Consumer Affairs Director Beth Lindstrom periodically participates in WCVB Channel 5's Midday Call In show and takes questions from consumers. Following are questions and responses received on October 26, 2004. We have included both questions that were answered during the broadcast and questions that were not answered on the air due to lack of time. Feel free to contact the Office of Consumer Affairs at (888)-283-3757 if you have any questions related to these issues.

Questions Answered On the Air:

My family and I went pumpkin picking last weekend. I believe that we may have been overcharged, due to incorrect measuring equipment. Is there anything I can do?

We certainly suggest you contact the pumpkin patch about the issue. Ask to speak with a manager and hopefully they will be able to clarify and rectify the situation. If in fact you still believe that the measuring equipment may be faulty, you may contact the Division of Standards to seek an investigation. The monitor measuring and weighing equipment throughout the state and levy fines if there are problems.

I bought a computer from a seller on Ebay. The computer is defective and I have been unable to contact the seller. What can I do?

First, contact Ebay directly, and let them know that you are unable to contact the seller. They may have other means of getting in touch with the seller. Even though you purchased the item on the Internet, the Massachusetts defective merchandise law would still protect you. Since the merchandise is defective, you are entitled to choose a refund, exchange. If you paid by credit card, contact your credit card company immediately. They may be able to freeze your charge if you call them quickly. If you completed your transaction through Paypal or another payment service, contact the company because they have certain protections as well.

My credit card debt is getting worst, and I want to know if there is anything you can suggest to help with the situation?

The Consumer Credit Counseling Service provides help to those in your current situation. I would definitely suggest contacting them to see how they can help you. You may contact the Consumer Credit Counseling Service at 800-388-2227. I would also suggest contacting your credit card companies. They may be able to work out a payment plan. Theses companies will likely work hard to make sure some payment still comes in through a payment plan, rather than you defaulting altogether. Review your bills and determine which bills you are paying the most interest on. You will want to try to combat those bills first.