NMS Subscriptions - SKS Services - Services Unlimited Plus, ripoff Deceptive, Unethical, Unprofessional, & Fradulant Renewal Practices, Price Gouging Glendale Arizona

Just to update this listing...

In recent weeks, I have followed the FTC's instructions and sent a certified, return receipt letter to NMS. I have not heard from Galaxy Collection again. I have received some information from the Better Business Bureau in Arizona and Florida. Florida simply wanted some more information. Arizona sent me the reply from NMS. They state that they believe the money is owed and should be paid.

As I have seen from other postings concerning NMS, and their similarly named companies, it appears their actions are continuing throughout the country. I have checked with ESPN Magazine and my subsription is paid through 2005, thus I had no reason to renew. Furthermore, NMS presenting themselves as ESPN Magazine's subscription services further hinders their credibility.

If anything further occurs, I will post it.

This afternoon I contacted Galaxy Credit Corporation concerning what would happen if I was sent to collection there. I was told what my options would be. Ralph was the name of the individual I spoke with. He said I should simply pay the $31.46 and "chalk it up to experience instead of taking time and money fighting." After 30 minutes on the phone, I was convinced.

An hour later I got a call from Ralph at Galaxy. He stated that a collection was filed on behalf of NMS for the entire $113.00 amount. He stated he could settle for the sum of $75.00. I was shocked and asked how I this could happen when less than 24 hours I spoke with Kathy at NMS who told me to send a check for $31.46. This makes the second occasion I was proposed a settlement only to be reicended prematurely. Ralph told me that Kathy stated I was "cursed profusely at her." This is an extreme lie as I cursed on one occasion when I muttered "d**n" to myself and not at her. On the second call after I was hung-up on, Kathy cursed at me using "s**t" on two occasions. Of course, I doubt this was on tape. It appears NMS only tape records when it benefits them. I ended my conversation with Galaxy asking for a few days to mull my options as yet again I have threatened with credit harm. Simply unbelieveable. Oh, and NMS has signed over its rights to settle the claim to a third party, Galaxy, thus they contractually cannot speak with me. If they settled with me directly than they would owe Galaxy the remaining amount to $75.00.

At this point, the issue has moved from fradulant misrepresentation and unfair consumer practices to an issue of credit and collection fraud. I contacted the Better Business Bureau of Central/Northern Arizona. Basically, all the BBB does is file the complaint take statements from each side of the complaint (basically he said, she said) and then put the results in their file or website report. Who checks this? I was then referred to the Federal Trade Commission. I contacted the FTC via the web (www.ftc.gov) and phone (1-877-382-4357). I spoke with Wendy. I filed a complaint concerning the credit and collection practices of NMS. I was given instructions to send a letter outlining my complaint and issues to NMS and send it certified mail with return receipt. This will be done tomorrow. The FTC also recommended I contact the Florida Attorney General and my local Better Business Bureau. I have left a message with the Florida State Consumer Protection Agency (Florida Attorney General) and filed a formal complaint online. The Florida State Consumer Protection Agency phone number is 1-866-966-7226. It was past 5 p.m. before I could contact the local BBB in my area.

To summerize, complaints have now been filed with the Arizona Attorney General, Better Business Bureau of Central/Northern Arizona, Federal Trade Commission, and Florida State Consumer Protection Agency (Florida Attorney General). I will contact the local BBB tomorrow at 1-727-535-5522.

I certainly hope all the information I have been posting will be helpful to others either as a deterrent or aid in their pursuit of true consumer protection in the face of consumer malpractice.

NMS Subscriptions apparantly also uses or has used in the past the business names NMS Services and NMS. Seems that all these companies are the same. You will notice that each uses a Post Office Box in Glendale, Arizona.

I checked the Better Business Bureau through www.BBB.org and found that Glendale, Arizona is situated under the Better Business Bureau of Central/Northern Arizona located online at http://www.phoenix.bbb.org/.

