Answering questions ...

During the course of my National Readers Service experience, one thing that struck me was how completely unprepared for scammers many of us are (I suppose that's why they are so successful). Once we realize what has happened we are desperate for answers, and the similarities between consumer complaints and questions are difficult to miss.

Luckily, there are answers to our questions ... There is a wealth of information available from numerous organizations, and local consumer protection offices can be invaluable in answering questions regarding specific situations. The answers provided here are gathered from various resources such as the Federal Trade Commission, Federal Communication Commission, Department of Justice, National Consumers League, the Better Business Bureau, and others. New questions are added and answers are updated as needed.

Hopefully you'll find something helpful here.

• How can I make National Readers Service stop calling me?  
• How can I cancel an order or close an account with National Readers Service?  
• How can I find address and phone information for National Readers Service? 
• I agreed to an account and then realized I was scammed. If I just refuse to pay, can National Readers Service ruin my credit?
• Who can I contact to help me deal with the National Readers Service scam?
• How do I file a complaint against National Readers Service?

Still need an answer? ... Feel free to post other questions here. I'll help if I can.

Thanks for visiting theNRSscam blog, D/

Why are so many college students getting scammed?

I didn’t learn what prime scam targets college students are until after my daughter’s experience with National Readers Service. It is impossible to miss the number of college students among the complainants on messages boards, consumer sites and even here on theNRSscam blog. MANY of the visitors to this site hail from college ISPs. So what’s the deal? Why are so many college students getting scammed?

College age consumers are the perfect prospects. They have money to spend, may be unwary of fraudulent solicitation tactics, and their contact information is readily available in many cases. On-line purchases, contest registrations, warranty registration cards, or ANY other sharing of contact information will likely end up in a database. These contact databases, even college directories in some cases, can be sold several times over. Many companies sell lists of college student marketing prospects numbering in the millions such as the example shown here. This is to say nothing of ending up on a telemarketing “sucker list” if you actually fall victim to a scam.

How can this trend be reversed? Protect yourselves by recognizing and avoiding scams. Limit unwanted, unsolicited marketing contact by minimizing the amount of personal information that you share period. Register on the national DNC list and “opt out” through the Direct Marketing Association or other organizations. If you find yourself having to deal with a fraudulent business, know where to get help and how to report them. And finally, tell your friends what you’ve learned. You’ll be surprised how many are just as unsuspecting as you were.

Thanks for visiting theNRSscam blog. Hope something here is helpful.
Good luck to all of us!! D/

Shouldn’t we hold ourselves accountable too?

I spent the last years of my mother’s life vigilant and unnecessarily worried that she would fall into some type of scam, but yet I did nothing intentional to prepare my daughter for recognizing and dealing with that very same possibility. Why? … It really never occurred to me. Had I known college students are as prime a target as the elderly, I certainly would have had those conversations with her before the fact.

Scammers are good at what they do (or at least the good ones are). They can be charming and friendly. They know how to use our human nature to their advantage. They are certainly creative and imaginative. Without something working in our favor they could hook us every time.

So what gives us the ability to avoid their “fabulous offers”?

• Prepare before the fact… There is a wealth of information out there, but we generally don’t look for (or find) it until something has already happened. I have no doubt now that preparing our children to be defensive consumers as adults must be an intentional lesson.
• Look out for those we love … There will be opportunities to potentially save someone we know from learning our lesson the hard way. My motivation to create theNRSscam blog was to offer “my lesson” to anyone visiting.
• Think of future victims … Reporting business practices that you believe to be fraudulent is the ultimate consumer power. Remember our collective voice speaks loudest.

Thanks for visiting theNRSscam blog. Hope something here is helpful.
Good luck to all of us!! D/

How do I file a complaint?

Consumer complaints regarding telemarketing/ magazine subscription scams may be filed with the Federal Trade Commission, Federal Communications Commission, the Attorneys General offices/ state Consumer Affairs Division, local law enforcement, the National Consumers League, the Better Business Bureau, and the Magazine Publishers of America to name a few. Complaint submission links are located in the side bar or in the Spotlight on: Consumer Protection Resources section.

