That's Outrageous!

Abusing the system

digginout — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:30:17 GMT

I have a friend who recently applied for and is recieving foodstamps or I should say the new ebt card. The first month she got only 2 weeks payment as she insisted it was an emergency.She is also claiming disability because she does not want to work. She spent that $130 in 1 week. Her husband is active duty military and makes plenty of money she just can't manage it. This month she recieved $280 for food and spent the entire amount in 6 days. She has NOTHING to show for it. She spent 90% of that money buying candy and pop for herself and children. I kid you not that yesterday she said her 2 year old had just come home from head start and was in heaven because he had a giant pixie stick (giant plastic tube of flavored sugar) in one hand and a bottle of pop in the other. Let me repeat this child is 2 years old. She will then complain in the same conversation that her children have ADD (they have 3 of them). I really wish the goverment would put a tax on pop and junk food so people like this can't waste tax payer dollars creating more problems with dental and health care burdens that the rest of the country has to pay for.

This situation really kills me because I was raised by a single mom who had 3 children. We grew up on foodstamps, welfare, commodities, food bank handouts, the christmas gift programs and probably whatever else there was. My mom worked her butt off to try and support us and never complained. Now this friend comes along. We currently live in Michigan and the unemployment rate is one of the worst in the country. Rather than being greatful for her husbands garunteed job, 100% free healthcare, and no housing cost she does this. I often get off the phone wanting hit her up side the head, then again I know it will do no good as she is living in her own little world and no amount of reality will penetrate it. The worst part is that the 3 children are the biggest victims and they have no voice.

Magazine subscription troubles

mamasjob — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:01:39 GMT

Sorry for a long post. First, we only subscribe to one magazine, Sports Illustrated, and I've gotten DH that for his birthday for the last few years with NO PROBLEMS. I only buy the basic subscription (52 weeks) and the extras are not included (he does not want the swimsuit issue, thank goodness). I sometimes buy the "season preview" issues for stocking stuffers but for the most part, he is very happy with his weekly issue and then when done, takes it to school and the kids can read it during free time.

Anyway...got the notice to renew at the low price of $72 a year, which is what I have been paying. It comes with a free subscription so we get 2 annual subscriptions for $72, which makes each issue less than $1. So we have been giving my father in law a subscription as well for a gift for both birthday/christmas and also as a thanks for several large projects he has helped us with at our new and old house (plumbing, electrical work, using his circ saw to make baseboards for us, borrowing his pickup at least once a month, etc). He won't take cash from us so this was a gift I know he enjoys and makes us feel like we are giving back to him.

So I sent my check for $72 with the renewal form, made sure our contact info was correct and thought that was the end of it. Yesterday, I received a confirmation in the mail of receipt of my $72 along with an invoice for my "next payment of $24 due December 15, 2009." I called the 1-800 number and did not get through to a rep after waiting 18 minutes so hung up. I will try again today.

Even though I would have consumer protection, I did not want to use my credit card to pay because (1) trying to not use my credit card and (2) fear that it would just get an annual renewal every year and charged without being able to decide if I wanted to continue and no say in price.

Do any of you think this is a scam? I do not plan on paying the additional $24. I received another "renewal offer" a couple of weeks ago with the SAME $72 offer. No where did it say it was multiple installments or billed at a higher price. I kept it as proof when I finally talk to someone. If the rep says they won't renew without the $24, I will cancel but then have the hassle of trying to get my original $72 money back (checked was cashed within 5 days, of course).

I'm beginning to detest magazine subscriptions. I cancelled 3 others in the last year and keep getting "bills" and telemarketing phone calls (which I politely tell them I cannot afford the subscription at any price and please do not call). The reason I continued the Sports Illustrated was (1) the great price; (2) it was a nice gift for DH and his dad; and (3) I've not had any problems in the LAST 3 YEARS until now.

Besides telling me I shouldn't subscribe to magazines (which is my lesson), any advice or anyone in a similar situation ever?

