Consumer Ed
How much can towing companies charge?
Dear Consumer Ed: My son was driving his car on the highway during a rainstorm, and it hydroplaned. The car did not leave the highway, but it did hit the guard rail. Although the car was still drivable, the police called a towing company that charged my son over $3,000 to tow the car ten…
Read MoreWho’s responsible for trimming neighbor’s tree that encroaches on my property?
Dear Consumer Ed: My next-door neighbor has a grove of huge trees that are encroaching on my property. I’ve been paying a gardener to trim the branches, but this is very costly, and I cannot afford to keep paying for this. I have spoken to my neighbor, but she is not willing to take responsibility…
Read MoreLandlord charging for 12 months of trash bills when I only lived there for 9 months
Dear Consumer Ed: Can a landlord charge me for a full year of trash bills if I only lived in the apartment for nine months? Consumer Ed says: In Georgia, landlord-tenant relationships are generally governed by the terms of your lease agreement, except for some general protections provided by Georgia law. If you and your…
Read MoreUnpaid loan on repossessed car still showing on credit report
Dear Consumer Ed: My car was repossessed and sold. Is it legal for the lender through which I financed the vehicle to continue to report the outstanding balance to the credit reporting agencies? Consumer Ed says: Yes, lenders are allowed to report a vehicle repossession to the credit reporting agencies even after the vehicle in…
Read MoreCan a gift card expire 90 days after purchase?
Dear Consumer Ed: Four months ago, I received a $50 gift card for my birthday. I just went to use the card and discovered that it expired 90 days after it was issued. Are gift card issuers allowed to limit the effective usage dates of a gift card to just 90 days? That seems like…
Read MoreShould I trust mass social media solicitations to make an individual arbitration claim?
Dear Consumer Ed: I have received numerous solicitations via social media prompting me to make an arbitration claim through a law firm or company for a product I have or service I’ve used. I can do so by merely checking a few boxes in response to the solicitation and confirming my cell phone number. Should…
Read MoreFinding a reputable lender to consolidate credit card debt
Dear Consumer Ed: I have several credit cards, all with high utilization rates (80 to 90 percent of my available credit). However, I have never been late with a payment, and all other areas of my credit are very good or excellent. How can I find a reputable institution or lender to help me consolidate…
Read MoreCan I decline add-on products and services when purchasing a new vehicle?
Dear Consumer Ed: When purchasing a new vehicle, can consumers decline add-on services or products they don’t want, such as a screen protector, window tinting, and extra USB cables? Consumer Ed says: Yes, consumers do have the right to turn down “add-on services” when they are purchasing a new car. Add-on services are completely optional goods…
Read MoreCan I back out of a contract for gutter installation?
Dear Consumer Ed: Yesterday I signed a contract to have gutters installed on my house. Today I found someone else who can do the job for half the price. Now I have “buyer’s remorse.” Can I back out of the contract? Consumer Ed says: The ability to cancel a contract is often misunderstood. While many…
Read MoreStore scanning driver’s license as condition of alcohol purchase
Dear Consumer Ed: Can a business refuse an alcohol or tobacco sale if a customer refuses to have his or her ID scanned? I presented my valid driver’s license, but I don’t feel comfortable having the business scan it. Consumer Ed says: A business may refuse to sell alcohol or tobacco to a consumer who…
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