Complaint Review: Active Periodicals

First I got a call from "Publishers Clearing House" telling me I was in a final round for some huge amount of money. I was also eligible to get a ring or watch or some other prize. I needed to order one magazine for 5 years then I'd also get 3 more magazines for free for a year. With a house full of guests and screaming children that day, I hardly remember what was said, except for the "hype" of the sweepstakes.

6 months later, after paying several payments to them, I wanted to cancel the magazines - once you total up the payments, it's just too much money! (something like $600 for TV Guide) - I just didn't want the magazines either.

They told me I could not cancel, that they'd already paid the money to the publisher. I called my credit card company and asked them to no longer accept charges from them.

Now I'm getting harrassing phone calls at work and at home - threatening to send me collections and being generally rude.

After reading all the files on this web site about this company, I feel that I have been ripped-off.

I'm not even asking for a refund of money paid - I just want to stop. I've filed a report with the BBB of Southeast Florida, but fear that will not help at all. What else can I do?

HELP!!!!

Suzanne
Simi Valley, California
U.S.A.