Brother Printer Ink

evemoreyc — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:49:07 GMT

I've ruined two Brother Printers using generic ink and only just now found out that the generic ink is what's causing the problem. Why it's possible to buy cheap ink that then ruins the printer is beyond me, but just a heads up to anyone looking to save money on the ridiculously priced ink, the savings could really cost you big time. And yes, the manufacturer does recommend you use only Brother Brand Ink, but of course they do...they want you're money too. Only in this case, it's because the machine was made that way.

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU – Don't Waste Your Time!

Thrifty60 — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 23:50:44 GMT

While it's great to have this format to rant about our consumer experiences, as a retired entrepreneur/business-owner I must say that I NEVER found the Better Business Bureau to be other than just an insider joke. All of my business owner friends and I would laugh aloud about how all BBB ever cared about was getting MONEY.

They're worse than just a waste of time to deal with – they feed on peoples' hopes and that's unforgivable. Do you know of ANY case(s) where BBB either did anything positive for just one consumer or made the world a better place in any way? I certainly don't. It's never happened. They're just another LARGE corporation with one goal in mind - lots of $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $.

Magazine inserts

seaturtle — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 02:11:28 GMT

Just a pet peeve - the cards you find stuck in magazines. I rip them out before I read the magazine, since I can't keep it open with them there.

Toay I tore them out of 2 magazines, and one had 9, the other, 10. Not only irritating, but what a waste of paper and mailing expense.

One Consumer's Wish

Toni B. — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:11:55 GMT

As we all know, the economy is the number one topic on everyone's minds. Our fellow forum person, Deb, has posted many an article written in the NY Times about what the "experts" are saying and others are rehashing that information. In spite of all our various differences and opinions, we at Dollar Stretcher have kept topics from getting ugly. However, in the past week I've been shopping at three different venues and at all three places, the clerks have been loudly discussing the economy and tying it to politics, which isn't hard to do. People are entitled to their opinions and there are plenty of places to express those opinions. The conversations I've overheard and endured have been negative, frightening and demoralizing. So much in fact that I have left without purchasing anything. I can be as opinionated as anyone and enjoy a lively debate, but when I'm out shopping, whether out of necessity or leisure, I want to concentrate on what I'm doing without listening to negative rhetoric from either extreme. Yes, we do have the freedom of speech and the right to our opinions which makes this country special. My husband and I both took an oath to serve this country and defend our freedoms. There were times I served under Presidents whose politics and policies I did not agree with, BUT as a military member I swore an oath to defend their policies and carry out their orders. Our Presidents have been elected in our Democratic process to make decisions on our behalf. We may not always like or understand the logic of choices but every President tries to do their best with what they have to work with. They all have inherited problems. At a time when we need to get our economy moving, it would nice to go shopping and NOT hear store owners/clerks bashing or fear mongering. If you want my money to keep your business running, please make an effort to ensure my shopping experience is at best pleasant, and at worst, neutral. Let's face it, most of us are scared and overwhelmed about what's going on. I venture to guess even "the powers that be" are scared too. At the end of the day, we ALL need more prayer and understanding and far less hostility.

15 ways stores trick you

orbisongirl — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:28:00 GMT

Good afternoon, fellow stretchers! :) Here's a really interesting I article I found about ways stores get you to overspend and buy expensive products. At the rate they keep going, I might not just a be stretcher...instead, I might need one!

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SmartSpending/FindDealsOnline/15WaysStoresTrickYouIntoSpending.aspx?page=all

Imports pose lead risks; US small businesses forced out of business

Pat — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 12:29:37 GMT

That's the way the headlines should be reading. Starting February 10, 2009, If anyone (including crafters) makes and sells anything for children under the age of 12, they must have the product tested for lead. It doesn't matter what the product is made from, it has to be tested. Tests run anywhere from $400 to over a thousand dollars for each product.

Hello? Because big businesses imported toys that were contaminated with lead, every work at home crafter, every small toy business, every one who ever sells anything for children will be facing the exorbitant expense of having their product tested.

I'm all for protecting children. Why don't we do that? We could test products before they come into this country. We could put the responsibility on the companies that have already sold lead contaminated toys here. We could create new, stronger laws to make those who have sold lead contaminated toys pay the bill for all testing, theirs and others.

