Extra! Extra! Read all about this subscription deception
Many people have subscriptions to their beloved dailies or weeklies. But that notice in the mail saying your subscription is about to expire, or offering to get a subscription started, could be from a company that has no relationship with your newspaper or magazine. It may be from a scammer who wants to get into your wallet.
The FTC filed a complaint to stop Liberty Publishers Service, Inc., Associated Publishers Network, Inc., Express Publishers Service, Inc., and others from soliciting new subscriptions and renewals from people. The FTC says these companies sent out mailers that looked like real notices saying people’s subscriptions would automatically renew if they paid, and claiming to offer the lowest available rates.
Except those claims weren’t true. The rates were actually up to 40 percent higher than the publishers’ and some people never even got their papers. And when people tried to cancel their payments, the FTC says they either were unsuccessful or only got a partial refund.
How to avoid being misled by deceptive subscription offers?
- Pay online at the newspaper’s or magazine’s website or contact the subscription department by phone. Use the number on your paper, online, or on a previous bill.
- Consider auto-renewal and payment, so you don’t have to rely on renewal notices sent by postal mail. If possible, pay with a credit card. It offers fraud protections.
- Be aware of changes to your bill. If the price or billing period changes, contact the publication using contact info you know is real. You can confirm rate offers with the subscriptions department.
- Be on the lookout for suspicious invoices. If you have questions or suspect an invoice is fake, check with your publication’s subscription department.
And if a company misleads you with a subscription offer, report it to the FTC.
Comments
thanks for the invite
I have about 4 subscriptions all of which I pay online but I get constant mail reminders about renewing my subscription. I now keep a reminder in my calendar to remind me when these are due and take all mail and shred it.
Been receiving magazines I didn't order.
I complain, ehy i'm not get comission.
Thanks!
I was trying to apply for a loan they said I was approved for 5,000 dollars but I had to go to a Walmart,CVS,rite aid. And put 200.00 dollars on the card and then they will deposit it in my bank account. She called from this number.(310)362-4879
I'm concerned about multiple legitimate subscription renewal notices which I receive from the same magazine, often when I have one or two years remaining on a subscription. FTC rules should be amended/added to require each renewal notice to list the expiration date of the current subscription.
I received a message from this number (310) 362-4879 saying that I had been approved for a $5,000 unsecured loan. But, I had to verify I could make the payment by making the first payment using a pre-paid debit card, then about an hour later I would recieve the funds into my account. Right. Obvious scam because the interest rate at the beginning of the message was 10% and at the end of the message, it was 14.99%. No bank would finance a personal loan like that, so I know a finance company, which has to charge higher interest rates just to cover the credit defaults, would never do such a loan. Obvious scam.
Please never send money to get a loan. No legitimate lender is going to ask you to pay upfront for the loan.
I've been trying to cancel my subscription(s) but I keep getting magazines! Is there a way to unsubscribe? I've tried directly to the magazine and also thru Amazon where I ordered them from. Thanks.
Try going to the magazine's website, locating the cancellation link, and filling in the required information. Depending on the magazine, the cancellation may take effect right away or it may take a few days.
If you can't find the cancellation link, click the Contact Us link to reach customer service.
I have been trying to cancel SELF magazine. There is no contact number. I emailed SELF customer care, and it sends me to GLAMOUR customer care. They will cancel GLAMOUR, which I never ordered in the first place. It just started being delivered. I've noticed that the SELF magazine and GLAMOUR magazine have the exact same account number. How did that happen? I need help canceling SELF magazine, as I am moving and need deliveries and payments stopped.
Try going to the magazine's website, locating the cancellation link, and filling in the required information. Depending on the magazine, the cancellation may take effect right away or it may take a few days. If you can't find the cancellation link, click the Contact Us link to reach customer service.
There might be a phone number or contact included on your credit card statement next to the charge for the magazine.
I have received the SHAPE magazine that I don't subscribe to and want it STOPPED !!!!