I received a forwarded letter in the mail last week from NMS Subscriptions. The letter contained an invoice for a four year subscription to ESPN Magazine for $113.00 with $10 going for shipping. I called the company's number listed on the invoice 888-334-7996 and spoke with Kathy. I told her I was unaware of making an order for renewal through NMS. That I did not recall why I was getting an invoice marked Past Due. She told me that I could lower the renewal to a one year subscription and that was all she could do for me.
I asked to speak to a superior at which time she stated she was the highest level I could speak with. At that time, she stated I could pay $25 and cancel my subscription. Not desiring to do that I asked if there was any other way. I was told she would check the tape of the supposed order in August and call me back later today or tomorrow.
This afternoon I received a voice message from Kathy of NMS Subscriptions. I returned her call and was told she had the tape of the order. On the tape it appears that it could have been my voice, but it could also be stated that it is not absolute and there would obviously be some reasonable doubt. The tape is of someone, I believe Kathy, calling me to make an order for renewal for ESPN magazine.
Prior to the taped call was a previously call in which I spoke with someone concerning renewal. We had a lengthy conversation in which I stated I was unsure if I wanted to renew at this time and did not want to pay with a credit card over the phone. I was told I could simply make the order and if I changed my mind I could cancel it with no harm or hassle. This would obviously not be the case.
I have later found out that there were only five days that an order may be cancelled and the invoice and/or paper work is not even provided within five days. What consumer would go to these lengths concerning a magazine subscription renewal?
After hearing the tape, I told Kathy that it sounded like that could have been or probably was me. I then stated I would just pay the $25 cancellation fee and be done with it. At this time, Kathy told me there was no such thing and that I could not do that. I responded that I was told that option was available on our original call earlier.
At this time, Kathy told me there was no such thing. She stated she spoke to millions of individuals a day and simply could not recall our conversation. I asked to hear the tape from the earlier call, since it appears I was taped making an order previously, but was told there was no such tape.
In the next five to ten minutes, Kathy and I argued concerning why I had to keep a one year subscription at such a high rate instead of simply canceling the order. Throughout all our conversations, Kathy continually interrupted and over spoke me. She began using heated and crude language as well as other cursing words. Please, remember the argument at this point is over $6.46.
Following our phone conversation, I was deeply concerned as I felt I had been swindled in some way. I stated that I had no interested in a one year renewal at such a high rate. Kathy threatened that I would be sent to collection. I asked why I was being threatened and she replied that it was a not a threat rather a fact. I queried how a magazine renewal could be sent to collection. I also stated how unprofessional and unethical the practices and business of NMS Subscriptions were.
As our debate continued, Kathy hung-up the phone as I was talking. I immediately called back at which time I was cursed at and hung-up on again. I called a third time for the same result. Finally, on the fourth call I was able to confirm how much I was supposed to send for the one year renewal so my credit would not be hurt. Following the calls, I was very worried about what had just occurred.
I felt like I had been cheated and swindled. I was told the tape of the order would be used to go to the collection service, which she called Galaxy Collection. I am unsure if there is some sort of affiliation between NMS and Galaxy.
Following the final conversation, I decided to be proactive and check out information on this company. I was told by Kathy that there was no e-mail or business office that I could find using the internet. She told me there was no way to find NMS.
I searched through the websites usacomplaints.com.Com and usacomplaints.com. I found a pair of recent complaints citing much of the same problems I had encountered. The company goes under various phone numbers, post office boxes, and names such as NMS Subscriptions, SKS Services, SKS Subscriptions, Services Unlimited Plus, Service Unlimited Plus, and Subscription Services. Their phone number is 1-888-334-7996. The articles are attached to this letter.
I also called ESPN Magazine to find out what I should do. I spoke to a customer service representative and her supervisor Cassandra. I was told by both individuals that I should not pay the bill; rather I should simply write cancel on the invoice and return it. I am very leery of what to do concerning this matter. I do not want my credit damaged on account of a botched and unfair renewal scheme. I would appreciate any assistant or correspondence you could provide. Thanks.
Brent S.
Vero Beach, Florida
U.S.A.
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