7 Rip-Off Tip-Offs

Your summary of the Rent-to-Own industry is unfairly biased -- I would recommend you visit www.rtohq.org to learn about the many positive sides of rent-to-own (including numerous unbiased surveys indicating that customers are primarily very satisifed with the rental experience). Many RTO companies provide excellent service which customers CHOOSE over a discount outlet. Free delivery, free service, and the ability to change one's mind are all reasons for RTO's dramatic growth!

Even Staples "easy" online rebate service is a rip-off. I bought my Mama a computer and the store offered me a 'FREE' printer, but really I had to pay $75 for the printer and then submit for a rebate. I've re-submited for that rebate a number of times, first being told the product didn't qualify and then just being left hanging. I agree with the intial advice, which is shop around and don't bank on rebates, even online ones.

To Frank@Marie: Good idea on the Pet Insurance. Though most shelters (reputable) will offer free pet insurance for the life of the animal. Look at www.NSAL.org for more information.

I used to be a Consumer Protection Attorney and spent the better part of my job dealing with the travel club and free gift scams. My advice: don't give money to anyone who contacts you out of the blue, even a legitimate-sounding charity. Crooks make great efforts to use legitimate-sounding language to take advantage of you. Do your research (BBB, State Consumer Protection, Consumer Reports). If the deal is good and the company legit, contact the company yourself.

I feel that your comments regarding pet insurance are very irresponsible. If even one animal dies because they did not receive the care they needed because the owner took your advice, then you are directly to blame. I have carried this insurance on all of my dogs. Insurance is something you always hope you don't have to use. Your reasoning would be the same as saying that homeowner's insurance is a rip-off since most houses don't burn down.