Countrywide Periodicals

Review: They have been taking a payment from me and I tried to cancel and they would not allow me to do so I am very up set that I have been forced to make this payment and now they say that I owe them 597.60 to be payed in full in 30 days I tried to explain that I wanted to cancel but they said that I was not allowed then after they stopped taking the payment they went to a collection agency and are demanding the payment in full I am in need of help to stop the harassment. It is there own fault that they haven't been taking out the payment I should not be made to suffer anymore on there behalf just because the are negligent in taking said payment I would like them to stop harassing me I would really like some help in stopping them from harassing anyone elseDesired Settlement: I just want the money that they have taken from me back they should not be allowed to harass anyone any more they made me do this they talked me into it and now its there own fault that they stoped taking the payment so can you help me please they are driving me crazy

Business

Response:

In reply to: [redacted]

I am writing this in response to Complaint Id: [redacted]. [redacted] placed

her order with our company on January 30, 2012, during a two-call process; the final call

was recorded with her permission. At that time Ms. [redacted]’s last name was actually

[redacted]. Please be aware that an order is not processed until the terms of the service are

agreed to upon two scripted phone calls. We use a two-call process to ensure that the

customer fully understands the terms of the service.

During the recorded conversation the verifier went over the magazines, the 24

consecutive payments of $33.20, total for the full term of service, verified the Visa card

ending in [redacted] provided by Ms. [redacted], and also asked her permission to process the

monthly payments to the Visa account each month. Ms. [redacted] replied yes.

Ms. [redacted] states in her complaint that it is our fault that we have not taken

payment on her account. Ms. [redacted]’s Visa card has declined every month since

August of 2012.

The verifier also went over our three-day cancellation policy, the estimated time

of delivery, our toll free customer service number, and also had Ms. [redacted] verbally

verify her mailing address.

To date Ms. [redacted]’s account is active and will remain as so until all

payments have been made. Ms. [redacted] is receiving product and agreed to make all

24 payments on her account. Should you have any further questions, please do not

hesitate to contact me.

Respectfully,

Compliance Officer

Countrywide Periodicals LLC

Consumer

Response:

let them know that I will only make this last payment then I am done I want to cancel not continue this is all I have wanted from this I dont want to do any more arguing about the subject I just want it canceled right away. please that is all I ask I have lost a child to all this worrying so I cant handle the stress any more.

[A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Regards,

Business

Response:

In reply to: [redacted]

I am writing this in response to Ms. [redacted]’s complaint. Although I sincerely

apologize for Ms. [redacted]’s loss of a child, I do not have recourse to cancel this

account. If Ms. [redacted] would like to call me and work out a payment plan I would

be more than happy to do so. Should you have any further questions, please do not

hesitate to contact me.

Respectfully,

Compliance Officer

Countrywide Periodicals LLC

###-###-####

Review: Thios company called and said I won a watch and then took my credit card number for shipping. They charged my credit card $66.41 and said there would be 12 more charges. I called to cancel and they said I could not an would not refund any money. I have filed a dispute with my credit card. They should be arrested for theft.Desired Settlement: I am requesting a refund in the full amount of $66.41

Business

Response:

In reply to: [redacted]

I am writing this in response to Complaint Id: [redacted]. [redacted] placed his

order with our company on September 4, 2013, during a two-call process; the final call

was recorded with his permission. Please be aware that an order is not processed until the

terms of service are agreed to upon two scripted phone calls. We use a two-call process

to ensure that the customer fully understands the terms of the service.

During the recorded conversation the verifier went over the magazines, the 12

consecutive monthly payments of $66.41, total for the full term of service, verified the

Visa card provided and asked his permission to process the monthly payments to the Visa

account each month. Mr. [redacted] replied yes.

The verifier also went over our three-day cancellation policy, the estimated time

of delivery, our toll free customer service number, and also had Mr. [redacted] verbally

verify his mailing address.

