Complaint Review: America's Choice Reader

I received a phone call like many others having, being promised a free $1,000 shopping online credit. They also offered to give me discounted magazine subscriptions for around $15 per month. I asked and was told I could call and cancel if I decided that I didn't want it, but that it was through someone else, so I would have to call them. I agreed to this somewhat skeptical. This was on a Friday.

On Sunday I received a call requesting verification for my magazine subscription. I was eager to get about my day so I went along. He went on rambling stuff that I couldn't hardly understand. He said something about $39.95, 14 more months of payments required, and 3 days to cancel. Foolishly, I went along and finished the verification so that I could get on with my day. I figured with the 3 days I heard mumbled in there I could resolve the issue the next day.

Later that day I went online to view my recent credit card activity and found that they had charged me $39.95 on Friday. The day I was told it would only be around $15. I was immediately frustrated by this. The next morning I called shortly after they opened. I was told that my subscription could be canceled because it was still in the 3 days, but that I was still responsible for the first $39.95 charge. This was because one of the things he hastily mumbled was that they have a no refund policy. After much debate there was nothing more I could do. He would cancel my subscription, but I still have to pay the charge.

I believe that I should not be held responsible for the charge because if nothing else, my credit card was charged $39.95 before that cost was ever mentioned. The charge happened right after the call on Friday saying it would only be around $15 per month. That was an outright lie and they should not be able to charge me for a cost that was never mentioned. If I cannot be totally refunded I believe I am at least entitled to only having to pay the expected $15.

I am a college student, and money does not come easily.

Jared
Cedar Springs, Michigan
U.S.A.