A subscription to Bicycling Magazine was sent to my son, who was underage (and has no interest in cycling.) We did not order the sub, and did not pay for it. The magazines went in the recycle bin unread.
After several months we received a threat-gram from North Shore Agency demanding payment for the subscription. I immediately contacted the Postal Service and filed a mail fraud complaint, and also filed a complaint with the WA Attorney General. I contacted Rodale Press by mail and email informing them of the circumstances and my actions.
It took a month or so, but Rodale cleared my account.interestingly, they claimed the subscription had been ordered from my email address, which I'm sure they didn't even know until I contacted them to complain. A childish attempt to make me look like a forgetful consumer.
Another month or so after getting square with Rodale, I received yet another collection notice from North Shore. Sent them a copy of the final letter from Rodale, and threatened further legal action if they didn't go away.
Finally got a polite letter from North Shore actually apologising for pestering us.
The lesson: hit back as hard as you can. Don't just send the money to get rid of them, that's what they're counting on.
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