Mr. [redacted] claims in his complaint, “This Company called and said I won a

watch and then took my credit card number for shipping. They charged my credit card

$66.41 and said there would be 12 more charges.” We never told Mr. [redacted] that he

won a watch. We told Mr. [redacted] that if he purchased the magazines he would receive

a watch as a gift. We do not charge shipping for our watches.

Everything was done with Mr. [redacted]’s permission. Mr. [redacted] purchased the

magazines, agreed to make all 12 payments, and also gave permission to charge his Visa

account.

To date Mr. [redacted]’s account is active and will remain as so until all payments

have been made. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact

me.

Respectfully,

Compliance Officer

Countrywide Periodicals LLC

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

Regards,

Review: I have the same complaint as all the other 300 people that have filled a complaint about this company to you. They are manipulative, irresponsible, and rude. They harrass people by calling their private phone lines multiples times a day, a week, and do not leave a message nor a number for anyone to return their call. Their terms and conditions are read very quickly and are not understandable to people (hints all the complaints they have had reguarding the issue of payments and billing). When I have tried returning this company's calls, the numbers they have called me from are "inactive phone numbers". I am writing this complaint because I have cancelled my debit card to stop them from taking payments out of my checking account, because they wouldn't when I asked them to stop and when I asked them to cancel my "subscription/agreement" with them and they say I cannot do that, giving no valid reasoning as to why, then the "customer service" reps get rude, manipulating; try to put words into my mouth, and/ or hang up on me. When I call back, they answer "Pizza Hut", not very professional if you ask me.I have asked this company multiple times to send me the papers I signed to receive my magazine subscriptions and multiple times I have been told that they cannot do that and that there is just no way I can get out of this agreement. They then tell me that I had three days to call and cancel initially after the first phone call I had with them in Decemeber of 2011; however, there was no phone number given to me, nor did I receive the papers to sign or decline within the first three days after talking to them on the phone. I cancelled my debit card that they were taking money from each month ($33.20) and turned them in for fraud with my bank. I received a statement from my bank saying the claim was resolved and I was able to keep 4 payments they had taken out after I had called time and time again to cancel. It is a fraud company, and I want out of whatever agreement they say I have made with them.Desired Settlement: I would like this matter resolved at this point. I do not want a refund for what I have already paid, I just want the payments to stop, the magazines sent to my house to stop, the harrassment calls to stop, and the letters requesting payments to stop. This company is manipulative and fraud, and I want nothing else to do with them. Any magazines that are continually sent to my house I will place back in the mailbox with a return to sender sticker on them.Thank You!

Business

Response:

In reply to: [redacted]

Review: I called this company due to an issue with billing. It appeared as if my checking account was double charged. When I called on October 8th a representative answered named [redacted]. I attempted to explain to her my issue. To say I was treated poorly is an understatement. She was argumentative and wouldn't explain to me what happened on my checking account. She than began telling me I was snooty, and asked me what my problem was. I advised her that her attitude was my issue and I wanted to speak with someone else. To which she replied there is no one else. I asked again to speak with a manager. She refused again advising there are only three customer service representatives. She then followed by saying oh I see your problem you work in collections. That is why you're so rude. I advised her I actually liked my job and that had nothing to do with why I was calling and to put someone else on immediately. I then spoke with [redacted] the general manager. She advised of the companies process for transactions, and urged me to call my bank. If I had been double charged she provided me with the fax number to send in proof of the transactions.Desired Settlement: I was advised I would receive a refund in full within 10 business days per [redacted] which I have yet to receive of $66.41. I would also like a written apology from [redacted] the representative that was so rude and to make sure that the Owner/CEO of this company due to lack of proper management is aware a customer was lost solely based on this persons horrendous behavior.

Business

Response:

In reply to: [redacted]

I am writing this in response to Complaint Id: [redacted]. [redacted]

cancelled her account with our company therefore she does not have an order with us.

Ms. [redacted]’s payment was refunded on October 16, 2013 and she should expect to

receive her money back in 7-10 business days depending on her banks rules and

regulations.

