Action

Blank check doesn't get a second glance

By Suzanne Palmer
Published June 14, 2007

Q: I received a letter from Progress Energy saying my payment check had been returned by the bank. It demanded payment in cash, cashier's check or money order in one week's time or my electric service could be cut off.

In addition, it said Progress Energy would no longer accept my personal check for payment.

I checked with my bank and discovered the "returned" check had never been submitted.

When I called Progress Energy, all the representative could tell me was that there had been a routing problem.

I was assigned a case manager, but he never returned my calls. I'd like to get the check back.

I've been paying the electric bill from the same checking account for eight years with no problems. I hope you can help me clear this up.

Patrick Jackson

A: Your checks are good once again.

Progress Energy spokeswoman Cherie Jacobs was able to explain the problem with the check that caused all the confusion.

You paid at a pay station, Jacobs said, but unfortunately, your check was blank.

It wasn't just unsigned, or missing the amount. The check was literally blank. It didn't contain your name or contact information, the name of the bank or an account routing number. It's unusual you didn't notice it yourself.

Without that information, Progress Energy couldn't present it anywhere for payment. It was classified as "returned" and your account became overdue.

Jacobs said she has never seen a check like this before and speculated it was probably a printing error.

Credit check in order

Q: I'm sending you this letter I received from Chase Cardmember Services. I guess it's legal, but I question its ethics.

When I called the number provided, I was asked to give a great deal of personal information.

Would you investigate?

Jane Roberts

A: I don't find anything unethical about it. The letter you received is in regard to a delinquent credit account. It is addressed to your husband, who has been deceased for more than 10 years, you said.

It says Chase will close the account due to "recent delinquency" and "outstanding balances."

Chase was made aware of the problem by Experian, a credit reporting agency.

Notes you made on the letter say the account was "not used in eight years." If the account has remained open, but unattended, it may have fallen victim to theft.

An unpaid, delinquent account will tarnish your credit. I suggest you get a free copy of your credit report by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com or calling toll-free 1-877-322-8228. Check for unauthorized credit card accounts and loans, bad addresses and unfamiliar names that could be evidence of identity theft. Then call Chase and ask for copies of the account history so that you may determine what action to take next.

Sony service lauded

Q: I purchased a Sony Walkman in January, but after only four months, the headphones stopped working.

Since there is a one-year warranty on parts, I called Sony and received a replacement part in four days. Unfortunately, it was the wrong part.

I made a second call and the correct part was sent by overnight express and arrived at my door within 20 hours.

I feel superb service like this deserves public mention.

Eugene Ellison

A: So do I. Thanks for taking the time to write.

Action solves problems and gets answers for you. Write Times Action, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731, or call, (727) 893-8171, or, outside of Pinellas, toll-free 1-800-333-7505, ext. 8171, to leave a recorded request. Complaints can only be accepted by mail. Send only photocopies of personal documents. Names of letter writers will not be omitted except in unusual circumstances. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

[Last modified June 14, 2007, 17:13:41]