National Magazine Exchange (N.M.E.) is a rip-off! False representation! Rude customer service! Clearwater Florida

I received a 'second notice' N.M.E. (Clearwater, Florida) in the mail with a sweepstakes number on it. "Family Circle" is stamped in large letters on this notice, so I assumed it was a Family Circle sweepstakes. I phoned the 800 number and the girl said she was from Florida, told me they were waiting for Hurricane Frances to hit, asked about our weather where I live, and then asked for my phone number. I told her I didn't give out my phone number because it was on the national registry of "do not call" numbers and I didn't want it getting spread around. She assured me they had a 'special place' for phone numbers that, by request, would never be given out to other companies. She said it would ONLY be used to contact me if I was a winner. I reluctantly gave the phone number and had a sinking feeling as soon as I did becaus of the following.

She instantly proceeded to tell me I had been selected to receive several magazines, etc etc etc. I told her I didn't want any magazines but she kept talking like she couldn't hear me. I got LOUDER!! I repeated several times that I didn't want any magazines. She kept talking over me. Finally I said "You're making me very angry. I've told you at least ten times that I don't want any magazines or anything else, for that matter. Now, please delete the number I just gave you because I don't want anymore to do with you or NME, PERIOD!"

Her response was to say, "transferring you now" and she transferred me to a recorded message announcing a long list of promotions. By this time, needless to say, I was shouting, but she appeared not to hear me, and never paused for a second. I think she must have had me on 'mute' or something... I accept full responsibility for responding to the mail notice, but I honestly thought it was from Family Circle, a reputable magazine. What can be done about these NME people? I was/am very upset, my entire Saturday morning has been ruined by this company and they now have my phone number. I fully expect that they will start sending me magazines but hell will freeze over but I pay anyone a cent for them.

Livid

S.
Hixson, Tennessee
U.S.A.