If at anytime one of our customer service representative was unprofessional I

apologize for that. We strive for excellent customer service and if any of our customer

service representatives were at any time observed being unprofessional the appropriate

action would of course be taken. I have passed the complaint on to management. If Ms.

[redacted] has any further problems or questions she can personally call me at [redacted]

Respectfully,

Compliance Officer

Countrywide Periodicals LLC

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted] and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. I have received my refund, and am satisfied with the response from the compliance officer

Regards,

Review: I was lured into a magazine scam with periodicals in October of 2012. The representative told me I would be entered into the Publisher Clearance Sweepstake Contest to get me on the phone and proceeded to smooth talk me into getting a magazine subscriptions. I was under the impression I was getting a "good deal" by paying $50 every 3 months for 7 magazine subscriptions plus 2 free parenting magazines. When I received a letter of billing in the mail I was informed it would be $50 every month for 16 months. I tried calling to cancel, I could not do so and could not talk to a manager. So my husband called, he got the name of the manager, but still I was told I was unable to cancel. After researching this company on the internet I found hundreds of stories where people were entered into 2 contracts without permission or had amounts taken out of their account other than the monthly bill, and much more. I panicked and canceled the debit card they had on file. They still managed to bill me $49.81. Since then I have received only one of the magazine subscriptions, but have had many, many harassing phone calls. We have a 7 month old baby and my husband is the sole provider with a low pay grade in the Army, we can not afford this. I stress and lose sleep wondering if they will ruin my credit or sue me. I HATE that I ever answering that phone call. This company needs to be stopped. Please help.Desired Settlement: I would like my contract cancelled. I believe I have paid for the one subscription they have sent me. I do not want these magazines or anything to do with this company. I also want them shut down so this will stop happening to unsuspecting victims who do not what they are about to be in for.

Business

Response:

In reply to: [redacted]

I am writing this in response to Complaint Id: 9511298. [redacted] placed her

order with our company on October 19, 2012, during a three-call process; the

final call was recorded with her permission. Please be aware that an order is

not processed until the terms of the service are agreed to upon three scripted

phone calls. We use a three-call process to ensure that the customer fully

understands the terms of the service.

During the recorded conversation the verifier went over the magazines, the 16 consecutive

payments of $49.81, total for the full term of service, verified the Mastercard

provided by Ms. [redacted] and also asked her permission to process the monthly

payments to the Mastercard each month. Ms. [redacted] replied yes. The verifier

also went over our three-day cancellation policy, the estimated time of

delivery, the toll free customer service number, and also had Ms. [redacted]

verbally verify her mailing address.

We do not say that we are with Publishers Clearing house. We say that your name was

entered into our sweepstakes with the publishers.

Ms. [redacted] states in her complaint, “I was under the impression I was getting a “good

deal” by paying $50 every 3 months for 7 magazine subscriptions plus 2 free

parenting magazines. When I received a letter of billing in the mail I was

informed it would be $50 every month for 16 months.” During the recorded

conversation at 36 seconds the verifier says, “and you’ll find again that your

payments are consolidated 3 months at a time, just that $49.81 each month for

the first 16 months, leaving the remaining 32 months of your service where you

don’t send us anymore money cause your paid in full okay?” At 48 seconds the

customer responds, “Alright.”

Ms. [redacted] also states in her complaint, “I tried calling to cancel, I could not do so.”

At 2 minutes 3 seconds the verifier states, “We just ask that you stay with us

for the 16 payments of $49.81 okay?” At 2 minutes 25 seconds the verifier also

states, “You have 3 business days to cancel.”

Also during the recorded conversation at 2 minutes 44 seconds the verifier asks, “Alright

do you have any questions for me today?” At 2 minutes 46 seconds the customer

replies, “Um no sounds good.”

Ms. [redacted] states in her complaint that she has only received one of the magazines

subscriptions. This is because her magazines were put on hold because she was

not paying for what she ordered.

It is very apparent that Ms. [redacted] was aware of her payments. It is also apparent that

Ms. [redacted] does not want to pay for what she ordered and instead made a

complaint against are company so she can get out of paying for what she openly

admits doing.

