New York Times Sales
Unexplained extra $48.30 monthly charge, then collections

I have had my NYT subscription automatically charged to my Discover card for more than two years. When doing my taxes last year (for 2003 and 2004), I noted that an additional monthly charge of $48.30 was added to the usual charge of $29.40 for 7-day delivery of the newspaper. I called NYT Sales, and they denied any knowledge of the $48.30 charge, even though their 800 number was listed on the credit card statement. I then called Discover, who confirmed that both charges were from NYT Sales. I wrote a letter to Discover and to NYT Sales asking for reimbursement of the monthly $48.30 charge, which dates back to at least Jan. Discover Card did credit me for the charges in 2004. They were unable to get any response from NYT Sales. NYT Sales has continued to bill me $48.30 on a monthly basis, including this month (12).

For the last four months, they have also been sending me an invoice for $29.40, which I have paid. However, now, because of the Discover Card credits to my account, they have referred this to a collection agency, claiming I owe about $156. This makes no sense; they owe me at least $600 ($48.30 x 12). I have disputed their claim and am waiting to hear from them. Discover Card states that it still cannot get any response to its inquiries about this continuing and mysterious charge, which NYT Sales keeps insisting is not from them. I have sent them copies of my Discover Card statements from Jan. through August to prove that in fact these charges are appearing on my account.

I have recently written to the CEO of Discover Financial Services about this matter, and I wonder whether it would be worthwhile to contact the Attorney General for the State of NJ and Delaware (Discover is based there). I am tempted to cancel the subscription and close my Discover card account after paying off all but the charges in question; however, I would probably then have two collection agencies, one from NYT Sales and the other from Discover Card.

I have a superb credit rating and do not want it jeopardized. The amounts in question are trivial. Is it worth standing up for principle in this situation, or should I just pay what the collection agency says I owe, then cancel the Discover Card account (that seems the only way to stop these recurring $48.30 charges from NYT Sales)?

Any help appreciated.

Company: New York Times Sales
Country: USA
State: New Jersey
City: Northvale
Address: P.O. Box 70

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