Complaint resolution service publishes case studies, recall information and consumer news.

I jumped on the DriverSide bandwagon early in their beta period and was patient while the company sorted out the normal bugs that exist when any company tests their site before officially going live.

Driverside.com offers service schedules for all your cars, recall alerts, message boards and now a free Ask A Mechanic feature.

Looking around the site on our knockabout Ford Fusion, I was thrilled ot see the new feature that lets anyone who registers for free ask an impartial mechanic about a car problem.

Cars, like houses, are one of the those things most consumers seem to wish they knew more about because they’re so integral to our lives yet have strange rules.  A free service that answers questions from anyone can only help consumers since the mechanics involved (who have bios on the site) aren’t getting a commssion from your local garage.

Even in beta, this site is worth registering for now.

Posted under Automotive

Consumer Help was retained by a customer regarding unauthorized charges to her checking account and failure to deliver products or a promised refund.

Our customer reports that she replied to a $4.95 introductory offer in February 2006 and paid by check. She then reports that Momentum improperly debited her account without authorization for five consecutive months. She tells us she spoke with “Jeanie” on June 12, 2006, who promised to check with the shipping department and arrange for a refund if nothing was sent. On June 15, 2006, Ms. Johnsson spoke with “Jessica”, who told her that the refund request had been sent to the “refund manager”, whom she identified as “David”.

Jessica also reportedly told her that the account was closed and no more unauthorized deductions would be made from her checking account. Despite that assurance, our customer’s bank account was improperly debited again. She tells us that she has made additional telephone calls and sent an email, but has not received any further responses.

The full details of this complaint were sent to the company’s senior management in June 2006. They chose not to respond to multiple letters and contact attempts so we assisted in helping our customer build a case for legal or regulatory authorities.

Meanwhile, be careful — get promises in writing, even by fax or email if necessary.

Posted under Health