To date I have elected to cancel Ms. [redacted]’s account. As stated before it is apparent that Ms. [redacted] is not

going to pay for what she ordered. Should you have any further questions,

please do not hesitate to contact me.

Respectfully,

Compliance Officer

Countrywide Periodicals LLC

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID 9512981, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Regards,

They're a scam 100%. I was sick when they called and the sales guy spoke really quick . My understanding was I was getting a I pad, or some kind of tablet. If I subscribed to magazines for 49.00and change , once . I never received a letter with the terms or the magazines. Tryed to cancel was told it was too late. When I explained to the "supervisor Kyle , that I lost my job he said it wasn't his fault deal with it . I yelled 4 letter words at him due to the lack of respect, and hung up
Two minutes later the [redacted] called me back to ask if there was anything else he could do for me , I told him [redacted]. and hung up . Scam artists . Don't fall for the BS

This company is terrible. DO NOT ever agree to use their services.

They pestered me for months about subscribing to get their magazines and I said no over and over, because I didn't have that much extra money. But finally I did get more money later on and agreed to their service. They said I would be charged appx. $60 for my first package of four or so magazines and that I could always switch which ones I received or cancel it later.

What I didn't realize was that their cancellation can't be done at any time. I was sure I cancelled it with plenty of time, but apparently they have a contract saying you have to do it within three days and they denied I did so. I cancelled my subscription and my card that they initially charged, but now a year later I got a call and a letter from a collection agency saying I owed them $730.51 for all the magazines - WHICH I NEVER GOT ANY! How in the hell I managed to owe them more than my rent payment for a product I never recieved I'll have no idea, but apparently it's all legal.

Oh, and since this happened over a year ago and they refuse to tell me the details of the contract or play back the recording of me agreeing to all of it I can't refute any of this. I paid the debt I owed the collection agency (because otherwise it would look really bad on my credit report) and then called the magazine people to try to figure out how the hell this happened but the customer service rep said that she apparently discuss the account with me until they receive proof of my payment. Or that she can't look at the details of my account because now it's the collection agency's problem. One of the two, I'm not really sure.

Case in point, don't listen to these people! Don't buy into their ploy! They talk fast and say a bunch of things to make it seem like this is a really convenient service but in reality they just want to rip you off. They'll harass you when they want you to buy things from them but when a customer tries to get in touch with them because they have a problem suddenly it becomes hard to get a hold of them or they'll stonewall you.

Review: I have gotten a call from this company last week. They described their magazine periodical program as well as their billing system. The associates seemed to have used a bunch of wordplay to communicate their terms because I never heard about a 3 day cancellation. After realizing this was a scam, I decided to call and cancel. When I did, the associate told me that I had missed the 3 day cancellation window and that there is no way of getting out of the $730 they would be charging me.Desired Settlement: No funds have been charged yet, but I want my name and information cancelled from any kind of subscriptions.

Business

Response:

In reply to: [redacted]

I am writing this in response to Complaint Id: 9541637. [redacted] placed

her order with our company on May 6, 2013, during a two-call process; the final call was

recorded with her permission. Please be aware that an order is not processed until the

terms of the service are agreed to upon two scripted phone calls. We use a two-call

process to ensure that the customer fully understands the terms of the service.

During the recorded conversation the verifier went over the magazines, the 12

consecutive payments of $66.41, total for the full term of service, verified the Visa card

provided by Ms. [redacted], and also asked her permission to process the monthly payments

to the Visa account each month. Ms. [redacted] replied yes.

The verifier also went over our three-day cancellation policy, the estimated time

of delivery, our toll free customer service number, and also had Ms. [redacted] verbally

verify her mailing address.

Ms. [redacted] states in her complaint, “I never heard about a 3 day cancellation.”

During the recorded conversation at 2 minutes 48 seconds the verifier states, “We just

ask that you take the order with the understanding after 3 business days you may not

cancel.”

It appears that Ms. [redacted] does not actually have a valid complaint she just

decided to file one to get out of paying for what she ordered.

