ConsumerWatch: Woman's Adjustable Bed Turns Into Money Pit

BERKELEY (CBS 5) - An elderly retired postal worker was paying a big price for an adjustable bed, until CBS 5 ConsumerWatch got involved.

Clarisse Harris a Craftmatic adjustable bed in 2001 from a salesman who came to her home. The cost: $4,300 at 21% interest.

Ten years later, Harris still owed more than $2000 on the bed, even though she calculated she's sent the company between $8,000 - $10,000 over the past decade.

Harris's neighborcontacted ConsumerWatch to ask for help.  We contacted TD Retail Card Services on Harris's behalf.  The company agreed to forgive Harris's outstanding balance with no negative impact on her credit score.

Six years ago, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Craftmatic for violating consumer protection laws and targeting senior citizens.  Now under new ownership, the company no longer offers in-home sales demonstrations.

If you have a consumer issue you need help with, call our ConsumerWatch volunteers at 1-888-5HELPS-U (888-543-5778) or email us at consumerwatch@cbs5.com.

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