Read the AP article here: Toymakers say lead law harms workshops

Okay, another magazine...

seaturtle — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:17:39 GMT

Has anyone had this happen? I've gotten 2 issues of US magazine (never heard of it until these issues arrived).

I never ordered it, and it's not on the National Magazine Exchanges list of choices.

Has anyone had magazines come that you know nothing about, just out of the blue like this...and what does this mean, that they will bill me? I have sent both back Return To Sender, Unwanted.

Seems as if someone in the magazine world has something against me!

Printer Ink

nathanplane — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 06:35:27 GMT

What is difference between OEM and compatible ink cartridges. and which is good.

Wrong Scan/.This has probably been addressed somewhere.......but......

slomommy — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 04:02:08 GMT

WRONG SCANNING......I have noticed if I watch CLOSELY at the grocery store -there is usually one item every time (if I have a lot) that seems to ring up wrong AT LEAST every other grocery visit. I watch closely now. But, I get frustrated when the checker acts like its a big deal. I had a checker at Kohls hoohum about giving me my discount( saved about $1.50). She wanted me to pay out of pocket for it instead of her re-ringing it. I almost paid it. But it was her fault that she rang it up wrong so I asked her if she could ring it up again, and she did, but not without a little complaining. I do love Kohls and for the most part have gotten EXCELLENT service. She was a new cashier.

Oh no, magazines billing me again - and HP printer cartridges

seaturtle — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 02:02:48 GMT

Today I received not one, but two emails from another magazine I paid for a renewal for, billing me. It seems as if almost all of them are doing this now.

I wonder if there is a place to complain about this? I get really upset when they do this, probably because I never order anything without paying for it first - and because it is just such a hassle to deal with them.

Also, my HP colour printer cartridge ran out. I went to WalMart and found that they have d/c'd selling the colour (or black) cartridges singly. You have to buy a combination packet of both, to the tune of more than $70.00. Don't kow if this is just this WalMart, but that HP is doing this makes me upset.

Finally found an HP colour cartridge at Boxes and Cans Store for $14.00.

save a stamp, pay online -- yeah, right!

sunshinetreva — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 15:11:44 GMT

Just picked up a week's worth of mail from the post office; had 2 bills in it. Both return envelopes said "Save a stamp, pay online" in the corner where a stamp goes. Since I'm dealing with new companies, I thought I would check it out. It's $3.95 to pay online for one company and $4.95 to pay online for the other company. Save a stamp my foot. Those stamps save me $8.02 in online fees -- and just for 2 bills!!!!

Companies are getting so underhanded. I'm glad I checked, but I'll pay by my bill through "snail mail" thankyouverymuch!

Inedible Smoked Ribs

Virginia Needlewoman — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 08:08:13 GMT

I ordered a rack of smoked ribs on Wednesday to be picked up on Saturday afternoon. I got the phone call around 1:30 on Saturday. My ribs got picked up around 4 PM. I asked how to heat them up.

I put the ribs in the oven (they were wrapped in foil) for less than 20 minutes at 325 degrees.

The ribs were burned and charred. This had taken place prior to my heating them up. They had been smoked in the Big Green Egg Smoker at the local gourmet shop in town. They had a dry rub on them.

I realize that I am a picky eater, but I was very disappointed in my ribs. I was very unhappy with my special order of ribs. I hate to waste $$$. I truly try to support local businesses, but this is ridiculous.

In the future, I will stick to buying ribs with BBQ sauce from Harris Teeter. The meat is moist and tasty when it is prepared at Harris Teeter.

Okay. I'm off my soap box now.

It is now after 5:30 AM and I feel sick to my stomach. I am afraid that I'm going to be really sick. This means that I won't be getting ribs anytime soon from Harris Teeter in addition to never getting them from the local gourmet shop.

I am never going to subscribe to a magazine again

seaturtle — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 01:45:37 GMT

Hello, everyone,

Magazines are driving me nuts. First, American Handyman tells me I am a Club Member. I tell them No, and in the next mail comes a book and charge for $10.

Gourmet send me a "third notice" for a gift subscription I give to a friend. I paid it months ago.

