Last December I replied to an ad to do a special mailing for Xcel Energy to selected customers in and around the Amarillo section. I received the inserts, labels, and envelopes in January, and completed the mailing on February 2. Each envelope was to have a letter and five flyers in colors yellow, red, blue, orange, and green in that order, along with a special note from Xcel Energy, according to instructions received from Mrs, Johnson. After taking the 1005 (there was supposed to be 1000) envelopes to the post office I left the empty boxes and instructions in my vehicle. When I got home I faxed a statement to 303-628-2644 to the attention of Teresa Madden in the accounting office showing that I had stuffed, labeled, sealed, and mailed 1005 envelopes for a total amount due of $1482.91.
On March 5 I received a check from Southwestern Public Service Co.in Minneapolis, Mn. For the billed amount I had faxed. I took the check to my bank and because there was so much confusion going on between Wachovia and Wells Fargo banks who were merging, my bank told me to go to Wells Fargo and cash the check and deposit the cash with BOA. I left the check in my car because I did not know of a Wells Fargo near me. On May 5, I happened to pass a Wells Fargo Bank and decided that I would go ahead and get the check cashed. I attempted to do so and was told the check would be best deposited and I should open an account. I decided I would, and after spending an hour with a teller and giving her my ID twice, I was arrested by the local police and taken to jail as a common criminal. My car was impounded and searched and all the boxes from Xcel Energy, and remaining flyers, and other enclosures were taken along with the original check I had attempted to deposit. I was humiliated, embarrassed, and shocked. I spent the night in jail and was released the next morning when the judge dismissed fraud charges against me. I had honestly performed the work I had contracted to do and went through a damnable night, and am still out the money. My total cost for this is $ 1,767.91.
I sent a letter to Southwestern Public Service Co. Outlining all the above, but have heard nothing from them other than have a security person call me which amounted to absolutely nothing. I guess my next step will be to file a suit for the actural charges of $1,767.91, plus $500,000.00 in punitive damages.
I have been unable to get the boxes, check, flyers, etc returned to me, but I do have a copy of my fax to Ms. Madden, a photo copy of the check, and a copy of my letter to Southwestern Public Servive Co. Hopefully, I will have enough information to bring a lawsuit against them and Xcell Energy if you are unable to help me.
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