Consumer Reporter Susan El Khoury Tackles Overcharges, Undelivered Services, and Identity Theft

Medical Billing Overcharges and Refunds

• 💰 A patient, James Baxter, was overcharged by Excel Medical Imaging for CT scans and faced an eight-month delay in receiving a $187.78 refund.
• 🏥 The clinic owner attributed delays to a third-party billing company and systemic red tape, but a refund was issued within days after ABC Action News intervened.
• ⚠️ Florida law protects insurance companies from overpayments but does not specify timelines for patient refunds.

Solar Panel System Issues

• ☀️ Barbara Cop, an 88-year-old homeowner, was sold a solar system by Sunn Nova with a contract for over $47,000, expecting to save money.
• ⚡ Instead, her electric bills increased, and the system repeatedly failed, leading to months of service issues and frustration.
• 📄 Attorney Bryant Dunovan advises consumers to carefully review contracts and warranties for solar systems, as fine print can significantly impact their rights.
• ✅ After ABC Action News contacted the company, Sunn Nova fixed the system and offered a $300 credit, though Cop still wishes to exit the contract.

Undelivered RV After Hurricane Damage

• 🏠 Lynn and Allan Sailor, displaced by Hurricane Helen, purchased a new camper from Camping World for $30,000 to use as temporary housing.
• 🛠️ The camper, delivered and used for only six days, had a non-working water heater and was subsequently stuck at the dealership for four months without repair.
• 🤝 Following intervention from ABC Action News and contact with the CEO, Camping World apologized, fixed the camper, and is working towards a confidential settlement with the sailors.

Incorrect Medical Device Delivery

• 🚶‍♀️ Elizabeth Anderson, 92, was prescribed an upright walker by her doctor to aid her balance.
• ⚠️ Airlife Medical delivered a walker that was too tall, and despite initial promises, the company initially refused an exchange, stating the device was hers.
• 📞 Upon ABC Action News's inquiry, the owner of Airlife Medical ordered a smaller walker at no extra cost, calling the issue a miscommunication.

Identity Theft and Fraudulent Accounts

• 💳 Mike Batista, who has both legs amputated, discovered someone had opened a Verizon phone line using his identity and address.
• 🚫 Verizon initially denied his fraud claim, but after intervention from ABC Action News, the matter was satisfactorily resolved.
• 🔒 Experts advise notifying relevant agencies, placing fraud alerts, and freezing credit reports with TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian to protect against identity theft.