Complaint Review: Area Circulation Inc.

I received a call stating that was entered in a sweepstakes for a $1,000,000 because I was a valued Visa customer. Then I got the sales pitch about the magazines I would get for free and I just had to purchase one magazine for payments of about $70 for 12 months. I advised the rep I did not have that and it would not be in my budget. She managed to talk me into a lower payment arrangement for 6 months of $45. I agreed but still stated I did not have the money for the intial payment, the rep the proceeded to tell me she would put a hold on the payment but they would recall to verify again and that all further payments would be billed to me. I saw my account was actually debited the date we spoke which was November 15.

Then about the end of December I received two NSF charges from my bank from Area Circulation and then they manage to get the payment on the third try. I called the office and advised I was told I would get billed for the magazines and not debited from my account and also not receiving any magazine yet two payments were made. The rep advise how sorry they were and were having problems with their publisher but she noted that I would get billed from now on and she extended my payment till March 15.

I called back today since by my calculation if money was deducted November 15, I am about at my 8-12 week point. I advised I was not happy with this situation since when I pay for something I like to receive my product in a timely manner and would like to cancel the service. I no longer want the magazines and no longer want to pay for this. The rep kept stated that I entered in a verbal contract and canceling is not an option and she kept trying to lower the payment. Apparently she got tired of me not working with her, she advised she was transferring me to a manager. This person gave me the same song and dance stating that they can lower the payment and extend it out till May. I kept stating I don't want the service and no longer wish to pay, but she kept talking in circles until I finally hung up.

I wish I could go back and undo this mess with these people, unfortunatly for this company they will not get any more money from me. I will take the chance for them to send me to a collection agency. I will go to my bank to make sure they no longer get the money from my account.

Mechelle
Jacksonville, Florida
U.S.A.