Buyer, Beware

I turned the big 6-0 in May. I received a "Sixty Sucks" sucker, a new pill box, ointment for arth-riddence, oil of old age, jewelry, an amazing album of photos and good wishes from friends and relatives, numerous cards, a barber shop quartet, dinners, lunches, a homemade cake, a store-bought ice cream cake, an exceptional surprise visit (imagine finding your kid and boyfriend at the airport of your destination vacation!), crayoned pictures, a NetFlix subscription, flowers, candy, even gift cards.

Remember Shirley, my cousin? She and her family sent the works--flowers, candy, cards which were lovely and yummy. She was bummed, though, with her experience of buying on the net and wanted you to know about it.

Shirley suggested that I alert you to companies which don't fully advertise exchange rate add-ons which could significantly increase the final cost of your purchase. Make sure, she said, you are aware of the location of the site where you are placing your order.

Shirley has filed a dispute with her credit card company.

Should you find yourself in a similar situation, also check out Better Business Bureau or the Chamber of Commerce, or other helpful consumer sites. In addition, Consumer law experts can protect vulnerable customers.

And if you want to speak to a real person about your complaints, go to Get Human.