Thanks for visiting theNRSscam blog. Hope something here is helpful.
Good luck to all of us!! D/

Where can I find help dealing with a magazine scam?

There is a wealth of telemarketing and magazine scam information from the Federal Trade Commission, National Consumer League and others. A collection of helpful information links can be found here on theNRSscam blog's Spotlight on: Magazine Subscription Scams, as well as, specific suggestions for dealing with a magazine scam.

The Federal Trade Commission and Federal Communication Commission provide assistance in stopping unwanted telemarketing contact through the National Do Not Call list.

Assistance may be available through your Bank or Credit Card Company for reversing and addressing fraudulent debits. In the case of unauthorized debit activity criminal charges can be filed with your local law enforcement agency.

Your local consumer protection organization may be the most qualified to answer specific questions regarding your situation, as well as, to provide potential assistance in arbitrations with a business. The Better Business Bureau provides immediate consumer access to individual business ratings within its database and by filing a complaint they may offer assistance with arbitrations. BBB complaints are accepted whether or not that business is a member. In the case of unacceptable resolution of disputes, seeking legal counsel may be your best option.

While the Federal Trade Commission and Attorneys General do not provide legal advice or intervene on the behalf of individuals, reporting fraudulent business practices may show patterns that increase the likelihood of triggering official investigations.

Spotlight on: Consumer Protection Resources has links for reporting fraudulent business practices, finding consumer protection agencies and organizations, magazine industry and marketing associations, and opting out of unsolicited marketing contact.

Thanks for visiting theNRSscam blog. Hope something here is helpful.
Good luck to all of us!! D/

I agreed to an account and then realized I was scammed. If I just refuse to pay, can they ruin my credit?

Remember everyone’s job at this company is to scam you into an account and then do whatever is necessary to keep it open (as these "insider" magazine telemarketing scheme details show). While the threat of “ruining your credit” is a powerful tool and certainly a possibility, it is most likely they will not follow a legitimate business’ course of action by reporting you to the credit bureaus and turning your account over to an independent collection agency.

Do not be fooled into thinking that just cancelling your credit card or closing your bank account and refusing to pay will make them forget about you though. I have no doubt your account would be turned over to their internal collections department (quite possibly in the next cubicle). It will then become their job to harass you indefinitely or trick you into even another account!

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act applies to third party collection agencies (or may apply to in-house collections that misrepresent themselves) and imposes certain restrictions against their conduct. Questions and answers about the FDCPA can be found here.

While it is possible that you may not be able to get out of the “legally binding contract” that you have made, remember you also have a “powerful tool” … Scam companies absolutely prefer to avoid the official investigations that can come with being reported to the Federal Trade Commission and Attorneys General. If you feel a company's business practices are fraudulent report them (and tell them so). Additional complaint submission links are in the sidebar. Don’t just refuse to pay; deal with them now. Specific suggestions for attempting to resolve your dispute can be found here.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. Regular monitoring allows you verify the accuracy and completeness of the information in your credit report(s), and staggering your requests from each of the three of the nationwide consumer reporting companies during a 12-month period may be a good way to handle it. There is only one place to obtain a truly free credit report www.annualcreditreport.com. (Do not be fooled by any of the companies offering one free report followed with charges for intermittent monitoring services.)   Questions and answers from the Federal Trade Commission about your free credit report can be found here.

Thanks for visiting theNRSscam blog. Hope something here is helpful.
Good luck to all of us!! D/

So who (and where) IS National Readers Service anyway?

The likelihood of any average consumer ever sorting out with any degree of confidence the aliases, d/b/a names, affiliations, associations, franchises, independent contractors, mail depots, mailing centers, call centers, payment processors, debt collectors …  of any business of this type is slim and is certainly the intention. Supposedly separate “companies” with “addresses” across the country could in reality be within the same room with the same employees functioning in different roles at different times. Even if all the connections could be clearly drawn, it is most likely irrelevant as it is not usual for names , addresses, and phone numbers to change and wipe the slate clean whenever necessary.

As to the question of National Readers Service, specifics from my daughter’s information are below.

