Akron Beacon Journal, Ohio, consumer column.

Byline: Betty Lin-Fisher

Sep. 2--Earlier this summer, Betty and Richard Justice ordered new dining room furniture from Traditions Home Furnishings to replace their 50-year-old set.

They agreed to finance the purchase through a 12-month, same-as-cash deal.

But now, the Tallmadge couple has a bill from a financing company saying they owe $1,700 in 12 months for furniture they don't have.

Traditions and its companion store, Traditions Too, closed suddenly in early August after the owner said he couldn't pay mounting debts. A court-appointed receiver has taken over the operations of the business and is making arrangements to take care of customers.

The Justices don't want the furniture anymore and are worried about this looming bill.

"We want to make sure that in 12 months, we're not owing this money and we don't have anything to show for it," said Betty Justice.

On Thursday, an official of the financing company, GE Money Bank, said it appears Traditions Furniture had been turning in contracts for …