Comments for Ponderings and Wanderings

Comment on Magazine and Sweepstakes Telemarketer Scam Alert “Readers Services” by Sharon Cooper

Sharon Cooper — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 19:03:55 +0000

Finding this site makes me feel not so alone for sure! I had a ridiculous phone conversation with a Readers Service just moments ago. It would have been hysterical if not so infuriating. I got a phone call from them a few days ago and the lady talked so fast that I couldn’t understand her. She sounded like she wanted me to renew a subscription. I asked which company she represented. Nothing. I said that she was nuts to think I would agree to anything without knowing that. She said that I would get something in the mail listing which subs “needed” to be renewed. The letter came today and listed were 4 mags I have never subscribed to. Something made me look on the Internet for Mazazine Subs Scams and whoola! What an education! I read the FTC guidelines that should corral these mag sub scammers. Then I called them back. I complained about the 4 mags not being what I would ever order. She said that those mags were not being sent from them. Lie #1. I pointed out that it was written here on their company invoice. Lie #1 repeated. She said that the records show that I had clearly ordered them on 7/19. #2. She said that they haven’t even billed me. #3 I told her that it’s right here on the invoice it had past due amount and current amount due. ( at least 2 months it would appear) #4. She said that my complaint fell within the 5 or 7 days allowed to cancel the sub. ( not if I owed from sometime in early June) #5 Finally I said “No wonder the FTC is following scams like yours and other reader mag subcribers. I’m reading it right now as we speak”. ( Okay, my first and only lie to her!) Must have offended her. She hung up. Boy do I feel empowered now!
I plan on putting it on the agenda at a civic group I belong to and a Senior citizen weekly luncheon. Anybody that searches just “Magazine Scams” will find the FTD site I referred to and a few more sites down is one “How to Identify Magazine Subscription Scams”. Hope some of this helps someone or someone’s children or neighbors,etc..

Comment on Magazine and Sweepstakes Telemarketer Scam Alert “Readers Services” by Dan Katz

Dan Katz — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 23:39:21 +0000

To everyone who reads this post. I am no lawyer. I provide nothing but things that I would do and things that I think are common sense. I cannot be held liable for anything that results from actions taken, or not taken from what you read hear or anywhere else. Hey, I am just sharing my own experience and encouraging others to do the same to get these folks and others off our backs.

Comment on Magazine and Sweepstakes Telemarketer Scam Alert “Readers Services” by Dan Katz

Dan Katz — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 23:35:19 +0000

Remember, you can always simply hang up and ignore a call. Fine – have someone call you and you can hang up on them as well. Meanwhile, call your bank and inform them that you are being scammed and need to close your account and open a new one. This may be a hassle but is a way to protect you from harm.

Comment on Magazine and Sweepstakes Telemarketer Scam Alert “Readers Services” by Dan Katz

Dan Katz — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 23:33:54 +0000

Have her clearly document the conversations and record any new conversations. Then have everything nicely packaged and sent to your state attorney general’s office and your credit card complaint services. Then if they call always ask for a supervisor to state that a complain has been filed with your state attorney general and ask for further contact information for their lawyers.

Comment on Magazine and Sweepstakes Telemarketer Scam Alert “Readers Services” by Dan Katz

Dan Katz — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 23:32:12 +0000

There is little chance you will be able to get your money back. getting money from a reputable company is hard enough. Getting money from a company that appears to routinely scams tens of thousands of people will be near impossible. the only chance you have is to contact your credit card company.

Comment on Magazine and Sweepstakes Telemarketer Scam Alert “Readers Services” by Dan Katz

Dan Katz — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 23:30:44 +0000

Call your credit card company and in the future realize that any such cold calls are ridiculous. Apply common sense and the fact that anyone who calls your home for something is likely not a good deal. if you had wanted something in the first place you would have reached out to someone.

Comment on Magazine and Sweepstakes Telemarketer Scam Alert “Readers Services” by Dan Katz

Dan Katz — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 23:29:29 +0000

Glad top hear you took action. My efforts to the BBB have simply continued their poor rating. I am glad to hear you will reinforce it as well.

Comment on Magazine and Sweepstakes Telemarketer Scam Alert “Readers Services” by Carol

Carol — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:49:31 +0000

I called my credit card company and told them not to accept any charges from Reader’s Services. I have had the exact same experience as above – they have called 5 times and won’t let me go. When I ask for a supervisor they hang up. So, so frustrating because they won’t stop calling. Next time they call, I’m immediately telling them that I’m reporting them to the Better Business Bureau!!!