1.  National Readers Service
1709 South Braddock Ave #166
Pittsburgh, PA 15218
Phone: 877- 608- 2470

All mailings postmarked- Virginia Beach, VA ZIP 23452

$68.28 debit as “Subscription Services” on bank statement with phone number 866- 928- 4064/ originated VA

2.  United Benefit Advantage & ID Sentinel Alert programs
1620 Bond Street
Naperville, IL 60563

Phone United Benefit Advantage: 1-888-472-7046
$19.99 debit as “UBA” on bank statement with phone number 866- 637- 5833/ originated VA

Phone ID Sentinel Alert: 1-888-228-0319

 3. United Benefits Services
4876-118 Princess Anne Road Suite 315
Virginia Beach VA 23462

4. International Rebates, LLC (The offered $100 “Gas Card” was actually a $10/ month gas rebate registration card from this company through United Benefits Services see above) 
PO Box 120
Tallevast, FL 34270

5. Subco, Inc.
3585 West Beechwood Ave Suite 106
Fresno, California 93711
Phone: 800-258-3350

6. Millennium Marketing
10406 Shawnee Mission Pkwy
Shawnee, KS 66203-3504
Phone: 800-456-6565

Additionally, this is the official contact information from the BBB. BBB links for each individually listed “National Readers Service company” are below if anyone needs them.

1. Consumer Benefit Services, Inc 
1620 Bond St
Naperville, IL 60563-0131

http://www.consumerbenefit.com/
(630) 420-6200
Fax (630) 420-2294

Edwin O. Velazquez, Program Support Specialist -
(630) 420-6200 or evelazquez@consumerbenefit.com

Additional Phone Numbers

(888) 255-4989 ** listed on various consumer sites as contact number for resolving complaints
(888) 610-5486
(630) 420-6200 ext. 1170

Other DBA names:

United Benefit Advantage
ID Sentinel Alert
Consumer Benefit Services Inc
America's Legal Plan, Inc.
CBSI
Consumer Legal Network
Family Health Xtras
Identity Ease
My Financial Umbrella
National Roadside Assurance
Preferred Shopper's Edge
Premier Choice Benefits
Cbsi Loyalty Solutions
CBSI Membership Services
Hub Travel

2.  National Readers Service
1709 S Braddock #166
Pittsburgh, PA 15218

additional address:
3509 Virginia Beach Blvd
Virginia Beach , VA 23452

(877) 608-2470

3.  National Readers Service Inc
4550 N Pershing Ave Suite A
Stockton, CA 95207

(800) 235-0349
(209) 472-0580
(209) 472-0620

Phillip Fultano, President
Laura Fultano, Manager

Other DBA name: Consumer Readers Service

4.  National Readers Service Inc (note: this company is listed as out of business)
433 Elbo Lane
Mt Laurel, NJ 08054

(856) 778-9424

Ms. Elizabeth Baksay

5.  Publishers Renewal Service Co
10406 Shawnee Mission Pkwy
Shawnee, KS 66203

Additional addresses:
PO Box 1144
Mission, KS 66222

PO Box 3863
Shawnee, KS 66203

Additional phone numbers:

(913) 248-1800- primary business number
(800) 725-1729
(800) 304-8567 **listed as same phone number for business(es) below
(800) 447-7133
(800) 422-5696
(800) 532-3434
(800) 456-6565
(800) 493-5045
(800) 761-6618
(800) 493-5045
(866) 945-8913
(866) 945-8917
(913) 248-6215

Fax: (913) 248-0727

Previously listed numbers September 2009

(800) 304-8550- primary business number
(800) 423-2563

Website(s):

http://www.nationalreaderservice.com/
http://www.readers-source.com/

Additional Email Addresses
 
cs-info@millmrk.com  
cs-info@nationalreaderservice.com
cs-info@readerssourcemags.com

Russell Rahm, President
Jessica Richards, Customer Service Manager - (913) 248-6215
Verna Baker - CFO

Other DBA names:

Millennium Marketing
National Readers' Service
National Video Club
Readers Source
First Choice Magazine Club
Marketing Group 2000 (former name)

6.  National Reader's Service (BBB listing September 2009)
PO BOX 3863
Shawnee, KS 66023
(800) 304-8567 ** listed as same phone number for  business above

