Magazine Service Center, AKA, Synapse Group Credit Card/Consumer fraud ripoff!! Beware!You sign up for 6 months free then they continue to charge your credit card yearly "renewing" w/o your permission. Stamford Connecticut

Thanks for the information regarding how to get a "live" person and not a recording. I had receivied a year's free (a $2.00 processing fee was noted and charged) subscription through BizRate.com for TIME magazine. This was processed through the Magazine Service Center.

Just before my subscription ended, I did receive a postcard, and called the MSC to "not renew". I kept my confirmation number just in case. Shortly afterward, I received another offer through another website for a free 1 year's subscription to TIME. I took them up on it, paid the $2.00 processing fee, and noticed it was also processed by the MSC. I started receiving duplicate copies of TIME because my 1st subscription had not yet run out. I called TIME and they consolidated the 2 subscriptions into one.

About a month after the 2nd offer, I was charged $59.00 as a renewal fee for the 1st subscription. When I noticed this, I called the MSC, but could not access anyone to talk to. You can cancel your subscription, but only after it runs out. Thus, they will not bill you again next year.
Using the "dial zeros" procedure, I was able to speak to a representative, who noted the mistake and refunded the $59.00 charged in error. It was easy....only AFTER you get someone on the line. Not a rip-off, but they certainly make it difficult to know how to speak to a representative.

Advice.... after you 1st subscribe to a magazine, you will receive a postcard in the mail confirming your subscription, the fact that they will renew next year, and contact information. KEEP IT ON FILE! And remember the trick to get a live representative.