Hi I have a very serious issue that needs professional advice. This might be the most unique interesting situation you have ever heard you might think it is a tiny bit hard to believe but I will later prove it is true.

My 64 year old parents recently had a man come to them at their work and persuade them to enter a business deal where they would lose a significant amount of money. In this deal they were persuaded to make a mistake because this guy took advantage of their kind nature through the reciprocation of a gift and the desire to honor a commitment.

The process took 5 months and they gradually became very committed. I discovered they were going to lose a lot of money and I told them this. But when I did this it made themselves appear inconsistent with their self image. They experienced cognitive dissonance and they rationalized “I’m a smart person and would never make this kind of mistake plus I’m better and more experienced than a 20 year old college student“. So they self persuaded themselves that there was something wrong with me.

After all they are good people and could never make that kind of mistake no matter how overwhelming the evidence is that they are. So to save my own hide and prevent them from thinking I was mentally ill and ruining my life by forcing me into a mental hospital, I gave them some prescription pain medication I had from a previous injury that I never took. They then rationed “Okay he was just experimenting on drugs we are right“. I tried contacting their friends to help them. But they experienced cognitive dissonace too and couldn’t believe that their lifelong friends were making a huge mistake it would challenge their own self image about the friends they selected for their life. It would mean their lives weren’t what they thought they were. Physicist Max Planck once said that old people don’t change their beliefs they just die out and a new generation comes to familiarize themselves with the new ideas.

One of their friends told them I contacted them and they then rationalized that I was a drug addict since I took the drugs and told people they were making a mistake which they knew they weren’t I must be an addict.

I tried telling my mom she was mistaken that I was an addict but I couldn’t break through the solid metal armor of self justification she had even with irrefutable evidence. She further convinced herself that I was a drug addict. She tried drug testing and I ran away because if she got a false on the drug test when I was supposed to be on drugs, she would be forced to think I might have mental problems and she would send to a mental hospital and ruin my record and I could never get a good job. Now my parents are going to lose all of their money. They think I’m an animal that needs to be locked in a cage. They take me to narcotics anonymous meetings and they keep me locked in the house. Even though I’m perfectly okay. They took my car/phone/ and credit card so I’m pretty isolated. In their deal they are about to lose a large fortune in the next few days.

If I take this to a psychologist/ therapist/ counselor/ social will they believe this or are they liable to put that I’m crazy on my record? We are all biological creatures so they have are own prejudices and bias they could do that. Even if have irrefutable evidence my parents are being conned. However most people with mental illness develop them at my age so they could possibly think I’m crazy. I might even create cognitive dissonance in therapist and challenge what she believes true about their own self image and their own subjective view of reality.

I have hard concrete scientific facts that my parents are being ripped off though and I will change my mind if someone can disprove my evidence. It is not uncommon that anyone would try to take advantage of another person for a large fortune either. I really need professional help if I’m going to save my parents too. What should I do?

Technorati Tags: 5 months, amount of money, business deal, cognitive dissonace, cognitive dissonance, frien, kind nature, lifelong friends, max planck, medication, mental hospital, mistake, new generation, pain medication, physicist max planck, professional advice, reciprocation, self image, smart person, tiny bit

Since I started using my debit card more and more at restaurants, I started to notice more the tips line on the receipt. I usually just cross it out and give them cash for a tip. However, I’ve started to fill it out instead because of convenience and I usually don’t have any small bills on hand.

My question is, which type of tip would a server prefer? Since it has to grow through the credit card machine and the establishment first, I am thinking credit card tips tend to be frowned upon, but that tip line on the receipt is always in your face and it seems more and more awkward to just put cash on the table, like it’s something my grandparents would do but not this generation. Also, everytime I leave a tip with the signed receipt on the table and leave, I am always worried that someone from the table next to it will jack the money when no one is looking.