Is this because their computer systems don't work right, or is this a common practice to get people to pay several times for one subscription? It's more trouble than it's worth.

Buffet prices = check food first!

TizzyLizzy — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 23:17:32 GMT

Me and dh visited a local Golden Corral buffet last night, a rare treat for us due to our budget and their prices. The buffet area itself was very crowded, but people were hovering around the food, not just filling their plates and moving on as usual. Turns out, they were waiting for more food to be brought out! I love their rotisserie chicken, which was gone so headed for the fried kind - also empty. I asked a worker behind the counter and was told it would "be awhile" before any chicken was ready. We left forty-five minutes later, and I never did get my chicken! If any was brought out, it was scarfed up without my seeing it. I don't eat red meat, so I basically paid $12.00 bucks for a vegetable plate .

Many side dishes on the steam tables were just four-corners, with the bulk of the food gone or the pans were empty and clean and filling the slot. Many dishes were mismarked. The tables were not being bussed, leading to people waiting to sit down or pushing dirty plates aside to get a table. Just an awful experience. Then, when dh went to get some steak, none was ready. He asked about the meat that appeared done, that was on the top rack, and was asked, "just what the h*ll do you want??" Can you believe it?? Twenty-six bucks we paid for this...

I sent a long email this morning, asking to be contacted but haven't heard anything yet. Quite honestly, I don't even care if they send any kind of remonstration - we were turned off by the staff, the lack of planning, the cleanliness, just everything. A shame, it used to one of our favorite places to go.

I've seen people walk in and check out a buffet before putting their money down - I'll be doing this if there is a next buffet. This has turned us off completely. Liz

walmart

sholmes — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 18:03:16 GMT

i had purchased several ink cartridges for my printer in january. then my printer had to be replaced same brand different model. but the previous cartridges didn't work in the new printer. i tried to exchange them for ones that would work and walmart refused because i didn't have a receipt. won't be buying cartridges there anymore.

Kids runners!!

MarthaMFI — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:18:20 GMT

What is the problem with kids shoes lately!!!! they are all very narrow and smaller then they used to be for the same size. I used to go and pick up runners for the kids when they needed them or on clearance for next time. the fit is all over the place.

almost 5, ds wears a size 9 his size 9 diego runners (gift a couple of years ago) fit but are worn. he has size 10 cord runners too. so I go pick up size 10 ben 10 runners from army and navy. he couldn't even get his foot in there. so returned them yesterday.

at walmart bought size 11 pokemon runners (can you tell what they like lol) they fit but only 1/4 inch room to grow so back they go for larger ones that will last a while. bought dd sandals on clearance for next year and ben 10/pokemon thongs and the thongs fit large!

meanwhile the size 1 sandals are the normal size for dd! before I got her little pet shop runners on clearance $5 same problem too narrow so only worn a couple of times. gave them to a friend.

dd has pokemon runners that are size 13 that are way too big for ds, we have size 12 sandals I had to hide from ds because they are too big and he kept wearing and tripping on them.

ugh!! my rant for the day!

National Magazine Exchange strikes again

seaturtle — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 03:07:49 GMT

Today I received another of those letters telling meI am now a Finalist in their Sweepstakes (lol). They as usual gave a number to call to confirm my ID number.

The woman answering was pleasant, much less of a hard-sell than the men were. She said "You now are qualified to get a new Dell computer, free.

Then: "What major credit card to you use, and what bank account?" I said I preferred to not give out that information.

"Well,. the computer has just a minimal monthly charge of $35.00, and we have to have a valid checking account to give you this." I said "Then it isn't free, is it? HHow many months does this payment go on?"

"I have no idea, but the printer and TV that come with it are free. And now I'll transfer you to someone who will inform you about more valuable free gifts we are giving you to thank you for being a major credit card holder." She was careful to say "No purchase necessary to qualify for the sweepstakes."

I declined and said Goodbye.

I get it now.

ATM Fees

The Tortoise — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:59:02 GMT

I just received my monthly statement which included my bank's ATM fee for a cash withdrawal. My bank had recently gone to completely free ATM fees so I called. I found out that I could switch from my "checking plus" account to a "checking free plus" account and incur no ATM fees. The only difference between my current account and the new account would be no more ATM fees (from my bank) and the cost of checks ordered through the bank would be less.

