HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR HELOISE: I saw an ad for a cat tree on a social media site, and since the price was so good (in fact, too good.), I decided to buy it. Even at a bargain price it still wasn’t cheap, but the picture looked so nice that I decided to splurge.
About a month later it arrived. Instead of a cat tree that my pets could use, it was the size of dollhouse furniture. It was less than 3 inches tall. I had just paid nearly $70 for a useless knickknack. When I contacted them, I was told that the ad did not lie (no dimensions were given in the ad) and that if I assumed it was a full-sized cat tree that was my fault. Then they refused to refund my money, and within a week they closed down their site and were gone.
I know nothing can be done now, but I’ve learned my lesson. Buy with a credit card, not a check or gift card. Read the ad very carefully, and if it seems too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.
Don’t buy on social media, and investigate the company by typing in the name of the company with the word “scam” and/or “fraud” and see what pops up.
— Ellen J., Fresno, Calif. DEAR READER: We received a number of letters much like yours. Readers, please research a company and their products very carefully before ordering online.
DEAR HELOISE: Nearly a week ago I got a call from someone claiming to be from my utility company. They claimed that I was behind on my electric bill and someone would be out to disconnect my electricity unless I paid them by debit card or credit card then and there. I knew I was up to date on all my bills and owed no one a dime. I figured it was a scam, and sure enough it was. I hung up on them after a few choice words. Apparently, these lowlife scammers are calling people all over the country. So please ask your readers to be aware of this latest scam and not to pay them.
— Joseph A., Temple, Texas DEAR HELOISE: I found that if I use a pair of needle-nose pliers in my left hand to hold a nail while I hammer it into the wall with my right hand, I can save myself from hitting one of my fingers or my thumb. The last time I tried to hold a nail while hammering it I hit my thumb and my nail turned black.
— Anne T., San Antonio