What's On Your Mind? Cipro, International Association of Benefits, Citibank

When you see prescription drug commercials on TV, sometimes half the spot is taken up with a list of side effects. William, of Knoxville, Tenn., said he was taking 500 mg of the antibiotic Cipro twice daily. After the 13th pill, he said he decided to stop taking the drug.

“After the 12th pill last night before going to bed I was fine, but during the night I awoke around 2:00 in the morning due to severe pain in the legs,” William told ConsumerAffairs.com. “Feels like someone pulling my hamstrings trying to tear them. This morning I took another not thinking that this was due to the pills but then diarrhea set in after that pill and even more pain in the legs.”

We've checked, and Cipro does in fact have a lengthy list of potential side effects, which include leg pain. William needs to immediately check with his doctor and get on a different medication. Not every person can take every prescription drug, which is why they require a prescription.

Just say no

Barbara, of Jersey City, N.J., says she had an encounter with a fast-talking sales rep for International Association of Benefits, offering a medical discount card. These cards are not insurance and are of very little value, but Barbara said she was afraid she was going to lose her health insurance and agreed.

“It all happened so fast, Barbara said. “I gave them my debit card number and social security number. Immediately after, I found out the company was a scam. I read literally thousands of complaints about them and found out there was a special alert about this company with the BBB. I know I should have checked into it first, but she was so adamant.”

Barbara said she successfully canceled the account, but to date has not received a refund.

“I have my bank investigating this,” Barbara said. “I have filed a complaint with the BBB and the FTC. I do not believe they will return my money and I really can't spare it right now.”

Barbara should also file a complaint with New Jersey Attorney General Paula Dow's office, which has a very active Consumer Affairs Division. And it should go without saying, never use a debit card for an online or over-the-phone purchase. You are giving a complete stranger access to your bank account. You should also never tolerate a pushing telemarketer. Just hang up.

Quick turn-around

Jackie, who lives in Hong Kong,said she was surprised when she received her Citibank credit card statement on June 1 with a due date of June 1.

“On 2 June, 2011 I paid the statement balance and called Citibank,” Jackie told ConsumerAffairs.com. “They insist I have to pay for the service charge and penalty. I accused Citibank has delayed posting the payment notice to the customers on purpose.”

That is indeed puzzling, since the recently passed CARD Act specifically requires card issuers to give card holders “a reasonable amount of time to make payments.” It's possible that Jackie overlooked an initial bill. But then, since she doesn't live in the United States, it's possible she is not covered by the terms of the CARD Act. It would be interesting to hear from other non-U.S. cardholders on this topic.