International Magazine Service Of Northern California
Ripoff It definitely isn't ethical and in my mind borders on being illegal

I agreed to a subscription with International Magazine Service of Northern California and was told my magazines would begin to arrive in six to eight weeks. I began to receive bills immediately even though I had not received any magazines. I spoke with a representative and advised them I wished to cancel my subscription because I wasn't comfortable paying for something I hadn't received. I was informed I could not cancel my subscription. This was a shock to me. If I have a subcription to a local paper and wish to stop receiving it I can. I was advised that I only had three days in which to cancel my order as they had prepaid the different magazines I had originally asked for.

Keep in mind, they continually stress as a saleing point that you can switch your magazine selection at any time. If they had prepaid for the cost of my selection to the different magazines upon my initial order how can they allow me to change my selection at anytime.

I advised the representative that I would not pay this ridiculous bill they were sending to me and to stop sending me the magazines. She refused. A month or so later I received a letter from a collection agency, Synergy Credit Services. The letter stated it's purpose was to collect a debt and listed International Magazine Service of Northern California as the creditor. The letter also stated that if I disputed the validity of this debt I could respond in writing within thirty days of the letter and I would be provided with evidence of the debt.

I responded in writing, however, I still haven't received my evidence, but I did receive a threatening and harrassing call from a company representative of International Magazine Service of Northern California. He stated in his initial message he left that he was calling in response to my letter.

I did have a conversation with him and tried to explain my position, however he wasn't helpful and stated he couldn't do anything. When I asked why I was expected to pay for a magazine that I didn't receive until well after seven months had passed from my original order he stated it was eight to sixteen weeks and not the six to eight I remember. He continue to offer to allow me to hear a recording of my initial contact with the salesperson from his company.

I refused and advised that I didn't recognize this as a valid debt and he stated it was and if I didn't pay I "would suffer the consequences". I do not know what the consequences are he referred to, but I can't imagine these types of sales tatics and collection procedures legal.

After seeing a similar complaint as mine on your site I decided to post this complaint. I am sure there are many people out there that has had to deal with this company. It is also clear now that the "collection agency" they use is only an extension of themselves, listed as "Licensed Collection Agency". I will continue my efforts to research this aspect and also to attempt to locate a statute or law which prohibits this type of telemarketing. It definitely isn't ethical and in my mind borders on being illegal.

Company: International Magazine Service Of Northern California
Country: USA
State: California
City: Santa Rosa
Address: P.O. Box 4209
Phone: 8007701005

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