Synapse NSS TWX Owned By Time, Inc!! Magazine Rip-off by Synapse, NSS, TWX, of the multiple names of this company owned by Time, Inc. Stamford Connecticut

After filling out a report on Bizrate.com, I was offered a "free magazine offer" in April, 2002. It was to be for 3 magazines, then to be renewed if I did not cancel. I planned on canceling, and did prior to the three months being up. I find that they have been charging my credit card since then yearly to renew the magazines! I called 2 months ago to cancel one of the magazines which I found on my statement...was told of the scam and asked if I was being charged for any others. The representative told me that it was the only one, apologized, and told me I would get the full refund. I was very unhappy, but thought I would leave it at that. I now see on my statement that I am also being charged for 2 other magazines...I call again, and the rep, Gary B______(will keep his name confidential) answers the phone. He first tells me there was no report of my speaking to a rep last time I called, and asked for her name which I did not have. Great start being told you are wrong because you do not have the details (which I took down this time!). Also told that I did not get the full refund on the last magazine, but this could not be changed. He stated he would cancel the other two and refund the amounts for this past renewal only. He stated that they send out a renewal notice yearly to notify that they will be charging for the magazines....definitely not done. Also, despite speaking with them now 3 times, they have "no record" of this, and therefore there is no cancellation made....

This appears to be credit card fraud as they are charging without my consent. I see many reports on the internet, in retrospect as I did not know I was a "costumer" of theirs.

I hope something can be done to stop this kind of fraud. I find it even more outrageous that a large company such as Time, Inc can own Synapse and not take responsibility for its actions.

Carole
baltimore, Maryland
U.S.A.