You can file a complaint through the Better Business Bureau of Central/Northern Arizona using this link http://bbbtest.e-asp.net/(izpo1u55u0xgcq55sei2maif)/Default.aspx or simply searching for a business and hit "File Complaint" near the top right of the page. Please note that the complaint process only allows for 2030 characters in the actual description of the complaint. This can pose a problem in fully explaining the issue.

The following is the Better Business Bureau report for NMS. The link is http://www.data.bbb.org/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=phoenix/phoenix/showrpt.html?zid=15002181:

SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES
P.O. Box 12613
Glendale, AZ 85318

Principal: Jacob Short, Quality Assurance
Phone Number: 888-293-5840
Fax Number: 480-517-5068
Web Site Address: www.circ2.com
Type of Business: Magazines Sold Door-to-Door
Magazine Sales by Mail
Magazine Sales by Telephone


The information in this report has either been provided by the company, or has been compiled by the Bureau from other sources.

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Based on BBB files, this company has an unsatisfactory record with the Bureau due to unanswered and unresolved complaints and a failure to correct the underlying reason for the complaints. The company has responded to some compliants presented by the Bureau. Complaints generally concern non-receipt of merchandise and difficulty obtaining refunds.

LICENSING INFORMATION

This company is in an industry that may require licensing, bonding or registration in order to lawfully do business. The Bureau encourages you to check with the appropriate agency to be certain any requirements are currently being met.

ADDITIONAL BUSINESS NAMES

This company also does business as:
NATIONAL MAGAZINE SERVICES;
NMS;
SERVICE UNLIMITED PLUS;
SERVICES UNLIMITED PLUS;
SKS SERVICES and
SKS SUBSCRIPTION.

ADDITIONAL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Additional phone numbers for this company include:
(800) 293-5840,
(800) 536-4704,
(877) 249-9075 and
(888) 298-3584.

ADDITIONAL FILE INFORMATION

The Bureau has requested basic information from this company. The Bureau has not received a response. Without this information, the Bureau may not have current information concerning such things as the company's management or its nature of business.

EDUCATIONAL/GENERAL COMMENTS

Consumers contacted by door-to-door salespersons, telephone solicitors or mail should check the reputation of the sales company before subscribing. Checks should be made payable to the company, and consumers are advised to keep a record of the company's name, address and phone number as well as the date of the transaction and the names of the ordered magazines.

Consumers should exercise caution in giving their credit card numbers to unfamiliar persons or companies.

REPORT DATE: 11/30/2004

COPYRIGHT DATE: 2004 The Better Business Bureau

STANDARD DISCLAIMER

As a matter of policy, the Better Business Bureau does not endorse any product, service, or company. BBB reports generally cover a three-year reporting period, and are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. Information contained in this report is believed reliable but not guaranteed as to accuracy. Reports are subject to change at any time.

The Better Business Bureau reports on members and non-members. Membership in the BBB is voluntary. Members must meet and maintain BBB standards. If a company is a member of the BBB, it is stated in this report.

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The report for NMS Services contains less information regarding ownership and website information than the NMS listing. The report is below and is located at http://www.data.bbb.org/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=phoenix/phoenix/showrpt.html?zid=13003024

NMS SERVICES
P O Box 8050
Glendale, AZ 85312

Phone Number: 888-334-7996
Type of Business: Magazine Sales by Telephone


The information in this report has either been provided by the company, or has been compiled by the Bureau from other sources.

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Any complaints processed by the Bureau in its three-year reporting period have been resolved. The number and type of complaints are not unusual for a company in this industry.

LICENSING INFORMATION

This company is in an industry that may require licensing, bonding or registration in order to lawfully do business. The Bureau encourages you to check with the appropriate agency to be certain any requirements are currently being met.

REPORT DATE: 11/30/2004

COPYRIGHT DATE: 2004 The Better Business Bureau

STANDARD DISCLAIMER

As a matter of policy, the Better Business Bureau does not endorse any product, service, or company. BBB reports generally cover a three-year reporting period, and are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. Information contained in this report is believed reliable but not guaranteed as to accuracy. Reports are subject to change at any time.

