Complaint Review: SEF Publishers

In Aug 06 I received a call from this company about a $1000 if I subscribed to a magazine, they said I'd also be getting 3 free magazines as a complimentary gift. The deal was to pay 15 monthly installments of $33, to receive rollingstone magazine for 5 years. It sounded good at the time.

When I received the gift certificate for the "shopping spree" I went on the website and realized it was a bunch of junk plus you had to pay outrageous s&h. I called the company to cancel but I had gone past my 7 day trial period (go figure). I was told it was too late to cancel, I said what the hay Im still getting the magazines so its ok.

After a few months I noticed they were charging my account twice each month, by then I had already been charged 13 payments. So I called them and asked to pay off the last two payments and cancel my subscription. I was told this could be done but there was a cancellation fee. By this time I was fed up with this company so I paid them off. This was in Jul 07. I received a confirmation by fax, I never heard from them again.

Three days ago I was looking at my bank account and noticed a charge for $158.00 from them. I immediately called my bank to dispute the charge and had to file a claim. I called SEF Publishers to see where this charge was coming from I was transfered to Ms. Judy Nye who told me it was an outstanding cancellation fee.

I asked why they hadn't notified me prior and she went on to say (very rudely) that i've been avoiding there calls and they've sent me multiple letters, this was a lie! As i said earlier I hadn't heard from them since Jul 07. She said that if I don't pay the court costs will be greater than 138.00... which was there cancellation fee, I said thats funny because you charged me 158.00. She continued to rant about how I should be responsible enough to pay my bills and they'll take me to court if they have to I said do it than and hung up on her.

Today I received a letter confirming that my cancellation was paid and I need not worry anymore, the letter was dated Nov 2004. There was also a copy of my "contract that had conflicting dates on them as well. I've contacted the BBB of Florida and filed a claim, tomorrow Im going to my Legal dept to see if they can help me any further. I just want this company investigated because they are obvious scammers and we can't let more people get screwed by them. Please let everyone you know about this company! Get the word out and hopefully we can hold them accountablem for there illegtimate practices.

Stephanie A.
New Orleans, Louisiana
U.S.A.