What's On Your Mind? Redbox, Home Guardian

Just a few years ago, if you wanted to rent a movie, you simply drove to your neighborhood video store. Those stores are gone now, replaced with vending machines at high-traffic retail locations. But consumers have learned that renting from a machine has its drawbacks.

“I rented a movie from Redbox about a month ago and I too was charged $25.96, with them claiming I never returned the DVD,” said David, of Roswell, Ga. “I called and explained it to them and they in good faith refunded only 10.00.”

David said he was disappointed but accepted the partial refund, because he could see their point of view.

“They do not know if I am trying to scam them and get a fee DVD,” he said. “The boxes are like vending machines you use them at your own risk. That is why I will never rent movies through a vending machine because theses things can happen. I am just lucky they refunded $10.00 and consider this a cheap lesson to never rent a movie through a vending machine.”

And what happened to all the video stores? They got too expensive to operate, apparently. But it was nice to be able to deal with a human being if there was a question about whether a movie was returned or not.

Why you don't pay for mortgage modification help

States are cracking down on consultants who tell struggling homeowners they can help them avoid foreclosure or obtain a mortgage modification. In fact, a new law makes it illegal to charge an upfront fee before any mortgage aid service has been rendered. But that hasn't stopped some operators from doing it.

“I paid $1495.00 as an upfront fee for legal assistance in acquiring a loan modification and was assured through contract, a money back guarantee,” said Williams, of Lyons, Colo. “Home Guardian Solutions did not achieve this modification for me and have now disappeared. Their phones have been disconnected, website is not active, and there has been no response to e-mails requesting a refund.”

William's best bet is to contact Colorado Attorney General John Suthers' office. And for future reference, no one can guarantee they can get you a mortgage modification.