Tour issues

[JBulldog]

I have had my Tour for a little over a year now. Up until this point I have been very happy with the phone and service provided by Verizon. About a week ago I noticed the phone started freezing up. After resetting the phone multiple times, it started randomly typing "hl" in the contacts screen. If I use the scroll ball it gets worse. Every time I move the ball, more "hl's" are added. If I can eventually delete all of the "hl's" that the phone typed in on its own, the phone will freeze up and be un-responsive. I went to my local Verizon store and the rep. was rather rude. He asked if I visited Verizon.com, which I did not, and then proceed to tell me the phone was no longer covered and I was eligible for an upgrade. The phone stills works correctly for a half a day or so before it goes haywire. I am hoping I will not have to buy a new phone. Any info will be greatly appreciated.