Urban 1 Inc Midwest Clearing Inc. Tugged on my heart strings to extort cash for a magazine scam Houston, Texas

On December 27, 2012, a young charming african american woman, Lynette "Murphey", knocked on my front door at approximately 7:00 pm.  She stated that she is in a program to help her grow self esteem, learn new skills, & keep a stable job.  Lynette stated that she was a young mother trying to provide for her daughter by selling magazines.  I told her that I would be willing to purchase some magazines.  As I pulled out my checkbook, Lynette stated that the price was $300 for the magazines for 6 subcriptions.  I stated that I could not afford to pay $300 for magazines.  Lynette reduced the price to $203.00 for 3 subscribtions for a total of 84 magazines.  I choose to donate these magazines, Jack & Jill, Parent & Child, & Yoga Journal, to "Safe House".  Lynette's selling point was that this would be a tax write off & my money would be going to a good place to help other young women like her.  Lynette, marked out the 1-800 number and wrote down a local number, 281-782-6035, as asked me to call it to call her boss to confirm the sale.  I called the number & there was no answer & no voicemail set up.  Lynette stated that her boss would call me back. 



As soon as Lynette left, I became concerned with the transaction.  I gave her the check on Thursday, & my check was deposited on Friday.  I never received a call from her boss.  I did call her boss on Friday & he answered the phone.  He stated that his name was "Tim".  I said that I was not happy with the transaction & and did not recieve a call from him as expected.  I stated that I wanted to cancel.  Tim stated "sure, let me get your name & address.  I will have a check out to you by the end of next week, Jan. 4, 2013." 



I called Tim on Jan. 7, 2013 asking him where my check was.  Tim stated "Oh, are you the girl that needs a check for $223.00?"  I stated "No, my check was for $203."  He stated "Ok, let me check with the girl to see if she sent the check out.  I will call you back."  Later in the day, I called back.  Tim stated "Oh, I was going to call you back, but I lost track of your phone number.  I spoke to the lady & she said that she had not sent it out.  She will send it out today & I will call you back to give you a tracking number."  I said "Ok.... Are you really going to call me back this time?"  Tim stated "Yes".  Of course, I got no follow up call.  I called Tim on Friday, Jan. 11, 2013.  There was no answer with voice mailbox still not set up. 

I began to research online and found horrible ratings on BBB.  There is an informative article written by the BBB. http://stlouis.bbb.org/article/consumers-tell-bbb-magazine-sales-firm-urban-1-duped-them-28806  

I spoke to Bill Smith, Trade Practice Investigator for the St. Louis BBB. 314-584-6727. tpc1@stlouisbbb.org

Bill stated that this a Fraudulant Company.  Bill suggested that I call my local police department and file a theft report & get in contact with local media because they still could be in the area doing the same scam to others in my neighborhood.  Bill Smith, Trade Practice Investigator for the BBB, stated that they have hundreds of reports for this scam by Urban 1 Inc.