Sears isn't the only store with unfavorable credit terms.
My objection to your statement is that you single out Sears for something that A) is not manadatory for customers; B) is not fraud as you purport.
Sorry, if people don't understand credit that is their problem. I understnd that circumstances can encourage the use of store credit but anyone should be able to see that $10/month won't pay off a $700 fridge in a year. Or two. Espeically at 21%.
Legally, not fraud. Morally? It's purposeful exploitation of the ignorant.