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If you receive a sales call for a magazine subscription, be skeptical when someone tries to sell you a “bargain” or offers you a “free” subscrip- tion on the phone. Ask questions. If you don’t get answers that they’re willing to back up in writing, consider doing business elsewhere. Ask:
• How long does the subscription last—one year, two years, more?
• How will I be billed? Will you debit my checking account or credit card? When, monthly or annually?
• How many magazines will I get and how frequently—monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly?
• What’s the total yearly cost of each magazine? What’s the total package price?
• What are my cancellation rights? Get them in writing before you agree to buy. The salesperson may not be required to tell you about the company’s cancellation policy unless you ask.
• Compare the costs they’re quoting to regular magazine subscription rates.
In addition, be careful what you say on the phone to the seller. In some states, your verbal agreement to buy obligates you to pay. Frequently, the salesperson tape records the conversation, perhaps claiming it’s for your protection. Later, the company may use the tape to “prove” you agreed to buy the magazines, selected a payment method, and understood the terms of the agreement.
If you don’t want a subscription, and you don’t want to be called again, tell the telemarketer to put you on the company’s “do not call list.” If the company calls again, hang up. It’s breaking the law. Report it to your state Attorney General and the FTC.
The Telemarketing Sales Rule
The FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule requires telemarketers to make certain disclosures and prohibits them from lying. It gives you the
Magazine Sales Scams