We don't know how our son got hooked up with Consolidated Media Services (CMS). We think it was one of their "free" subscription scams. He began receiving magazines in the mail. When asked where they came from he said they were "free" subscriptions.
Whatever he had purchased to win this free subscription included his bank debit card number, which was then available to CMS. The magazines continued and his account was debited for the amount of the subscriptions. It caused his account to be overdrawn. When he realized what was happening, he closed his account and cancelled his debit card.
In September CMS began calling our home requesting a payment of $680 periodically.in early the account was turned over to a "collection agency." The last time the collection agency called, my son gave them permission to discuss his account with me. He was out of work and, if they wanted payment, they'd have to talk to me.
I proceeded to ask the man from the collection agency if he realized that CMS is a scam company that preys on young adults by charging items on their credit and debit cards that are not requested. I informed him that I would be writing to the Texas Attorney General and filing a complaint against the company. He said CMS was extending an offer to reduce the $680 debt to $200.
He would be glad to put the $200 on my credit card or to send the paper work to my son for consideration. I told him to send the paperwork and I would discuss it with the attorney general.
We received a letter in the mail dated June 19, that stated that CMS had agreed to settle the account for $0.00.
You can believe that we are saving that letter.
I do not understand how reputable publishers can allow their magazines to be sold by companies like CMS. I would rather buy a magazine off the newsstand than to purchase a subscription ever again.
We no longer purchase magazines or make any business transactions by telephone solicitation.
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