I am also worried about credit card tips in that there was this popular Mexican restaurant near me where the restaurant owners stole a lot of the credit card tips or underpaid the servers their tip dues and there was some sort of lawsuit over it. Since I’m not directly putting money into the server’s hands, it kind of bothers me. But it also feels socially awkward to dig for change to give to the server, especially if they are around and waiting on you. Tipping by credit card is far more discreet, there’s less tension, at least on my part, and if I give them something either too inadequate (or too lavish) I won’t have to see their reaction since a small stack of ones is easier to read then a receipt tucked away and closed in that receipt holder thing.

I’m just curious right now, since I just ordered pizza online and the website mentioned that I should tip the driver if I feel generous after signing my receipt, but it never mentions HOW I should tip them.

Technorati Tags: convenience, credit card machine, credit card tips, debit card, grandparents, money, pizza, receipt, restaurants, servers, stack, tension, tip line

I lost my job about a month ago. I am in the process of interviewing and looking for other jobs. I have about 3K in my 401K to withdraw from. Should I take this $$ until I find something? Right now I am fortunate enough not to have to pay for rent or food, but still have other monthly bills (credit card, cell phone, etc)

Thanks!

Technorati Tags: 401k, cell phone, credit card, job, jobs

Hi guys,

If I’m doing telemarketing or door-to-door sales, how do I close the sale and get them to pay?

I’m guessing I can just take their credit card info? But what if it’s like telemarketing and they can’t be physically in front of my credit card machine?

Should I setup a merchant account to accept credit cards?

How should I instruct my salesmen to close the sales? If the prospect is convinced, do the salesmen just take their credit cards and process it on the spot? How? Do they need to carry a credit card machine around?
Can I just use Paypal for something like this?
It’s B2B - business to business, so selling marketing packages to business owners.

Technorati Tags: b2b business, business owners, credit card info, credit card machine, marketing, merchant account to accept credit cards, salesmen, telemarketing

I would like to know if this is a legitimate entity in processing visa application for Australia. A guy there called me on my mobile and after some few interviews, he then asked me of my credit card information and then insist to give him my card code for them to activate my activation. I never disclose my card’s code. What is the correct procedure in applying an Australia Visa?

Technorati Tags: australia visa, credit card information, visa application

I am in the process of applying for my first cell phone application (I was in involved in a family plan before). The representative was going to do a credit check on me a few hours ago, but the computer system was not working, so I could not apply (this had nothing to do with my credit, for it happened with some other customers today).

I do have a high balance on two credit cards, otherwise, I always pay them, and have never been late on paying. I always pay above the minimum balance. I also have a couple of credit cards with very high credit lines (several thousand, at least), but I hardly ever use them and they have very, very low balances. I have also paid off a few credit cards in the past couple of years. Would this type of credit history be okay enough to have my own new cell phone?

Technorati Tags: cell phone, computer system, credit cards, credit check, credit history, minimum balance, phone application, several thousand

My LLC went under, but stills owes money on a credit card machine lease that hasn’t been paid on in months. I opened the account before there was a tax ID, so they used my SS#. Can they affect my personal credit or am I protected by the LLC?

Technorati Tags: credit card machine, money, personal credit, ss, tax id

I have quite a few questions on the subject so if you only have the answer to one PLEASE answer it anyway. All informative answers are GREATLY appreciated.

I have heard that it is very difficult to get a job teaching English in South Korea without a degree. I’ve also heard that it would be best to just go out there and start looking.

—Should I just go out there and start looking?
—How can I get help paying for this whole process? (Credit cards, loans, etc.)
—Will I have trouble finding places since I don’t speak fluent Korean (For example, with reading job offers, getting around, etc.)?
—Once I get a job offer and accepted for it, how do I apply for a visa to work LEGALLY (I know it’s possible so please don’t say that it’s not)?
—Which visa should I apply for (keeping in mind that I don’t have a degree)?
—I would really like to continue my education in teaching (especially so that this process is a lot easier) how can I do so while I’m out there?
—And FINALLY, can I rent an apartment during the job hunting process or will I only be allowed to stay at hotels, hostels, etc.?