7. National Reader's Service
PO Box 3863
Effingham, KS 66023
(800) 304-8567 **listed as same phone number for business(es) above

8.  National Readers Services Inc.
10242 NW 47th Street Suite 27
Sunrise, FL 33351

Additional addresses:
10266 NW 47th Street
Sunrise, FL 33351

10266 NW 47th Street Suite 27
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33351

9. Subco, Inc
3585 West Beechwood Ave Suite 106
Fresno, California 93711
800-258-3350
http://www.subcoinc.com/

Primary Contact: Melanie Russell, Manager
Ms. Kelly Vucovich, President

Other DBA names:

Elbon Enterprises, Inc. 
Subdirect
Cenco Magazine Service
CMS
TheMagazineSpecialist.com

Thanks for visiting theNRSscam blog. Hope something here is helpful.
Good luck to all of us!! D/

How can I make them stop calling me?

If you are already on the National Do Not Call List, inform them of that fact and report them to the FTC or FCC. You may also consider contacting your Attorney General. Registration no longer expires, and your number is never removed without your specific request to do so.

If your phones are not registered, all landlines and cell phones can be easily placed on the National Do Not Call List. Complaints can be filed, with some restrictions, after 31 days. Some states may have do not call lists in addition to the national registry. Check with your state consumer protection office or Attorney General's office.

A specific consumer request to be placed on any company’s own Do Not Call List at the time of wanted telephone contact must be honored for five years. This requirement is regardless of whether your phone is registered on any national or state DNC list or not. This requirement even applies if a “previous business” relationship exists. Violations can be reported to the FCC.

Conduct of debt collectors is restricted by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA ) to prevent abusive, unfair or deceptive practices. Within 30 days of contact from a debt collector request written validation of the debt. They must stop contacting you until that written verification has been sent. You may also specifically request in writing that the collector not contact you again or direct all contact through your attorney if you have one. While this does not prevent debt collection efforts, they may only contact you after such notification to inform you that no action will be taken or that they intend to take a specific action, such filing a lawsuit. Violations of the FDCPA may be reported to the Federal Trade Commission and your Attorney General. Questions and answers about the FDCPA can be found here.

Thanks for visiting theNRSscam blog. Hope something here is helpful.
Good luck to all of us!! D/

Does Zuzzyu Zuzu still get “stuff”? … considering opting-out

My mother was the ultimately savvy consumer. She never hesitated to submit requests for information, products, catalogues or anything else she was interested in. She subscribed to book and music clubs, bought some of the weirdest things I could imagine through the mail, but to my knowledge never paid more for anything than what it was worth (certainly never more than she felt it was worth).

She delighted in seeing what came for her in the mail each day from all those requests and orders. She refused, however, to make the connection that all the requests for “stuff” and information about “other stuff” resulted in numerous unwanted solicitations as well. Out of my mother’s frustration for this junk portion of her junk mail, Zuzzyu Zuzu was born.

In the 1980’s she started responding to all of the unwanted intrusions in her mailbox as Zuzzyu Zuzu, a ridiculous, imaginary person that she felt “anyone with half a brain should know isn’t real.” Over time Zuzzyu’s mail became quite impressive even going so far as regular qualification for preapproved credit offers. Unsuspecting telemarketers began calling for Mr. (or Ms.) Zuzu. At which point Mother would ask which Mr. Zuzu they were calling for. Her pleasure in hearing them put a pronunciation to her creation became contagious.

Mother lived with us the last several years of her life, and Zuzzyu’s opportunity to receive mail ended when we took down her mailbox at that time. I’m certain whomever inherited her phone number didn’t appreciate (or probably tolerate) his calls either. I still regularly receive mail solicitations for my mother, however, despite no information requests, sales, or responses for the 2 ½ years since her death. At times all the reminders that she isn’t here make me incredibly sad, but other times I can’t resist the humor in noticing the last chance life insurance rate offer before her “upcoming birthday”.

I’m going to opt out of what few marketing contacts I receive for myself, and recently I’ve even considered completing a deceased opt-out request for Mother. I don’t know though, somehow I just can’t imagine my mail without all of her “stuff” in it. Who knows, perhaps Mr. Zuzu’s solicitors have been equally persistent for all these years during his non-responsiveness. I must admit even the possibility makes me smile.

