VALENTINE'S DAY SCAMS

VALENTINE'S DAY SCAMS

   I had been listening to some of the talk shows for days before Valentine's Day and was convinced that I needed to send my Mother some chocolate covered strawberries for Valentine's Day.  I called Sheri's Berries and placed an order.  I could sent six of them for "only $19.99" and I could send a complete dozen for "only $10.00 more".  At the end of my placing the order, the CSR asked me if I would pay another $14.00 or so to have the berries delivered.  I was incredulous!  Did they think I was ordering the berries for their company to enjoy?  I wanted my Mother to enjoy them.  I cancelled the order.

   Then, I was listening to the Sean Hannity Show.  He convinced me to send a dozen assorted roses to my Mother for "only $29.99".  I dialed 800flowers.  I was having difficulty communicating with the CSR, so I asked her in what town she was located.  She said she was in the Philippines.  Anyway, I placed the order, only to have this company do the same thing as the first company.  I told her I was not going to pay half as much again the price of the order, to have them delivered.  She said, "O. K. You want free shipping."  Why, yes I did.  I wanted to pay "only $29.99" as I was told they would cost.  She proceeded to try to sell me a bouquet for $99.99 with free shipping.

   This went on for the better part of an hour.  When I finally thought we were on the same page and I was going to order the "only $29.99" special, I gave her my credit card information.  When she told me the final total, she had added the shipping charge.  I told her to cancel the order.  I NEVER CONFIRMED THE ORDER.

   A few days later, I noted a charge on my credit card for over $47.00.  I was mad enough to hurt somebody.  I called the 800flowers and told the CSR what had happened.  He advised that he could give me a $20.00 credit but he could not cancel the order or refund my money.  I asked him if he thought he could steal money from people with no repercussion.  He kept trying to do everything but refund the money which was never authorized to be taken.  When I started using language like "stealing", he finally said he would refund my money.  (Which he tried to convince me he could not do.)  The money was refunded within three business days.

   My question is how many Valentine's Day Scams are there?  Are the talk show hosts who fervently promote such scams getting a kickback?  Are they even aware that these are scams?  If not, why not?

   Bottom line:  beware of who you trust.

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