Action: Fliers use questionable scare tactics

Action alert: Anthrax is already making us regard our mail with suspicion, but do we now have to be fearful every time we turn on our tap or turn up our air? That's what advertising fliers being sent to homes would suggest. The ad offers a free inspection of water and air systems to detect deadly organisms from mold spores, bacteria and viruses, including anthrax. It should come as no surprise to learn that the company offers to eliminate these problems for you.

We have come across such offers in the past, and what we said then still applies: Save yourself from an unnecessary test that would undoubtedly turn into a high-pressure sales call. Such tests are often designed to discover all sorts of invisible "nasties" floating in your water or your air, and you might leap at the chance to part with a large sum of money to rid yourself of them.

Dave Bilodeau, emergency management director for Pinellas County, said that not only are these scare marketing tactics inappropriate and the information untrue, but these companies are also taking advantage of recent events to make money. So be wary of such claims and offers, particularly when they prey on fear. The best place for them is usually the trash.

Confused by phone plans

As a longtime subscriber to your newspaper, I encountered a situation that left me disappointed in your advertiser. I am a disabled senior (stroke) advised by my physician to consider a cell phone for emergencies should it become necessary when I'm away from home. On Oct. 4, I saw an ad in the paper from Wireless Plus, advertising cell phones at a very affordable price. I visited the Palm Harbor office and agreed to get the phone. The sales rep activated it for me, got me a phone number and told me to call from home to set up a caller ID. I was charged a $10 activation fee.

About a week later, I received a bill from Cingular Wireless that contained a $25 activation charge. I called and said I had already paid an activation fee to the store. I was told I owed Cingular that fee, not the store. I then contacted the store and left a message, which was later returned by the manager, who stated that the fee I paid was not for the activation but only for instructions on how to use the phone. I became upset, as the receipt the store gave me stated "activation." He said the other page I was given has the fee in the upper right corner of the page and I had been asked to sign that portion. I am very disappointed.
Joseph Stepan

Response: Jim Chapman, co-owner of Wireless Plus in Palm Harbor, said that since the wireless industry is so confusing with all its different promotions, calling plans, coverage areas and so on, the store goes to great lengths to make clear to the customer what he or she is subscribing to when purchasing a cellular phone. The sales representatives explain what the calling plan includes, how many minutes are included each month, when the minutes can be used (day or night), the coverage area where the phone will work, roaming charges, length of contract the customer is obligated to and so forth.

In addition, all the paperwork each customer must sign is gone over in detail. Chapman said careful mention is made of what to expect on the first month's phone bill regarding the prorated portion, first month's service in advance, billing cycle dates, taxes and activation/connection charge. Going over everything to make sure the customer understands often takes more than an hour.

At the time of the sale, Sharon, the sales representative you dealt with, went over everything in great detail with you, he said, including the $10 Wireless Plus charges to set the account up at the store and the $25 activation fee the phone company charges on the first bill. Chapman pointed out that both those charges are clearly stated on the invoice and wireless service agreement you received. He apologized for the misunderstanding you apparently have but said that since everything was thoroughly explained to you, he thinks the charges are valid.

Refund promised

On May 21, I ordered and mailed a check to Epil Stop & Spray. My check was cashed on June 4, and I received the product about three weeks later.

The product does not work. At least it doesn't for me. I called and called to find out the return procedure, because there was nothing in the package saying how to do that.

I finally spoke to a representative, and she told me to return the product to a completely different address, which I did on Aug. 16. Over two months have passed, and I have not received my refund.
Nancy Desiderio

Response: Thanks for letting us know that you got a call from Tactica International IGIA, telling you to look for the check by the end of November. Let us know if you don't get it.

Action solves problems and gets answers for you. If you have a question, or your own attempts to resolve a consumer complaint have failed, write Times Action, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731, or call your Action number, (727) 893-8171, or, outside of Pinellas, toll-free 1-800-333-7505, ext. 8171, to leave a recorded request.

Requests will be accepted only by mail or voice mail; calls cannot be returned. We will not be responsible for personal documents, so please send only photocopies. If your complaint concerns merchandise ordered by mail, we need copies of both sides of your canceled check.

We may require additional information or prefer to reply by mail; therefore, readers must provide a full mailing address, including ZIP code. Names of letter writers will not be omitted except in unusual circumstances. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

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