Thanks for visiting theNRSscam blog. Hope something here is helpful.
Good luck to all of us!! D/

Suggestions for Dealing with Magazine Subscription Scams

Discussion topics::

• SPOTTING AND AVOIDING A TELEMARKETING MAGAZINE SCAM
• DEALING WITH A MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION SCAM 

1. Handling annoying telemarketing calls
2. Additional third party preview offers
3. Addressing fraudulent debits/ charges IF YOU HAVE NOT made any agreement (verbal or written)
4. Addressing unacceptable business practices if you have agreed to an account but have no contact information
5. Addressing unacceptable business practices after agreeing to an account
6. Addressing inappropriate debt collection practices

• MONITORING YOUR CREDIT REPORT
• REDUCING FUTURE UNSOLICITED MARKETING CONTACTS

SPOTTING AND AVOIDING A TELEMARKETING MAGAZINE SCAM:

• If the "offer" is too good to be true...
• Be wary of unsolicited sources, “free prizes”, and high-pressure “limited time” offers.

Never buy a magazine subscription without knowing the answers to at least these questions. Ask for, carefully review, and research written information BEFORE you decide to buy.

1. Who are you buying from? (BBB search/ Google)
2. Exactly what magazine titles they are selling?
3. How long is the subscription and are renewals automatic?
4. What are these magazines worth and how much are you paying for them? Do the math!!(This is not an endorsement for www.magazines.com, just an example of a cover/ subscription price comparison option.)
5. What is the cancellation policy?

• Remember the right to cancel and the legality of telephone recorded contracts may vary by state. NEVER assume that you can cancel later or get out of a "legally binding contract" once made as that may not be the case. Be aware there are many conscientious magazine subscription agents who do allow cancellations (and even offer full refunds) for undelivered issues at any time. Just know who you are dealing with before you subscribe!!
• NEVER give (or "verify") your personal account information unless you intend to buy. There is no other reason to obtain account numbers than to withdraw funds.
• If you have been scammed once you are a prospect for future scams. Attempts may be made to create duplicate accounts, complete fraudulent renewals, or catch you in unrelated scams from other companies. BE PREPARED!!

DEALING WITH A MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION SCAM:

Handling annoying telemarketing calls:

• If already on the National Do Not Call Registry, file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission or Federal Trade Commission. You may also consider contacting your Attorney General.
• If not on the registry, place all landlines and cell phones on the National Do Not Call list. Complaints may be filed, with certain restrictions, after being on the registry for 31 days. Registration on the National Do Not Call list does not require renewal and never expires. (This change became law in February 2008.)
• Some states also have Do Not Call lists. Contact your Attorney General's office for more information.
• Request to be put on the telemaketing company's own "Do not call list" at the time of unwanted telephone contact. Specific consumer requests must be honored for five years regardless of whether you are on the DNC list or not or if a previous "business relationship" exists. Violations may be reported to the FCC.
• Handling debt collector calls is addressed below.

Special note regarding additional third party preview offers: Details of the additional preview offers with my daughter's solicitation are here.

• If you are charged by a magazine subscription scam company, it is not unusual for you to have "agreed" to other third party preview offers during the initial solicitation without realizing it (these may have non-refundable activation fees as well as monthly charges!!).
• Closely monitor your account(s) for any other unauthorized debit activity.
• Disputed charges can be handled as outlined below.
• Request WRITTEN cancellation agreements from these "companies" as well.

