Complaint Review: Reader's Choice Of The Central Coast - CRC Magazines - Community Reader's Club Of The Central Coast

About a month ago I was contacted by a telemarketer who told me I could get a free vacation if I took a look at the magazine subscription service they offered. As a thank you for considering their service, they would send me a voucher for air fare as well. I was bored, so I went along with it, fully intending to cancel the subscriptions when the information arrived. After about ten minutes on the phone, which was spent deciding which magazines I'd be interested in, they had me read information back to them to verify that I understood the process. At this time they also recorded the conversation.

Unfortunately, according to Reader's Choice, this constitutes some sort of contract. I knew I was going to be moving soon, but as it happened I ended up moving about three weeks earlier than I expected. During the moving process my "free trial period" ended and Reader's Choice began taking payments from my bank account. I couldn't afford to keep the service after my move, so I called to cancel but was told that I had entered a legal contract with the magazine publishers through Reader's Choice and there is no way I can cancel my subscription. Eventually, after a lot of complaining, I got my payments lowered and I figured that was the best I could do at the time.

Later I noticed another transaction from Reader's Choice on my bank statement, which was completely unauthorized. Other mysterious charges have shown up on my statements as well, when I have not used my debit card for well over three weeks. I called to complain to them that I was charged a second time, and it was not the amount we agreed upon last time I called. Again, I found it necessary to resort to anger and raised my voice, because there is no other way to get these people to do anything but repeat "I'm sorry, you entered a contract with us" or "I'm sorry you feel that way, but we have been a member of the Better Business Bureau since 1999." I was granted a refund of the second transaction amount after much complaining.

Aside from the mysterious charges on my debit card, I have never gotten any magazines from Reader's Choice. It also clearly states on their Web site that customers can cancel at any time with no added pressure.

I did a little research and found more reports here, and decided to take action. I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau as well, and also cancelled my debit card, reporting it missing or stolen. So far I have not heard from them at all. I'm sure I will soon enough when they realize they can't get money out of my bank account any longer. They rely on false advertising, fast talking and cheap scam tactics to scare people into thinking their in a binding legal contract. I never signed anything with Reader's Choice, so I don't owe them anything.

Julie
Champaign, Illinois
U.S.A.

EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back!

HERE IS WHAT RIP-OFF REPORT SUGGESTS YOU DO:

Go to your bank within 60 days of the charge, or as soon as you know about the charge, don't delay, and tell them that there has been fraudulent activity within your account. Explain that you wish to file a dispute, and demand that they assist you in accordance with Federal Regulation E.

According to the majority of victims interviewed by Rip-off Report, those who immediately called their banks to dispute the charges did not get very far. Many victims got the following responses from their banks: we could not do anything for you or you waited too long; it has been more than 60 days.

If the bank is says that you have waited too long, explain to them how you called their 800 number as soon as the charges were found, and were told by the bank that nothing could be done. Remind the bank that they failed to assist you properly at the 800 #, and instead, provided you with an inadequate explanation of your right to dispute. Tell the bank that it's their fault time has expired, and since they gave you the wrong info to begin with, they will just have to deal with it, take the loss and reverse the charges.

Tell them the truth; this was unauthorized and your account was NOT to be charged! Keep emphasizing how you never authorized anything! Direct them to the hundreds of victims reports that were filed on Rip-off Report.com. And if you're at the bank, walk them over to their computer and make them go to this site! If you are on the phone with them, tell them you will wait while they access this site! Either way, be persistent!

DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER!

Let them know nicely, that you were advised to Report them (the Bank) and this situation to the Banking Commission in your state. Since each state has a different name for the agency/controller over banks, find that name before you call or get to the bank so you can throw it in their face. The more knowledgeable you appear to be, the further you will get.

And just continue to demand the Federal Regulation E form! The bank CAN, MUST and WILL reverse the charge! But, you must be persistent; ask to speak to the supervisor or the area manager for all the branches in the state.

Let the bank personnel know you are meeting with the media later in the day, that you would much rather they do the right thing (as most other banks have) by looking at the complaints and immediately reversing the charge(s) to your account; no matter how long ago it was. Be sure to call the Media if necessary so you are telling the truth.

If you have to, be loud (but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics should still work. The bank can easily fax or mail to you the Federal Regulation E dispute form.

CHARGES TO YOUR CREDIT CARD

If the charge was to your credit card (not debit card, check card, or checking account), contact the credit card company as soon as possible to request a dispute form. Consumers usually have a little longer to dispute fraudulent credit card charges (up to 6 months), but it is better to act right away. In this type of situation, credit card disputes are usually successful since fraudulent companies often won't contest the disputed charge. In rare cases, credit card companies will review disputes, but refuse to reverse the charges. If this occurs, complain to a manager and let them know you will be filing a report here.

Remember Don't let them get away with it! Make sure they make the Rip-off Report .. The more Reports filed on a Company or individual, the more likely it is that the authorities, media and attorneys will want to take action.

And good luck Let us know how you do!

ED Magedson Founder, Rip-off Report.com & Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com
EDitor@RipoffReport.com
badbusinessbureau.com
www.ripoffreport.com

Don't let them get away with it.
Make sure they make the Rip-off Report!

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...the victims' advocate

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...by consumers, for consumers

CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.