Which Fund Firms Need to Put the 'Service' Back in Customer Service?

Investors rely on mutual fund firms' toll-free customer-service centers to cull information and collect vital data on funds and company policies.

But dealing with these phone reps can be like taking a trip to the dentist. You know, the one with the rusty instruments.

Some customer-service operations are consistently helpful and easy to reach, staffed with well-informed, articulate representatives who are always ready with the latest fund information and policy changes. Then there are the others.

I am sure that everyone has at least one irritating customer service experience to recount. But I want to hear about the firms whose service centers are consistently bad.

Tell me which fund company has the worst customer service -- the one with the reps who struggle to answer even the simplest questions.

Email me at

fundforum@thestreet.com

and please send along your horror stories.

TSC Fund Forum aims to provide general fund information. Under no circumstances does the information in this column represent a recommendation to buy or sell funds or other securities.