While updating my bank statements (I'd gotten a little behind), I began to come across charges for magazines that I'd been receiving (Food & Wine and Kiplinger Finance). I called the numbers (two different 800 numbers) on my statement and realized it was the same company. The first electronic question is to explain charges on a statement; the second is regarding canceling a subscription. That told me something right there! I canceled both subscriptions.
Then I found consumer complaints when doing a little research on this company. Based on a couple of listed reports, I was able to talk to a person (even if you call one of the numbers on your statement, just keep hitting the pound key, and after about 10 or so times, you will be transferred), and got them to understand that I wanted to be reimbursed for charges dating back years. Eventually the customer service representative, Saraan Souza, acquiesced and filled out a request for refund form to which I am supposed to receive a response within 3 to 5 days.
I then requested their street address, which is when she had to get her supervisor! Turns out they are about two towns over from where I live! I explained very clearly to both of them that they would refund me ALL my money... From the issue... Otherwise I would go to the media AND legal authorities.
Ms. Souza informed me that one of the subscriptions I had requested while online at Classmates.com (uh, no). The other she said that I had ordered when a salesperson called me (again, uh, no).
Oh, and I informed the supervisor, Ryan, that if I did not receive my refunds, I WOULD be banging on their door.
So, call them and be very firm. Maybe it's time to contact "Ask Asa" on CBS! I'm sure he could flush them out for the crooks they truly are!
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