Synapse Connect ripoff, deceptive practices,cancellation ignored, automated phone system Stamford Connecticut

This is a third party magazine subscription service. As a thank-you for responding to a survey related to a purchase in November 2005, I was offered up to 4 magazines for one year for $2.00 each. I chose two. I did receive them as advertised. This was on magazine-outlet.com.

On August 1, 2006, I received two postcards from Synapse Connect that looked like junk mail, but were for magazine renewal. In very tiny fine print on the back of the card it said the magazines would be automatically renewed on my debit card unless I called to cancel by Sept 10. I called.

I got an automated voice-response phone system that was maddening to use. There was no way to reach a person. I eventually was able to cancel both subscriptions and received confirmation numbers. I was also informed that they would continue the magazines until Sept. 10, even though the expiration on the magazines was Nov. 6.

After searching their name and reading the many complaints about this company, I contacted my bank right away and asked to have Synapse Connect blocked from charging my account. I was told I would have to either change my card number or pay $30.00 to stop payment. I felt these were both very inconvenient options.

Sure enough, on Sept 12 I noted two charges on my card to "TWX magazines", for the renewal charges, totalling over $78.00. (which by the way is higher than if I renewed directly through the magazines). I called the number on the charge, got the automated system again. I first chose the option "explain a charge". Then I tried to cancel again, but the choice to cancel and get a refund also included a "special" for $5.95 for 11 more issues. Of course I said no, which apparently also said no to the cancellation. Very slick. I kept pressing "zero", the machine said it would be a long wait and tried to talk me out of it. Pressed zero again.

Ten seconds later I got a human. She of course didn't know what had happened to the first cancellation, and said I had not cancelled today. (surprise!). She said she would cancel the charge and refund me in 1 to 2 "statement cycles". I questioned what a statement cycle was, since I didn't get statements from them. She said, "Oh, you mean a bank charge?" What else do they have??

She never answered clearly how long it would be for the refund to appear at my bank, and continually tried to rush the conversation. She clearly did not want to answer any questions. I have her name, for whatever good it may do.

I have filed a dispute on the charges at my bank. I also notified the two magazines directly about the situation. Now we wait.

Kathie
Chicago, Illinois
U.S.A.