I’m old enough to know better.  This story causes me some embarrassment, but I share it in hopes you don’t get stung by a similar internet scam.

Here’s what happened.  I received an e-mail selling some miracle pill which would cause me to magically drop 10 pounds and cure every ill I’ve ever faced – all for only $4.95.  Sucked in, I placed the order the charged it to my Discover Card.

Within a few days the huge horse pills arrived. I read the label which warned  folks with high blood pressure to beware.  Since mine is borderline high, I decided not to risk a stroke – what the heck I was only out $4.95.

When I received my Discover bill, I was livid to find I’d been charged the $4.95 plus a whopping $79.99!  Okay, I admit I didn’t read the fine print and apparently I only received the pills on a trial basis.  Thankfully, I hadn’t pitched them, so I returned the order and asked for a credit.

In February, I received a second order of the pills along with a second charge for $79.99. I  By now, my blood pressure was DANGEROUSLY high. I tried to call the company, but an automated voice said they had no record of my account.  Oh really?

I called Discover and filed a dispute, wondering all the while how many other people in the world are going through the same frustration.

Yesterday, I’d had it.  The postman delivered a THIRD order of the pills.  I scrawled, “Addressee died of a stroke caused by LeanSpa” and ran down the postman to return yet another unwanted package.  I also called Discover and learned I had been charged a $79.99 for the third time!

They finally just changed my account number.  I would have canceled my card, but want to solve this issue first.

Last night I received an e-mail from Lean Spa assuring me my account would be credited for the unwanted orders.  A shame I had to DIE to get the dispute settled.