To address fraudulent debits/ charges to your bank or credit card account IF YOU HAVE NOT made any agreement (verbal or written):

• File a report with your local law enforcement for fraudulent debit activity.
• Contact bank or credit card company about reversing charge(s).
• Either place a suspicious debit alert or stop payment for the specific company and monitor your account for unauthorized activity at least weekly or close the account and transfer all legitimate pre-authorized debits to another account.
• File complaints with the Federal Trade Commission and Attorney General.
• Contact your local consumer protection agency or consumer law attorney for guidance if needed.
• Check bank or credit card statements for phone contact number. It may be listed along with the state of origin for the debit/ charge. This number may be for the actual company or for its debit processor.
• Keep records of all contact with this company.
• If contact information is available, you may notify them (by phone and/ or send written notification) of actions taken, your expectation of refund (if unable to reverse charge through bank/ credit card company), and expected receipt within 10 business days of written verification of account closure without any balance, no future billing, and placement on the company's do not call list. See examples of cancellation notices here.
• Keep a copy of all written notifications for your records and send by certified mail with return receipt request.
• Seek legal counsel if needed.

To address unacceptable business practices if you have agreed to an account but have no contact information:

• Check bank or credit card statements for phone contact number. It may listed be along with the state of origin for the debit/ charge.This number may be for the actual company or for its debit processor.
• Contact information for various National Readers Service companies can be found here (from BBB listings and my daughter's information).
• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission , your state's Attorney General, and your local consumer protection office.
• Simply closing the account if you have made a verbal agreement should be approached cautiously. In some states cancellation rights are not guaranteed, and telephone contracts are considered legally binding. Seek guidance from your bank or credit card company, local consumer protection agency, or consumer law attorney as needed.

To address unacceptable business practices after agreeing to an account:
Wondering what to expect?? Specific details of the magazine subscription cancellation process and "insider" scripts can be found here. Details of my preparation and conversation with NRS here!

• Gather your documents: contracts, price comparisons of your deal with both cover prices and subscription prices for the magazines you have chosen, etc. (This is not an endorsement for www.magazines.com, just an example of a cover/ subscription price comparison option.) Knowing what you have bought will motivate you to deal with them!!
• Decide what resolution is acceptable to you (closing the account, refunding your money, etc). Remember the earlier in your “contract” you are dealing with this scam; the more likely it will be resolved to your satisfaction.
• Refund requests should bear in mind the more magazines received... the more unreasonable expecting any refund becomes. If cancelling a pre-paid five year subscription within the first several months, for example, one year of magazines with a refund of payments over 20-25% of the subscription's total price should be a more than reasonable suggestion (should be... but don't expect to reach any such agreement easily. In fact, actually getting ANY refund from a scam company may be impossible).
• Contact the company (by phone and/ or send written notification) and attempt to resolve issues to your satisfaction.See examples of written cancellation notices here.
• Keep a copy of your own written notifications for your records and send by certified mail with return receipt request.
• If you choose to contact them by phone, preparing a written script can be helpful.
• If you have found a company's business practices to be deceptive or fraudulent and have already unsuccessfully attempted to resolve your dispute, file a complaint from this Federal Trade Commission link or VERY easily by telephone at 1-877-FTC-HELP.
• If they have been unreceptive in previous contacts, another conversation similar to what follows may increase your likelihood of success. There are certainly more possiblities to include, but here's a list (with links) to start with. Be determined, but do not be distracted by losing your temper. Say what you mean, mean what you say, and then do what you said!!
• Do not tell them you will follow this course of action unless they comply with your wishes (that's blackmail).This is your plan regardless, and you are simply notifying them of that fact.  

"I am informing you of my intentions to:

1. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (Or inform them that complaint has already been filed). Note: Complaints may also be filed VERY easily by telephone at 1-877 FTC-HELP. 
2. File a complaint with the National Consumers League.
3. File a complaint with the  Better Business Bureau. 
4. Contact my Bank or Credit Card Company regarding reversing charges.
5. Contact my local consumer protection agency and file an official complaint, as well as, send letters detailing my entire experiences with your company to the Attorneys General in both your state of operations and my state of residence.
6. E-mail a consumer complaint to the Magazine Publishers of America.
7. Contact an Attorney specializing in consumer law.” 

