Lompoc, CA asked in Consumer Law and Small Claims for California

Q: My mother is 86 & has dementia. Since 2019 Xfinity has taken advantage of her. The total amount is over $8500, help her.

Since then I tried to resolve the situation they triple charged her & cut off her cable, internet & phone. Even though her mind is completely here there is no way this company should get away with this. I want justice for her & her account restored. Please me accomplish this for her.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: Under California law, if you believe that your mother has been unfairly charged or taken advantage of due to her dementia, you can take several steps to address this issue. First, you might consider contacting Xfinity directly to dispute the charges. It's important to keep detailed records of all communications and transactions, as these can be vital in resolving disputes. Additionally, if her condition is documented, mentioning this might encourage the company to reconsider the charges due to her vulnerability.

If direct contact with the company does not resolve the issue, you may want to seek legal advice. In California, there are consumer protection laws that may protect your mother, especially given her condition. An attorney can provide guidance on how to proceed, possibly including filing a complaint with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), which regulates service providers like Xfinity.

Another resource is contacting local advocacy groups for the elderly. They often have experience dealing with similar situations and may offer assistance or advice specific to your mother's circumstances. Advocacy groups can sometimes intervene on your behalf or provide a mediator who can help negotiate with the service provider. Taking these steps can be a way to seek justice and restore her services without resorting to more drastic legal measures.

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