Universal Subscription Agency Ripoff Scammed College Student ripoff Las Vegas Nevada

My situation is much like many of the situations I've read so far. It started with two college-aged people knocking on my door at around 10PM. They told me about how they would win a trip to Cancun if they received enough points, and how they were in first place. They then told me that I could help them by subscribing to a bunch of magazines. The following day, the company was supposed to call me and verify that I wanted the magazines, and I could cancel at that time. So, they get their trip, and I don't get charged.

They did a lot of interesting things while in my room. For example, they asked me at least 10 times to give them high fives. Also, they both sat down, asked for water, and talked about things not related to the magazine stuff. They filled out all the forms for me and then had me sign them. In total, I gave them 322 dollars in checks.

They were really persistent with getting cash. They asked if I had a credit card, debit card, or cash numerous times, saying that they would get more points if they recieved cash.

Honestly, I'm really ashamed. I was totally scammed. The entire time I knew it seemed all wrong, but for some reason I still gave in.

So, they didn't end up giving me any receipts, or anything for that matter. They just took the checks and ran away. I went looking for them, but didn't find them.

The Universal Subscription Agency policy is that you have to send in the cancellation form and receipts within three business days. Because I didn't have any of these, I sent a cancellation letter including my desire to cancel all subscriptions, check information, name, address, and phone number. As suggested on their automated phone system, I sent the letter as certified mail so it is on record with the USPS... I've read some stories about people getting turned over to collection agencies because they didn't follow cancellation policies, so I tried to cover all my bases.

Also, I closed my bank account. I had the option of either stopping payment on the four checks I wrote, which would have cost about 100 dollars, or closing my account, which costs only the amount of new checks.

Hopefully everything works out now. This has definately been a learning experience. I'll be very careful in the future.

Jeffery
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
U.S.A.