NSS Magazines unauthorized charges ripoff consumer fraud ripoff Newburgh New York

Like many other reports I've read, I was browsing the internet one day and came to a page for a free magazine subscriptions to a few magazines of my choice. I was give so many points and the magazines were based on a points system, so I got 5 magazines. Well, I got a few subscriptions of each for a few months and THEN received a letter stating that I would have to cancel these magazines or I the subscription on them would be renewed. As others have said, I was given the impression that this would not have to be done, as I do not usually subscribe to anything (free) that I have to cancel, simply do to situations where the consumer does not follow through on cancellations and fees are charged. Well, I called the number anyway and got an automated line, where the lady recognizes what you're saying and repeats it to you, cancelling one magazine at a time. I cancelled these magazines at the end of last year (2001) it is now April 2002. In the past week, I was charged around $45 for two magazines, which I was still receiving, but I assumed they were free and would stop when the subscription was up.

Well, I called the phone number and he asked for my account number to verify the charges. I would not give him the number and I told him he'd have to look it up under my name. He looked my account up and verified the two charges for LHJ Magazine and W Magazine. He then asked if I would like to receive these magazines anymore. I told him no, and he credited my account (supposedly) $44.00. I will keep an eye on it to make sure it was done.

The reason why I feel I was ripped off is because, first of all, I didn't give them any account numbers (bank card), otherwise I would not have taken the subcriptions. Secondly, they now have my debit card # and I cannot prevent any charges they might make on my account, where-as most consumers would get your account number on the actual account (not the card)and transfer the amount out of your account monthly or yearly, which can be stopped just by calling my bank. But, now my bank says they can't do anything about it, because it was an actual debit using my debit card #. If I close my account and the charges still go through, I have to pay them anyway. Hopefully there will be no more charges, but the fact that a company has my debit card # is too much worry. Take my advice, do not accept any offers from NSS Magazines.

Pamela
Locust Grove, Georgia