Credit card firms turn the screws
Dear Fixer: I'm sure you've heard from hundreds of others who are being abused by their credit card companies. I have had a Citibank card since 1985. I've never been late with a payment to any of my credit cards. Recently, I got a letter saying they are raising my rate to what will be 29.99 percent unless I close it.

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Osmond fan learns online shopping lesson

Dear Fixer: I placed an order for a Donny Osmond T-shirt and photo book at Donny.com on Oct. 10, but I never got the merchandise.

Seeking 1 AmEx account, they got 2 -- plus $150 bill
Multiple credit card accounts create one big headache - and an unwanted bill.

When ComEd can't read meter, bills pile up

Dear Fixer: My family is having a problem with our ComEd bills. The problem started more than two years ago, when we started to receive large electric bills, almost double those of everyone around us.

Mud Hens players, Boyd's order have this in common

Dear Fixer: I ordered several items from Taylor Gifts but never received the merchandise or a refund.

Owner of defective tree will see the lights at last
Christmas tree lights are naughty, not nice.

Soaring credit card rates sneaky but legal
Remember the end of the horror film "Carrie," when that scary hand comes shooting up out of the grave? We're feeling a bit like that here at Fixer Headquarters. Everyone was happy when the new Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act was signed. But just when we thought interest rate surprises and other tricks were safely in the ground, we find they're not quite finished yet . . .

Missing grades, payment put former student to test

Dear Fixer: I attended National-Louis University's Michigan Avenue campus from the summer of 2000 through the fall of 2001 and completed all my classes.

Man loses Comcast e-mail just when he needs it most
Comcast lost e-mail hassle months in the making.

Fees eat up chunk of boy's unused gift card

Dear Fixer: My 10-year-old son got a $50 Visa gift card from a family member for his birthday in April 2008.

Web tix broker: long run of hits -- but now error

Dear Fixer: I purchased two tickets to a White Sox game through Onlineseats.com on Sept. 9. I have used this broker close to 50 times over the past three years and have had good experiences. As the name implies, I ordered my seats via their Web site. Any time an order is placed, this particular broker gives a discount code for either 10 percent or $35 off the next order.