Wait, here is an idea - why not just AUTOMATICALLY give this to your customers? Why do we have to jump through hoops and ask for something which you are giving away anyhow (account upgrades)? Who DOESN'T want to pay less for checks or not incur fees when using an ATM? Why does there always have to be some gimmick?

Don't call collect! Buyer beware!

Deborahmichelle — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:05:01 GMT

Dear All, THe NY Times has a story today about its consumer rep's trying (successfully) to get a refund on a customer's vassst ly over-charged collect call. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/12/your-money/12haggler.html?nl=your-money&emc=your-moneyemb2 Yours in Him, Deb

There goes Goodwill as a THRIFT store ....

Deborahmichelle — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:47:04 GMT

Dear All, Three goes Goodwill as a THRIFT store, the NY Times reports this AM http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/11/fashion/11goodwill.html?_r=1&th&emc=th . Styles are going ultra, & many stores are holding fashion shows! Can't posssibly maintain our kind of prices.

Yours in Him, Deb

Sprint Rebate Fraud Complaint

0507 — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 04:53:47 GMT

I purchased my Sprint phone on Monday, 05 May 2008. I should have received the rebate by Monday, 11 August 2008 at the very latest. I repeatedly submitted the rebate request and each time Sprint claimed the requested was never received. After submitting the rebate request numerous times via mail, fax, and email each and every time with Sprint continuing to claim the rebate request was never received I began filing rebate fraud complaints against Sprint in March 2009 and I still have not received a rebate check. Sprint has lied to me and the Better Business Bureau about this matter. Sprint reported to the BBB that a representaive has spoken with me and the matter is resovled. That is a lie! I am now being subjected to playing this game of repeatedly confirming my mailing address with an executive services analyst. I have now confirmed my mailing address 10 times. This is the same mailing address that the account statements are consistently received but not the rebate check. This company has no intentions of sending the rebate check and that is fraud! As of Sunday, 05 July 2009 I have filed a rebate fraud complaint with 98 agencies/sites/blogs including Ripoff Report, Planetfeedback, Better Business Bureau, and the Attorney General just to name a few and I will not stop until I receive my rebate check and three months free service for this blatant fraudulent behavior. When this is over, Sprint will wish they never heard of me and I will be a prepaid cellular user. This company is so foul.

Follow-up on the bone in Bumble Bee tuna

seaturtle — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:15:14 GMT

Hello, everyone,

I got a letter from Bumble Bee today with the usual 4 coupons (and one for 25c off - wha?) in it. They requested that I send them the two pieces of bone. I sent them a letter thanking them for their prompt response, but told them I was retaining one piece of bone. I said I felt that this was a potentially dangerous object if swallowed by a child, and that I felt more should be done. I also said, respectfully, that sending 4 coupons was perhaps not the proper response to someone who had told them she'd not be purchasing their product again.

I hope I was not too harsh, as I know that the Consumer Affairs correspondent had absolutely nothing to do with the bone being there. I really do feel, though, that things like this should be reported somewhere.

Grrr!! The Sacramento Bee Newspaper makes me FURIOUS!!!

aloha_from_cali — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 19:11:26 GMT

Hi all,

My DH is a state worker. I am proud of him and the hard work he does everyday. Our local newspaper, The Sacramento Bee, is continually fueling the fires of HATE against state workers here with their articles about how "great" their pay is, how "lazy" they are... etc. People leave comments to the articles that are just outrageous. I am sick of them blasting state workers, sick of them trying to make it seem as if state workers aren't also tax payers and hard working individuals.

With the furloughs, holiday cuts, pay raise freezes, etc, state workers are also having a hard time in this economy. The Bee makes it sound like every state worker makes over 100K a year, sits around eating bon bons all day laughing at "taxpayers". Hello!! State workers are tax payers too!! State workers (in DH's branch anyhow) often don't have time for lunch, and NONE of them make that kind of $$!!!

I HATE THE BEE!!!!!!!!!! BLEH!!

OK, I feel better now. :)