When consumer disputes stall out or local businesses ignore your complaints, getting media attention can force a resolution. If you live in South Florida, you've likely seen the investigative journalism segment led by Howard Finkelstein and Patrick Fraser on WSVN Channel 7, famously known as "Help Me Howard". Knowing how to reach them, what information to prepare, and how the process works can turn a frustrating impasse into a resolved issue.
The primary way to contact Help Me Howard is through the dedicated WSVN consumer phone line at 305-759-HACK (305-759-4225) or via the official WSVN Channel 7 Contact Page. Because thousands of viewers submit grievances weekly, understanding how the investigative team selects cases makes all the difference between getting a callback and getting ignored. This guide breaks down what the team handles, how to prepare your case, and realistic expectations for getting on television.
What Kinds of Cases Does Help Me Howard Take?
The legal and consumer team doesn't mediate every petty dispute. They look for stories that involve clear injustice, corporate stonewalling, or situations where regular consumers have exhausted all reasonable remedies without help.
- Contractor and Home Repair Fraud: Unfinished renovations, abandoned projects, or shoddy workmanship where contractors refuse refunds or return calls.
- Unresolved Insurance Claims: Home, auto, or health insurance companies denying legitimate claims or dragging their feet for months without explanation.
- Warranties and Defective Products: Major appliances, vehicles, or electronics failing under warranty while manufacturers dodge responsibility.
- Billing and Refund Disputes: Companies charging hidden fees, refusing refunds for canceled services, or billing errors that customer service agents refuse to fix.
If your issue involves an ongoing court battle, a domestic dispute, or a situation where you are clearly at fault, the team won't touch it. They focus on clear-cut consumer advocacy where public exposure motivates companies to do the right thing.
Step-by-Step Process to Submit Your Story
If you want the team to review your case, you can't just call and vent for five minutes. You need to present a clean, documented paper trail.
First, gather all your documentation before you call or submit online. This includes contracts, receipts, emails, text messages, canceled checks, and written denials from customer service supervisors. If you don't have proof, you don't have a story.
Second, try to resolve the issue through official channels first. The investigative producers will always ask what you've done to fix it yourself. Keep a log of every person you spoke with, dates, times, and what they said. Companies look terrible when a news station calls after they've ignored a customer for six months.
Third, submit your details through the phone hotline at 305-759-4225 or use the online submission form on the WSVN News Website. Be concise. Explain what happened, who is at fault, what you want as a resolution, and why you're stuck.
What Happens After You Contact Them?
Most people don't realize how selective the intake process is. The station receives hundreds of complaints every single day.
If your case has strong visual appeal, a clear villain, and a compelling narrative, a producer will reach out within a few days to get more details. If they decide to investigate, they typically contact the company or individual involved to ask for their side of the story. Often, just hearing from a television reporter causes stubborn businesses to process refunds or fix repairs immediately to avoid bad PR on the evening news.
If the company digs in their heels, the team may film a segment featuring Howard Finkelstein breaking down the legal realities of the situation, often concluding with his signature advice.
Common Mistakes That Get Claims Rejected
- Skipping the paper trail: Verbal agreements and phone calls with no written backup are nearly impossible to prove.
- Calling prematurely: If you haven't given the company a reasonable chance to fix the mistake, producers will tell you to try again.
- Being rude to producers: The intake staff and associate producers control access to the legal team. Treat them with respect.
- Involving lawyers early: If you've already hired an attorney to file a lawsuit, media outlets usually back off to avoid interfering with active legal proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Help Me Howard charge for their services?
No. The consumer investigative service is entirely free for viewers. They never charge fees to investigate a complaint or mediate a dispute.
Can they help people outside of South Florida?
Because the segment is produced by WSVN Channel 7 in Miami, their jurisdiction and focus remain primarily on South Florida viewers and local businesses. If you live out of state, look for local "Troubleshooter" or "On Your Side" segments affiliated with your local news networks.
How long does it take to get a response?
Due to high volume, you will only hear back if a producer decides to pursue your case. If you haven't heard anything within two weeks, it usually means your case wasn't selected.
What if the company still refuses to cooperate?
If public pressure fails, Howard Finkelstein often outlines legal options, such as taking the dispute to small claims court or filing complaints with the Florida Attorney General's Office or the Better Business Bureau.
