Categories: OLD Media Moves

Call the troubleshooter

John Drescher, the editor of The (Raleigh) News & Observer, writes Saturday about the paper’s consumer reporter, Leah Friedman, who has been helping readers fix problems with companies for the past two years.

Drescher writes, “She gets 10 to 12 tips a week. ‘I try to listen to everyone who calls,’ said Friedman, 33, who has reported for The N&O for five years. ‘Most just need to vent. Lots of people call for advice. I’m honored they think of me as a resource, but for ethical reasons, I don’t give advice. I’m not an expert.’

“She is surprised by how many people fall for scams. ‘Unfortunately, the economic downturn has left a lot of people desperate for what they think is quick, easy money. But there is no such thing.’

“She has written recently about bedbugs infesting an apartment; how much to tip hair stylists and cab drivers; and a dying man’s effort to get his landlord to return a $131.71 security deposit.

“Friedman says she will always remember her Troubleshooter last year about François Akakpo.

“He fled Togo as a political refugee. He arrived in Raleigh and started working in a cafeteria. He got a home phone and used a prepaid calling card to call family in Africa.

“Akakpo then received a bill of nearly $1,300 from AT&T for calls using a plan he did not sign for. The company first cut the bill, then dropped it altogether.”