Follow Up on Your Complaint

Once you've sent your complaint into the BBB and AG's office, follow up on it. Don't make a nuisance of yourself, but call every 3 to 4 weeks for an update on the status of your complaint. Try to be patient--the people at these offices usually have thousands of individual complaints that they are working on, and it isn't easy to get companies to fork over money. If for some reason the agency handling your complaint is being grossly negligent (e.g., never returning your phone calls), you can always complain to the legislator that you originally contacted. He has a real interest in making you happy, so he'll help you out.

If you hear from the company at any point during this process, make sure to forward a copy of anything to the agencies that are helping you out. Most companies get freaked out by the prospect of having a bad report on file with the BBB or getting investigated by the AG's Office, so many of them will send you a refund right away. Remember your manners and let everyone know, so some poor civil servant isn't slaving away on a complaint that was resolved months ago.

If you receive a letter from the BBB or the AG's office telling you that the company has agreed to refund your money, pat yourself on the back--you are now a savvy consumer. Of course, if 2 or 3 weeks pass after you receive a letter saying you'll get a refund and your check hasn't arrived, don't be shy: Let the agency that helped you know that the company is still jerking you around.

Next: If All Else Fails, Take Them to Small-Claims Court

Post a Comment