Action 9: Woman has issues with refrigerator after HHGregg folds

Mot Tidwell went to the big chain, HHGregg, four years ago, where she bought a Samsung refrigerator for $1699.99 and the extended warranty for $249.99.

Tidwell said about a year later, the icemaker stopped working. She got it fixed, but said it kept happening every year for the last four years.

But when HHGregg closed, she contacted Samsung directly and told the company, “I want my money back, or you give me an upgrade with a discount.”

Tidwell said more than a month passed and she felt she wasn't getting anywhere, so she turned to Action 9 investigator Jason Stoogenke.

"I kept seeing you on TV and you kept solving all these cases. I said, 'Ok, he wants to solve this case, I'll turn it over to Jason Stoogenke. I'll let him resolve it.  Let me step back and let him do what he do. If he does not resolve it, I'm done.'"

Stoogenke stepped in and resolved her issue.

Samsung didn't give details, but let Tidwell keep the fridge, and Samsung sent her a check for almost all of her money back, $1,190.

Businesses can close and the North Carolina Attorney General's office recommends:

• If you're asked to put down a deposit for products or services you won't receive until later, pay the smallest deposit possible.
• Pay by credit card to increase your chances of being able to get your money back.
• Spend gift cards quickly and only buy gift cards from established retailers.
• Before you buy an extended warranty, verify its coverage and terms. If the store closes or if the warranty company goes out of business, the warranty may not be any good. Check with the manufacturer to see what, if any, warranty they offer.
• If the business closes and you pay by credit card, you may be able to get your money back. Contact your credit card company as soon as possible and request a chargeback.
• If you paid by check or cash and the business has filed for bankruptcy, you can file a claim with the bankruptcy court to try to get what you're owed. Filing a claim with the bankruptcy court does not guarantee that you will get your money back.
• If a store closes but has not filed for bankruptcy, you can take the business to small claims court if the money owed is less than $5,000.
• If a store closes with something of yours inside, such as an appliance brought in for repair or a pre-paid special order, try contacting the owner.  If that doesn't work, you should contact local law enforcement or consider small claims court."

Cox Media Group