National Magazine Exchange Renewed trial magazine subscription (Budget Living) without notice. Unauthorized charges. Rip-off! Nationwide

An unexpected charge appeared on my credit card statement. The statement codes included "BUD" (which turned out to be the code for a magazine title). Called the number included in the statement and reached an automated system. Was able to proceed without at any point being asked for my credit card number. (Although I did need to supply the 6-digit order code, which also appeared in the statement.)

Here's what happened:

Had requested trial subscription of Budget Living (an otherwise reputable publication) ten months earlier through an online offer. Nominal charge of $1 or similar. (May have been Buy.com - I don't recall)

I was given various options one at a time (had to say yes or no to each before proceeding to the next option). Most of these involve extending the trial etc. Kept saying "no" until I got to a plain old cancellation option.

Even then, was asked whether I wanted to receive a year's worth of two different magazines (Metropolitan Home and Elle) for a $1 per title.

Eventually got a confirmation number and (automated) assurance that my account would be credited. I'll be interested to see how quickly that happens.

PS.

One thing that really made my mind boggle was the point during the offer of Met Home and Elle, when I was told that, "Just like your other magazine, you will receive a renewal notice" with an option to cancel the subscription. At no point did I receive a notice for Budget Living.

Also, similar to some other folks who've reported magazine scams of this type (NSS Magazines), the charge was made at a time when I happened to be out of town and not using that card. (A fortunate coincidence, as it made it stand out on the statement!)

Claire
Cleveland Heights, Ohio
U.S.A.