rockstroh

12:44

[Comment From Norman SmithNorman Smith: ]

I wouldn't call it a "rip off", but last week I sent a small package to Minnesota. I kindly declined all of those shipping methods and insisted on plain old "first class", which cost under $2.00. The package arrived in 2 days, about the same as it would with the expensive Priority or other methods.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:44 Norman Smith

12:46

Dennis Rockstroh:

You may have noticed, Norman, that just about everyone now offers you something else when you're trying to buy something. It may be because McDonalds has had such enormous success with, "Do you want that with fries?"

Monday July 14, 2008 12:46 Dennis Rockstroh

12:46

[Comment From Prabal PlahaPrabal Plaha: ]

Hi Dennis, Great work. I get inspired reading about how you have helped people. So that is why I wrote toyou about my problem with LRP Capital from woodland hills. I have still not heard from them and my $350/- is yet to be refunded though i have asked for it. Do you remmeber this case? I want to keep it short for now, so will try not to recount every step. Any suggestions?

Monday July 14, 2008 12:46 Prabal Plaha

12:49

Dennis Rockstroh:

Yes, Prabal. You can run this by the Consumer Protection Unit of the DA's office at (408) 792-2880. You can also re-sent your e-mail complaint to me. Mention the secret word, "chat.'' Also, if you have been in e-mail contact with LRP Capital, please send me their e-mail address. This can greatly speed things up.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:49 Dennis Rockstroh

12:50

[Comment From TomTom: ]

FDIC/FSLIC/credit unions Insurance -- financial institutions in the past have not ALL / always carried the insurance (my Mother & a brother-in-law both had accounts with no insurance -- a credit union in California and a Savings & Loan in (Maryland I think) both several years ago MD account lost $$ -- Calif account received about $1.02 for each dollar (interest income)) -- $100,00 is per person/entity per financial institution -- not per account (a two person joint account would be $200,000 per institution) & I believe IRA's are in addition to the above -- I believe that most if not all California banks/savings and loans/credit unions carry the insurance -- but always ask! Now if somebody already addressed this, I wasn't looking, I was using that hunt & peck & use the white stuff system! Thanks for all your hard work!!

Monday July 14, 2008 12:50 Tom

12:50

Dennis Rockstroh:

Thanks, Tom.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:50 Dennis Rockstroh

12:51

[Comment From Jeff OJeff O: ]

I've found a security flaw in a fairly well known company's web site. It allows you (if you can guess an account name which is quite easy) to get the password for the account and then you can login and see personal information such as a home address and birthday. I've contacted the company about this but they seem indifferent in fixing it. Is there anywhere to report this?

Monday July 14, 2008 12:51 Jeff O

12:52

Dennis Rockstroh:

I don't know where to send this information, Tom. But, hey, we are sitting in the middle of Silicon Valley. Any ideas, anyone?

Monday July 14, 2008 12:52 Dennis Rockstroh

12:53

[Comment From AJAJ: ]

Norman... my point is that most people don't know they can decline overnight and priority and aren't informed of other options.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:53 AJ

12:54

[Comment From LizLiz: ]

np bought his car on April 1? Uh-oh....

Monday July 14, 2008 12:54 Liz

12:56

[Comment From Norman SmithNorman Smith: ]

One can always ask for "the cheapest method", or "please tell me all the options". We must still be good consumers, even with the post office.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:56 Norman Smith

12:56

[Comment From DaveDave: ]

I was so disappointed when i read in the paper this morning that a spouse can't have the other spouse stuffed! Oh well, maybe we can contact a wax museum.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:56 Dave

12:58

Dennis Rockstroh:

Dave, are you the carpet cleaner?

Monday July 14, 2008 12:58 Dennis Rockstroh

12:58

[Comment From AndrewAndrew: ]

For Jeff O's issue, search the web for CERT or a firm like eeye. They may be able to push the company to fix the problem.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:58 Andrew

12:58

Dennis Rockstroh:

Thanks, Andrew.

Monday July 14, 2008 12:58 Dennis Rockstroh

12:58

[Comment From DaveDave: ]

NO!! I HATE those guys! They've called me too!

Monday July 14, 2008 12:58 Dave

1:00

Dennis Rockstroh:

Me, too. I taped it once and did that video that you can find on this blog. Not my most exciting video. But, hey, it was Dave live...er...taped.

Monday July 14, 2008 1:00 Dennis Rockstroh

1:01

Dennis Rockstroh:

We have run out of time, folks. It was fun. And, if I didn't answer your question, I am sorry. Ran out of time or I didn't understand it. ou can always send contact me at drockstroh@mercurynews.com.

Monday July 14, 2008 1:01 Dennis Rockstroh

1:01

[Comment From AJAJ: ]

I understand you Norman... what I'm saying is that the PO employees ask you at the beginning of your transaction whether you want priority or overnight... as if there are no other options. Add that along with the absence of signage offering other options, how would the average person know to ask for other options? That's the problem!

Monday July 14, 2008 1:01 AJ

1:02

Dennis Rockstroh:

OK. Guys. Time.

Monday July 14, 2008 1:02 Dennis Rockstroh

1:02