• Inform them that you expect to receive WRITTEN confirmation of cancellation or any other agreements within 10 business days (magazine subscription companies seldom honor verbal cancellation agreements) and consider sending your own written notification to them as well (keep a copy and send certified mail with return receipt).
• In the case of cancellations, specifically address the account being closed and paid in full with no other accounts that you are unaware of, nor any future billing, any additional magazines received are your gift without charge, and details of expected refund (if any). You may also specifically request no telephone contact from the company in the future.
• If the account is not closed, specifically address the complete terms of the agreement- magazine subscriptions to be received (specific titles and number of months), the amount, number, and method of payments (consider alternatives such as money order through the mail), total remaining balance to be paid, and specific request of no automatic renewal.
• If considering a revised payment plan, request written details to throughly review prior to making any new agreement. Do not give any additional account information, credit card numbers, etc. over the phone.
• If your dispute is in arbitration and you plan to continue payments, money orders through the mail are option rather than automatic withdrawals from your account. You may request a mailing address for payments if you close the account they have access to.
• Keep records of all contact with this company.
• If needed, your local consumer protection agency or the Better Business Bureau may be willing to provide arbitration assistance in working with this company. You can also contact an attorney or consumer law advocate.
• If you believe a company's business practices are deceptive or fraudulent, file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorneys General regardless of whether your dispute is "satisfactorily resolved" or not. While the FTC and AGs do not provide legal advice or intervene on the behalf of individuals, official investigations can make the ability to continue these types of business practices more difficult and may protect the next unwary victim! 

To address inappropriate debt collection practices: 

• If you are contacted by a debt collector, you may attempt to resolve the matter with them even if you think it is a mistake or you cannot immediately repay a legitimate debt.
• Remember a "collection agency" contacting you for an outstanding magazine account balance could, in fact, be the same telemarketing employees simply functioning in a collections capacity, a lawyer working for the company, or an actual third party that has purchased the debt (who could be completely aware of its questionable nature in some cases).
• Request any agreement that a debt is invalid IN WRITING.
• Within five days of contacting you, the debt collector must provide a written “validation notice” detailing how much you owe, the company to whom it is owed, and how to proceed if you don’t think you owe the debt. Specifically request this written validation notice from them.
• Send a letter to the debt collector (certified mail with return receipt) within 30 days requesting “written verification” of the debt. They must stop contacting you until written verification (such as a copy of the bill/ contract, etc.) has been sent.
• You may also specifically request in writing that the collector not contact you again or direct all contact through your attorney if you have one. They may only contact you after such notification to inform you that no action will be taken or that they intend to take a specific action, such filing a lawsuit.
• Third party debt collectors’ conduct is restricted by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA ) in order to prevent abusive, unfair or deceptive practices. The FDCPA may apply to in-house collections that misrepresent themselves as well. Some specifically prohibited practices are listed here.

Debt collectors may NOT: 

• contact you before 8am or after 9 pm or at your work if you have told them that you are not allowed to get calls there.
• contact third parties other than to find out your address, home phone number and where you work (and generally only one contact is permitted for each party).
• discuss any details of your debt with anyone other than you, your spouse or your attorney.
• contact you by postcard.
• harass you, make false claims, or misrepresent who they actually are in an attempt to collect a debt.
• falsely claim that documents are legal forms or official government documents if they are not.
• threaten to have you arrested, to garnish your wages, or seize property unless it is legal for them to take such actions.
• threaten to take legal action unless they actually intend to do so.
• attempt to collect interest or other fees unless the original contract (or your state laws) allow the charge.
• deposit a post-dated check early. 

• Questions and answers about the FDCPA can be found here.
• Violations of the FDCPA may be reported to the Federal Trade Commission and your Attorney General.
• If you need assistance consider contacting your local consumer protection organization or a consumer law attorney .

MONITORING YOUR CREDIT REPORT:

•  The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months.
• There is only one place to obtain a truly free credit report -www.annualcreditreport.com (Do not be fooled by any of the companies offering one free report followed with charges for intermittent monitoring services.)
• Staggering your requests from each of the three of the nationwide consumer reporting companies during a 12-month period may be a good way to keep an eye on the accuracy and completeness of the information in your reports.
• The Federal Trade Commission has additional information about your free credit report here.

REDUCING FUTURE UNSOLICITED MARKETING CONTACTS:  

• The FCC/ FTC’s National Do not call registry is the place to have your land line and cell phones removed from telemarketer’s lists.
• The Direct Marketing Association is the place to have your name removed from junk mail lists and find out more about direct marketing.