Also, I am completing my TESOL course and I would like to go to school to get my bachelors, I would just rather do everything out there. I’ve always had this dream to live outside of the US and South Korea was always the place I wanted to be (And still is ^_^).

Again, any informative answers are greatly appreciated. And if you know of a place where I can get the answers (website, phone number, etc.) please leave them as well.

Thank you so much in advance!

Technorati Tags: apartment, bachelors, credit cards, education, hotels, informative answers, job hunting, job offer, loans, phone number, south korea, teaching english in south korea, tesol course, visa

I will be traveling to Ghana in a few weeks, and I will be there for about 20 days. I know I’ll be going to the markets, so I was wondering if they will accept a credit card. My guess is no, but I don’t want to be carrying a lot of cash around. Are there ATM machines readily available where if I do bring a credit card I can take out Ghana currency? Thanks!

Technorati Tags: atm machines, credit card, currency, ghana, guess

Guys, i recently found out an unknown credit card charge on my account and called my bank and they said my card has been compromised. I live in Denver and this amount has been charged 2 days ago from new york for an amount of . I dont have any automatic payment set up other than my cell phone bill and that comes up around every month. Also, I check my online bill like atleast 2-3 times weekly just to makes sure I recognize all transactions.This one didnt had any details about the merchant who made the charge and so i got doubt.i called the fraud dept and they said, it was made from NY and I immediately canceled the card. I had 2 guys from a local sprinkler repair system come down to my house 3 days ago to repair my sprinkler system and i gave my credit card as payment expecting they have a credit card machine. But they didnt had any machine, wrote down my card no, exp date and 3 digit code at the back.I was little scared to see that, the next day my card been charged from NY. Do you guys think they might be behind this?
They charged the labor cost separately on my card, but this amount was made the day after they charged me the labor cost. Its only and so I am not that worried. But should i go track this issue and figure out if they are the culprit? i would be pissed if they got anything to do with this.

Technorati Tags: cell phone bill, credit card charge, credit card machine, culprit, digit code, doubt, fraud, sprinkler repair, sprinkler system

to the sign in page and didnt do anything to my order….
And i imputted all the credit card info and such, and now im so scared that it was fraud or sumthing or its bc of the website, idk what happend! and i didtn even get a verification emial as of from 5 minutes ago when i pushed hte process order button. Can someone help me and tell me whats wrong???
and it was this website http://www.igonemobile.com/
also, the credit card information was already there wen i clicked process order and hten thats hwen nothing came up except the homepage

Technorati Tags: credit card info, credit card information, fraud, idk, sumthing

says his credit card machine is down. I don’t have other way to pay for it. Can he not call it in manually?

Technorati Tags: credit card machine

I have a friend that only 19 years old and have the same amount of debit of a 40 year old with kids and 2 mortgages. she only gets paid an hour and had horrible spending habits. she mentioned that she was interested in filing for bankruptcy but i always hear that thats doing more harm then good. most of her debit is from credit cards phone bills over drawn bank accounts and household bills like cable electric things of that nature and she also has an eviction on her record. How much does filing for bankruptcy cost what chapter to file under how long does it take for the process to be complete and will she be able to regain her credit

Technorati Tags: 19 years, bank accounts, credit cards, eviction, filing for bankruptcy, household bills, mortgages, phone bills, spending habits

Can anyone please advise whether one can use VISA, MC and Amex in shops and restaurants in Italy (especially ROme, FLorence and Venice)?
Also, are there cash machines everywhere in these places or they very scarce? Does Citibank have branches in these places
Thanks for your help!

Technorati Tags: amex, citibank, florence, restaurants in italy, rome, thanks for your help, venice, visa mc

I want to be able to accept credit cards at the merch table, but there are so many options that I don’t know what would be suitable. I’ll only need the service for 3.5 weeks, so something with a long contract won’t work for me. Would I even be eligible for a merchant account, do I need one? I’ll have a laptop and iPod Touch with me, and am willing to spend up to 0 on extra equipment (such as a card reader), if that helps.
Any advice is welcome! Thank you!
Abe: We do several hundred dollars a day in sales when we’re on tour, so I’d imagine there would be SOME profit in the percentage the CC company would charge.