The Better Business Bureau reports on members and non-members. Membership in the BBB is voluntary. Members must meet and maintain BBB standards. If a company is a member of the BBB, it is stated in this report.

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The collection agency spoken of by NMS was Galaxy. Using the Better Business Bureau site I found Galaxy Credit Corporation which is a collection agency. I have pasted their report below so you can contact them directly concerning any possible collection activities that would transpire through their company. The link to the BBB Report is http://www.data.bbb.org/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=phoenix/phoenix/showrpt.html?zid=35006037


GALAXY CREDIT CORP.
P.O. Box 5628
Peoria, AZ 85385

Phone Number: 877-742-5300
Type of Business: Collection Agencies


The information in this report has either been provided by the company, or has been compiled by the Bureau from other sources.

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Any complaints processed by the Bureau in its three-year reporting period have been resolved. The number and type of complaints are not unusual for a company in this industry.

LICENSING INFORMATION

This company is in an industry that may require licensing, bonding or registration in order to lawfully do business. The Bureau encourages you to check with the appropriate agency to be certain any requirements are currently being met. These agencies may include The Arizona State Banking Department. The Arizona State Banking Department is located at 2910 N. 44th Street, Suite 310 in Phoenix, AZ 85018. The Arizona State Banking Department can also be reached by calling 602.255.4421 or visiting their website at www.azbanking.com.

EDUCATIONAL/GENERAL COMMENTS

The federal Fair Debt Collection Act prohibits debt collectors from harassing people or using abusive, deceptive or unfair collection practices. This law applies to legitimate debts as well as to cases of bookkeeping errors. The law permits people to recover actual damages plus up to $1,000. Complaints should be filed with the FTC as well as the Better Business Bureau.

REPORT DATE: 11/30/2004

COPYRIGHT DATE: 2004 The Better Business Bureau

STANDARD DISCLAIMER

As a matter of policy, the Better Business Bureau does not endorse any product, service, or company. BBB reports generally cover a three-year reporting period, and are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. Information contained in this report is believed reliable but not guaranteed as to accuracy. Reports are subject to change at any time.

The Better Business Bureau reports on members and non-members. Membership in the BBB is voluntary. Members must meet and maintain BBB standards. If a company is a member of the BBB, it is stated in this report.

If you have had dealings with NMS Subscriptions and would like to file a complaint through the Arizona Attorney General here is the website:

http://www.attorney_general.state.az.us/
Then Click Consumers on the right side or use this link: http://www.attorney_general.state.az.us/consumer/index.html
Then Click Online Complaint Form or use this link:
http://www.attorney_general.state.az.us/consumer/complaintformintro.html

You might be able to forego the other links above and simply use this link to go directly to the form:
http://www.attorney_general.state.az.us/consumer/complaintform.html

I just wanted to outline the way to get there just in case you have any trouble using one of the links.

Fill out the complaint and let your voice be heard.

I found this Rip-Off Report concerning SKS and it sounded similar to the scam I encountered. I am pasting it below:

Submitted: 3/11/2003 9:05:31 PM
Modified: 3/11/2003 9:05:31 PM

SKS Subscription, NMS, Services Unlimited, SKS Subscription, Services Unlimited Plus, NMS SKS Subscr offers magazine renewal ripoff Mesa Arizona

SKS Subscription,NMS, Services Unlimited Plus, NMS
Address:
2655 W. Guadalupe Road
Mesa Arizona
U.S.A.
Phone Number:
888-293-5840
Fax:


I did not receive magazine subscription to Reader's Digest. Contacted the magazine directly - and they confirmed that SKS Magazine was a legitimate company to accept RD renewals. They gave me the SKS phone number. As of yet I have not gotten an answer when I called SKS.

SKS called my home and represented themselves as calling for Reader's Digest to get my renewal - seem to have details and know about my current subscription and how they would handle non-interrupted service for me. NOT!!! I have yet to get a Reader's Digest from the renewal done in Oct 2002. I have received some "freebie" magazines though not the ones mentioned in the package deal to renew. Some Deal!

