Misled at shop

I FEEL the need to vent my anger, hurt and utter disbelief that I have become another victim, an easy target for businesses without morals.

In January 2013 I purchased a portable air-conditioner. I went into the store with the money to purchase the $699 unit.

I was initially served by a young man until I went to the counter to pay for it. It was then the manager who came over and starting telling me that I was better off to rent/buy the unit as I would get more benefits for doing it this way and made it sound like it was the right way to go.

I told him I had the money to pay but he said, “Leave your money in the bank and gain interest. This way is just as good.” I asked if I could pay it out when I wanted, and he said yes. I signed paperwork but I didn’t have my reading glasses with me as I wasn’t expecting to need them. I trusted what he was telling me.

It was what he didn’t tell me that now I’m realising what I signed up for. The total amount I have to pay is $2100 – three times the amount of the original price, and if I wanted to pay it out I would have to pay 80% of the full amount.

It’s not right – just because I am elderly and was by myself and struggling to breathe even with the oxygen due to my chronic illness. I find it harder to breathe in hot and wet whether.

I can’t understand how this simple purchase went so horribly wrong. Why can’t people be honest and up-front? They shouldn’t be allowed to treat people like that.

To take advantage of an old, sick pensioner should not be tolerated.

I want others to know that they should be very careful and get a second opinion.

ELAINE MAYE, Toowoomba