What's On Your Mind? Maytag, Green Dot, Bank of America

Like many consumers, Cara, of Aurora, Ill., purchased a new washing machine, only to have problems within the first few months of operation.

“The spin cycle gradually began to get louder and louder until it became virtually impossible to hear anyone talk over the noise,” Cara told ConsumerAffairs.com. “I contacted Whirlpool/Maytag and scheduled an appointment under the one year manufacturer's warranty.”

Cara says the repair company told her it was a common problem on her particular Maytag model; the entire tub, along with two other parts, will have to be replaced.

“As it turns out, one of the parts is on backorder and the scheduled shipping date is July1,” Cara said. “I honestly do not believe that it will work for the next three weeks while I wait for parts.”

While Cara feels inconvenienced, at least her machine is still under warranty. She finds it ironic that Maytag will spend over $1000 to repair a machine that cost her $750.

No Green

Many consumers without bank accounts using a prepaid debit card. April, of Doraville, Ga., uses Green Dot and passes along her recent experience, one that she suspects is not all that uncommon.

“I purchased two reloads, both for $75.00,” April said. “When I got home to load to my prepaid Visa card, it said numbers were invalid. They were closed so I rang the next morning and they said the numbers on the reload card was actually different than what they show and then told me the numbers they show had already been put on someone else's card and I would have to wait and go through their investigation.”

That, she said, two more than three weeks, during which time she didn't have access to her money. Anyone else ever run into that?

Another way to look at it

We get lots of mail from struggling homeowners who tell a similar tale of frustration in trying to arrange a mortgage modification, only to lose their homes to foreclosure. This comment from Frank, of Brandon, Fla., is a little different.

“It saddens me to read the prior posts from people like myself who unfortunately have a mortgage with Bank of America,” Frank told ConsumerAffairs.com.. “The kids working in 'collections' probably make $12 and hour, and are not interested in helping your situation, nor do they have the knowledge or expertise to do so. End of story.”

So, what's a struggling homeowner to do?

“Do not send the collections department any of your personal documents,” Frank said. “Also, do not fall for the 'trial payments.' I haven't done it, but it sounds like a ploy to grab as much money from you as they can before foreclosure. I would just stop making payments, and wait for an intelligent employee who sounds experienced and educated to call you!”

We're not endorsing Frank's recommendation.  Doing nothing is usually not the best option.  See Fred Yager's story of a few years ago for more advice. Frank closes by recommending people watch the Academy Award winning documentary about the 2008 financial crisis, Inside Job. We have no problem endorsing that advice.