Not only are we the consumer being ripped off, looks like some reputable magazines are also getting the bad end of this one.

Let's all continue to fight this one! Phoenix BBB has updated this company with a unfavorable report on there web site as of 3-11-2003.

I found this Rip-Off Report concerning SKS and it sounded similar to the scam I encountered. I am pasting it below:

Submitted: 3/11/2003 9:05:31 PM
Modified: 3/11/2003 9:05:31 PM

SKS Subscription, NMS, Services Unlimited, SKS Subscription, Services Unlimited Plus, NMS SKS Subscr offers magazine renewal ripoff Mesa Arizona

SKS Subscription,NMS, Services Unlimited Plus, NMS
Address:
2655 W. Guadalupe Road
Mesa Arizona
U.S.A.
Phone Number:
888-293-5840
Fax:


I did not receive magazine subscription to Reader's Digest. Contacted the magazine directly - and they confirmed that SKS Magazine was a legitimate company to accept RD renewals. They gave me the SKS phone number. As of yet I have not gotten an answer when I called SKS.

SKS called my home and represented themselves as calling for Reader's Digest to get my renewal - seem to have details and know about my current subscription and how they would handle non-interrupted service for me. NOT!!! I have yet to get a Reader's Digest from the renewal done in Oct 2002. I have received some "freebie" magazines though not the ones mentioned in the package deal to renew. Some Deal!

Not only are we the consumer being ripped off, looks like some reputable magazines are also getting the bad end of this one.

Let's all continue to fight this one! Phoenix BBB has updated this company with a unfavorable report on there web site as of 3-11-2003.

I found this Rip-Off Report concerning SKS and it sounded similar to the scam I encountered. I am pasting it below:

Submitted: 3/11/2003 9:05:31 PM
Modified: 3/11/2003 9:05:31 PM

SKS Subscription, NMS, Services Unlimited, SKS Subscription, Services Unlimited Plus, NMS SKS Subscr offers magazine renewal ripoff Mesa Arizona

SKS Subscription,NMS, Services Unlimited Plus, NMS
Address:
2655 W. Guadalupe Road
Mesa Arizona
U.S.A.
Phone Number:
888-293-5840
Fax:


I did not receive magazine subscription to Reader's Digest. Contacted the magazine directly - and they confirmed that SKS Magazine was a legitimate company to accept RD renewals. They gave me the SKS phone number. As of yet I have not gotten an answer when I called SKS.

SKS called my home and represented themselves as calling for Reader's Digest to get my renewal - seem to have details and know about my current subscription and how they would handle non-interrupted service for me. NOT!!! I have yet to get a Reader's Digest from the renewal done in Oct 2002. I have received some "freebie" magazines though not the ones mentioned in the package deal to renew. Some Deal!

Not only are we the consumer being ripped off, looks like some reputable magazines are also getting the bad end of this one.

Let's all continue to fight this one! Phoenix BBB has updated this company with a unfavorable report on there web site as of 3-11-2003.

I have been continuing to search for information concerning NMS Subscriptions. Using other Rip-Off Reports, I found a new phone number for Services Unlimited Plus at 1-800-536-4704. I called the number and spoke with Velda, who is the same individual mentioned in so many other Rip-Off Reports.

I asked Velda if SUP was affiliated with NMS Subscriptions. She stated "no." I then asked if she knew of NMS. She stated that SUP used to do customer service for them, but have not in quite some time. She was unaware if the same owners are still in charge of NMS or anything else.

As I explained my story to her concerning NMS, she seemed shocked that they could charge or use actual collection services to hurt my credit. She advised, much like the customer service representative and supervisor with ESPN Magazine, that I simply try writing cancel on the invoice and returning it.

I have faxed a letter, copies of two Rip-Off Reports on NMS Subscriptions, and a copy of my invoice to Cassandra at ESPN Magazine. I will keep everyone posted as I continue to gather information concerning NMS Subscriptions.