Hearst Magazines - Redbook & Good Housekeeping Magazine Continued Subscription Renewal Harassment Red Oak Iowa
In response to another person who has filed a rip off report on Hearst Magazines, I too am being harassed via mail by this company.
In early 2007, I signed up for a subscription to both Redbook and Good Housekeeping magazines. I paid for both those subscriptions immediately. My subscription to Redbook does not even run out until 2/09 and the subscription to Good Housekeeping ran out 2/08. A few months after the subscription began, I started being harassed via mail about a "Continuous Service Program" that I had supposedly signed up for, which I did NOT sign up for. The letters I received were asking for payment for my subscription renewal. A) I did not sign up for a renewal and B) my subscriptions were not even expired yet. The letters continued on getting more and more demanding and they also threatened my credit rating. I called Hearst at one point and was given an apology and the lady on the telephone told me they had received many complaints about this policy and said I would not receive anymore letters. Wrong!! I am still receiving them. The latest letter states:
"IMPORTANT NOTICE
Dear Customer,
We extended to you the privilege of paying later for your subscription. By entering into this agreement we anticipated that you would remit a payment when billed. The balance outstanding is now several months past due.
We have sent you numerous bills. We must not insist that you send us your payment immediately.
This will be your final opportunity to resume service on your subscription and restore your good standing.
Yours Truly,
William Drake
Credit & Collections Manager"
Keep in mind this letter came from Redbook today, a magazine in which my subscription is paid for until 2/09!
I am beyond disgusted and angry about these threats and that is what they are. This company is threatening me like I'm someone who does not pay my bills. They have been paid! I'm thinking it's time to contact Oprah and let her know the company that publishes her magazine is conducting itself in this manner.
Lisa
Kingston, Tennessee
U.S.A.
3 Updates & Rebuttals
M
Denver,Colorado,
U.S.A.
Go to their website
#4Consumer Suggestion
Sat, April 19, 2008
Lisa, go to the GH website and they have an opt out of the renewal program you can click on plus they have a cancellation link as well. On your Redbook, I bet it too expired in 2/08 but you are already seeing 2/09 on the label because with the "auto renewal" program they immediately extend the exp. date the same month it expires even without receiving your payment. I know this because my current GH says it expires in June of 2009 even tho' I haven't paid them and have now cancelled via the website. It was set to expire June of 2008 and they have been billing me for a couple months now for the auto renewal. I just went to the website and cancelled BOTH the auto renewal and my subscription.
Hope this helps!
Lisa
Kingston,Tennessee,
U.S.A.
Consumer suggestion that I telephone the company has already been tried.
#4Author of original report
Fri, April 18, 2008
Hello,
Anonymous, thank you for your suggestion to phone the company, but as I already stated in my complaint, I have already called Hearst.
Thank you.
Anonynous
Red Oak,Iowa,
U.S.A.
Give them a quick call
#4Consumer Suggestion
Fri, April 18, 2008
It may be that if you got enrolled in the continuous service program, the redbook 02/09 expiration probably includes an automatic renewal order.
Honestly the easiest way to find out is to call customer service at 1-800-888-0008, it usually best to call in the evenings after probably 5 cental time.
I'm sure you will get someone who can help you out.