At this time I have elected to close Ms. [redacted]’s account. I have refunded the first

payment of $66.41 and Ms. [redacted] should receive that back into her account within 7-10

business days depending on her banks rules and regulations. Should you have any further

questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Respectfully,

Compliance Officer

Countrywide Periodicals LLC

Review: Someone called me on February 4th 2013, stating that I won a watch and I would be entered into 100 million dollar sweepstakes. I said that I wasn't interested in the watch or the sweepstakes. The lady then said that the watch is free and they already had my address all I had to do was talk to her manager and tell him how her customer service was. Before I could answer she put her boss on the phone and he congratulated me on the watch and said that I should expect it in two weeks included with six well known magazines. Along with the watch and magazines there would be a release form for the watch and a form to choose which six magazines I would like to receive; all I had to do was sign the release form, choose the magazines, and then choose two extra magazines that I would like to receive for a small fee. I told him that I am a college student and I can't afford a magazine subscription. He said that all I had to do was pay him 60 dollars a month for a year. I told him that I can't afford magazines and I don't really read them so no thanks. Then he said that he would cut the cost down to 33.20 monthly, I said no thanks and then he said that he would send the watch anyway. He said that he sees in his computer that I have a master card and a visa card is this correct. I said yes. After that he said I should be expecting the release form first, I sign it, and then they'll send the watch. After speaking with him I got an alert form my bank that 60 dollars was taken from my account. So I called Countrywide Periodicals back and told them that I didn't sign up for the magazines and I dont want them. The guy said that all he could do for me was re inverse 33.20 and that he would send a cancellation form in the mail. I worked with my bank and got the money back as well as got new account information. Since then they have been harassing me, sending me bills and magazines. I never received the cancellation form, watch, or release form. Every magazine that I have got from them I've sent back.Desired Settlement: I have tried to work this out with them on multiple occasions but it has yet to be resolved. They are refusing to cancel my account even though I never stated that I would subscribe to their magazines. The customer service reps are rude, up noxious, and all they do is try to argue you down. I am tired of being harassed by scam artist who prey on the young and elderly. I want this account canceled immediately and I want anymore harassing phone calls or letters.

Business

Response:

In reply to: [redacted]

I am writing this in response to Complaint Id: 9597983. [redacted] placed her order with our company on February 2, 2013, during a three-call process; the final call was recorded with her permission. Please be aware that an order is not processed until the terms of the service are agreed to upon three scripted phone calls. We use a three-call process to ensure that the customer fully understands the terms of the service.

During the recorded conversation the verifier went over the magazines, the 24 consecutive payments of $33.20, total for the full term of service, verified the Visa card ending in [redacted] provided by Ms. [redacted], and also asked her permission to process the monthly payments to the Visa account each month. Ms. [redacted] asked at that time if she could send in a check or money order instead of having the payments go onto the Visa card. The verifier explained to her that as long as we receive the payment before her bill date every month that would be fine. Ms. [redacted] replied, “Ok.”

The verifier also went over our three-day cancellation policy, the estimated time of delivery, our toll free customer service number, and also had Ms. [redacted] verbally verify her mailing address.

We also do not prey on elderly or young people. If someone is over 18 and they agree to buy the magazines than we will set them up with our service. We do not use deceptive practices. The terms of the service and the payment amounts are explained several times throughout the order process. Everything was done with Ms. [redacted]’ permission and at no time during the order process was there any doubt that Ms. [redacted] understood and agreed to the terms of the service.

