When you are facing a legal dispute or a consumer problem that feels impossible to solve, you may need a powerful advocate in your corner. Many people turn to the well-known segment "Help Me Howard" to find resolutions for issues ranging from landlord disputes to contractor scams. This guide will provide you with the exact steps needed to contact the team and increase your chances of getting your case featured.
Understanding the Help Me Howard Program
Help Me Howard is a popular television segment that focuses on consumer advocacy and legal assistance. There are two primary versions of this program depending on your location: one based in Florida through WSVN 7News and another in New York through PIX11.
The goal of these segments is to use the power of investigative journalism and legal knowledge to help everyday people who have been wronged. While they cannot take every case, they often focus on situations where a person has been treated unfairly and has nowhere else to turn.
Contacting Help Me Howard in Florida (WSVN)
If you are located in South Florida, your primary point of contact is Howard Finkelstein and the 7News team. They have a long history of resolving local disputes.
Submit Your Case Online
The most efficient way to get your story in front of the team is by using their official online submission form. You can find this on the WSVN website under the "Help Me Howard" section.
When filling out the form, you will need to provide your full name, contact information, and a detailed description of your problem. Be sure to be as specific as possible about the dates, the parties involved, and the specific outcome you are hoping to achieve.
Contact by Phone
If you prefer to speak with someone or leave a message, you can reach out via their dedicated phone lines. The numbers for the Florida segment are:
- Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN (9786)
- Broward: 954-761-WSVN (9786)
When you call, be prepared to leave a brief summary of your issue. Keep your message professional and concise to ensure the intake team can quickly understand the core of your problem.
Contacting Help Me Howard in New York (PIX11)
For those living in the New York City metropolitan area, the "Help Me Howard" segment is led by Howard Thompson at PIX11. This team focuses on issues affecting residents in the tri-state area.
Send an Email
The New York team frequently monitors a dedicated email address for new leads. You can send your story directly to helpmehoward@pix11.com.
Your email should include a clear subject line that summarizes the problem, such as "Unpaid Security Deposit Dispute" or "Contractor Fraud Complaint." Attach any relevant photos or documents that support your claim.
Call the Tip Line
You can also reach the PIX11 Help Me Howard team by calling their tip line at 212-210-2444. This is a recorded line where you can leave your information and a description of your case.
How to Prepare Your Case for Submission
Because these programs receive hundreds of requests every week, you need to make your case stand out. A well-organized submission is much more likely to be selected for a television segment.
Gather Your Evidence
Before you send your first email or make a phone call, gather all relevant documentation. This includes contracts, receipts, emails, text messages, and photographs. Having a clear paper trail makes it easier for the legal team to verify your story.
Write a Clear Narrative
When describing your problem, stick to the facts. Avoid using overly emotional language and focus on the timeline of events. Explain exactly what you have already done to try and solve the problem yourself, such as contacting the company or filing a formal complaint.
Identify the "Villain" and the "Victim"
Television segments work best when there is a clear conflict. Make sure it is obvious who has caused the harm and why their actions are unfair or illegal. Clearly state what you want the other party to do to make things right.
Common Issues Handled by Help Me Howard
While they handle a wide variety of topics, certain types of cases are more common than others. Understanding these categories can help you decide if your problem is a good fit for the program.
Landlord and Tenant Disputes
This includes issues like withheld security deposits, refusal to make necessary repairs, or illegal eviction notices. If a landlord is violating local housing laws, this team can often step in to mediate.
Consumer Fraud and Scams
If you have been targeted by a fraudulent business or a scammer, reporting it can help protect others. This includes things like identity theft, misleading advertising, or "ghosting" contractors who take money without finishing work.
Insurance and Billing Issues
Many people struggle with insurance companies that refuse to pay valid claims or medical offices that send incorrect bills. The Help Me Howard team has experience navigating these complex corporate bureaucracies.
What Happens After You Contact Them?
Once you submit your case, the production team will review the details. If they believe your story has merit and would make for a compelling segment, a producer will contact you for a follow-up interview.
It is important to remember that submitting your case does not guarantee it will be featured. The team selects stories based on their legal urgency, the amount of evidence available, and their potential to help a large number of viewers who might be facing similar problems.
Alternative Resources for Legal Help
If your case is not selected by Help Me Howard, do not give up. There are several other ways to seek justice for consumer issues.
- Small Claims Court: This is a simplified legal process for disputes involving smaller amounts of money. You do not usually need a lawyer to file a claim.
- State Attorney General: Most states have a consumer protection division within the Attorney General’s office that investigates complaints against businesses.
- Legal Aid Societies: If you are low-income, you may qualify for free legal assistance through a local non-profit organization.
- The Better Business Bureau (BBB): Filing a complaint with the BBB can sometimes pressure a company into resolving a dispute to protect their public rating.
Conclusion
Contacting "Help Me Howard" is a proactive step toward resolving a difficult consumer or legal problem. By choosing the correct contact method for your region and preparing a clear, evidence-backed case, you give yourself the best chance of getting the help you need. Remember to remain persistent and explore alternative legal resources if your story is not chosen for the air.
If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring our other articles on navigating legal disputes and protecting your rights as a consumer.