Help Me Howard: Bad Blackberry

WSVN -- Officially Michelle Rodriguez created one lucky dog rescue to help unlucky dogs find a home. Although unofficially, she has been doing it all her life.

Michelle Rodriguez: "I was the child in the neighborhood that every stray seemed to find, and sometimes I would sneak them into my bedroom for the night.

Today, Michelle stays busy the calls pouring into her cellphone from people who find dogs in desperate shape.

Michelle Rodriguez: "We get calls for strays dogs in middle of the road, on a highway, left at abandoned homes."

Like many other people, Michelle needs her smartphone to get thru the day, but unlike many people Michelle's phone has been letter her down.

Michelle Rodriguez: "It jams there is nothing I can do."

Michelles videotaped her Blackberry freezing up.

Michelle Rodriguez: "My Blackberry has no idea I am receiving a phone call because it has the menu up. The hourglass is spinning you cant answer it, you cant stop it, you cant shut it off."

Michelle says each time it happens she disconnects the battery and hopes it reboots. When it doesnt she goes back to Boost Mobile where she bought it.

Michelle Rodriguez: "I have had the phone replaced by them three times."

Three times they have sent her a different phone, but not a new phone, a refurbished phone.

In other words, one that was repaired after another owner had a problem with it..

Michelle Rodriguez: "And each phone has had the same problem, the same exact problem and they just continue to send me refurbished phones."

Michelle has told them my phone is under warranty. I want a new phone, but she is told under your plan you dont get a new phone just a refurbished phone..

Michelle Rodriguez: "I am extremely frustrated. It get frustrating waiting to see if it's going to be a fourth phone."

Well Howard, the smart phone isnt working its under warranty can you demand a new phone or do you have to accept a refurbished phone?

Howard Finkelstein: "You cannot demand a new phone and if you want a replacement phone quickly, you have to accept a refurbished phone. Under the warranty, you can send the phone back to the manufacuturer but they will probably just repair it and send it back to you. And that could leave you without a phone for weeks, so thats why refurbished phones are so popular."

I then got in touch with Boost Mobile, they told me having multiple problems with a Blackberry is not very common. Then they fixed the problem.

Michelle Rodriguez: "Patrick finally called me and said listen, you are getting a new phone."

Boost mobile sent Michelle this brand new Blackberry instead of the 8330 she had. They sent her the newest model the 8530, and if you are buying a smartphone there is a way to protect yourself.

Howard Finkelstein: "Phone companies sell insurance which replaces the phone, not only if breaks but in some policies even if you lose it. So read the policy carefully before you buy it and see if the protection is worth the money."

Michelle Rodriguez: "You are my baby girl, yes you are, my baby girl."

Needless to say Michelle got what she wanted so that the next time a stray is in trouble she will get the call.

Michelle Rodriguez: "Brand new phone, new model. Hopefully this will be the end of the issue."

Patrick Fraser: "Howard mentioned buying insurance and its great if you lose or break your phone, but that does not guarantee you get a brand new phone. I read one policy that says they can send a refurbished phone if they want. Best thing, most smart phones are pretty good and don't break very often."

Your calls for help going unanswered? Dont hang it up, dial us up. We cant improve your reception, but we wont leave your ears ringing.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
EMAIL: helpmehoward@wsvn.com (Please include your contact phone number when emailing)
REPORTER: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
MIAMI-DADE: 305-953-WSVN
BROWARD: 954-761-WSVN