Technorati Tags: abe, card reader, cc company, credit cards, extra equipment, laptop, merch table, merchant account

…3750 Dual Mode. Recently, the gift card part of the machine stopped working. I was wondering if anyone knew how I could fix it. I’ve already called the company and they will not help me. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.

Technorati Tags: dual mode, gift card

so i’m getting my phone within the week (blackberry) from mts and i was wondering how long does it take? from choosing the phone to signing stuff and everything that needs to be done, how long does it take. like an hour? will i be able to use it that day? do i choose my phone number? i also don’t have a credit card and i’m 19, so will i need a credit card to get one? i heard that you have to do a deposit for like 300 or something if you don’t have a credit card, which i don’t really care about doing the deposit thing, but what is that deposit for exactly? is it all the monthly payments rolled into one, which means my phone is payed for for the whole year or something along that lines? if not how much does it cost a month? also, is choosing a plan the best route to go? i also want internet, so does that come with it? how much does the case cost because i don’t want it to scratch if i drop it. any other advice will help… i must sound so stupid, but this is my first phone and some feedback would be nice so i know what i’m doing and know what i’m talking about.

Technorati Tags: best route, blackberry, credit card, first phone, phone number

Do they have to record my voice? Before recording, do they have to ask me?

I went in a verbal agreement contract with a credit card company before, and

they let me know they gonna record my voice and I have to answer to the

automated voice "yes or no."

Without this process, verbal agreement can be legally binding?

Technorati Tags: agreement contract, credit card company, verbal agreement

I’m going to Ireland for two months and need to know if I can use my bank card at bank machines to withdraw funds like I do at home in Canada. This isn’t the same as a credit card, it’s just my plain old banking card.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!

Technorati Tags: bank machines, canada, credit card, ireland

I purchased an item from a specialty shop online and paid for it with a credit card. The website said they ship their orders within 24 hours or at the 1-3 days. They accepted my payment but it has been listed as pending for about week now and i have sent customer support messages through their website and gotten no response and to the email account i found for the administrator through a "whois" site but haven’t gotten a response either. I called the phone number they had listed and it seemed to be for the domain registery and they had a voicemail saying if i need to contact the owner of the domain to email them or send a certified letter. My only guess is that the website is no longer being managed (out of business) but they haven’t closed the site down, but I really don’t know what the case is. But how do I get my money back ?

Technorati Tags: credit card, customer support, domain registery, email account, guess, money, phone number, quot, specialty shop, support messages, voicemail

Like a Visa…ya know,to pay the bill

Technorati Tags: visa

I am trying to start a Business over the web and am trying to learn how to charge over the web for my products do i need to buy a credit card machine or do i need to do something else how do i collect my money i know nothing about starting a Business.

Technorati Tags: credit card machine, money

Ok so when I signed up with my apple ID, I used a visa gift card that had about .00 on it. I decided to buy a few apps for my iPod and I figured that the correct amount would be subtracted from the total balance that was left on the card. I also figured that once all of the money had been spent, the said transaction wouldn’t go through. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case and now I owe Apple . I have already "reported the problem" under purchase history and I received an email that said something about not being able to process the request until the payment has been made.

So I guess my question is now what? I’m only 15 and don’t have a debit/credit card and really don’t want to tell my parents about this…lol. Will Apple just forget about this or will they send me something in the mail or give me a phone call?

I’m worried…

Technorati Tags: apple id, apps, debit credit card, email, ipod, lol, mail, money, parents, phone call, purchase history, visa gift card

I’m starting a Home Business and I’m going to have customers come directly to my home to pick up their products(PC Repair). I’m wondering how I can have them pay with credit/debit card. I see those swipe and type in pin machines in stores. How do I get and set up one of those?

Technorati Tags: credit debit, starting a home business, swipe