At this time we have elected to close Ms. [redacted]’ account, as it is apparent that Ms. [redacted] is not going to pay for what she ordered. There will be no further correspondence from our company. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Respectfully,

Compliance Officer

Countrywide Periodicals LLC

Review: I recieved a phone call from a lady named [redacted] that claimed I was eligible to be entered in a sweepstakes to win a million dollars because I was a preferred customer through my Visa card. After telling me this, she then told me that I also qualified to get 48 issues of Cosmopolitan and Elle magazines and pay only $3.83 per week for it. I agreed because it seemed like a good deal. Then she told me that I qualified for a free diamond watch as well. She asked for my address so that the magazines and watch could be sent to my home. I gave her my information and she then asked for my visa card number. After I gave it to her, the payments of $3.83 all of a sudden became $66.41 per month, and these amounts do not add up. The woman then told me that it was her first day on the job and her supervisor wanted to see how she was doing, so she asked me to put in a good word for her. I agreed, and while talking to him he confirmed my card number and address. Then 30 minutes later someone else called me saying that they wanted to confirm the charges to my account. I told them that I wanted to wait to charge it, and the man told me it was fine, but I couldn't cancel my order because it was already sent out to the "publishers." I checked my bank account the next day and saw that they charged me for the $66.41 despite me telling them not to. I then researched this company online and found out that they were a big scam and stole a lot of people's money in the same way they did to me. When I called them back to try and cancel the serivce, they told me that I could not and if I did not pay them I would be sent to collections.Desired Settlement: I feel that as a consumer I should have the right to cancel a service at any time. I have filed a complaint with my state attorney general as well. I have also changed my credit card number and filed a claim with my bank. I would like to get the money that they took without my consent back, and take this scam out of business so that they will not continue to steal from others in the future.

Business

Response:

In reply to: [redacted]

I am writing this in response to Complaint Id: 9485832. [redacted] placed her

order with our company on March 29, 2013.

Ms. [redacted] called our customer service department on April 1, 2013 and cancelled her order

with our company. The customer service representative told Ms. [redacted] that her

order was cancelled and that she would receive her money back in 7-10 business

days depending on her banks rules and regulations.

Ms. [redacted] called back again and spoke with me and I explained to her that the first

representative that she talked to cancelled her order and did tell her that.

I don’t really understand why there would be a complaint when it was explained to Ms.

[redacted] on 2 separate phone calls that her account was closed.

To date Ms. [redacted]’s account is closed. Hopefully this will finally convince her that it

has been done. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to

contact me.

Respectfully,

Compliance Officer

Countrywide Periodicals LLC

Review: THRU TELEPHONE SOLICITATION I ACCEPTED AN OFFER OF 3 MAGAZINES FOR $16. I TOLD MY WIFE I HAD DONE THIS JUST AS I SAID. SOMEONE FROM THE BUSINESS CALLED A SECOND TIME AND AT THAT TIME I REQUESTED THEY CANCEL THE WHOLE THING. I WAS ADVISED IT WAS TOO LATE FOR THE TIME LIMIT AND THEY WOULD NOT CANCEL. I HAD ALREADY GIVEN THEM MY CREDIT CARD STILL THINKING IT WOULD BE A $16 CHARGE FOR 3 MAGAZINES. ON APRIL 19TH A BILL WAS SENT FROM THEM STATING $66.41 WOULD BE TAKEN FROM OUR CREDIT CARD FOR 12 MONTHS AND THEY HAD 7 MAGAZINES LISTED WHICH I DID NOT ORDER I CALLED THEM IMMEDIATELY AND DEMANDED CANCELLATION OF THIS TRANSACTION. THE PARTY WE TALKED TO TOLD US THEY WOULD NOT CANCEL AND PLAYED A RECORDED TAPE FOR US TO HEAR WITH MYSELF AGREEING TO WHAT I THOUGHT I HEARD. I DO NOT HEAR EXCEPTIONALLY WELL ON THE PHONE. IN MY WILDEST IMAGINATION I WOULD NEVER HAVE AGREED TO $800 FOR MAGAZINES I WOULD NEVER READ. A CHARGE FOR $66.41 HAS ALREADY BEEN TAKEN FROM OUR ACCOUNT. I HAVE TAKEN THE PROPER STEPS WITH THE BANK TO STOP THESE WITHDRAWALS. AFTER TWO ATTEMPTS TO CANCEL THIS OUTRAGEOUS SITUATION I AM FEELING LIKE A VICTIM OF SENIOR ABUSEDesired Settlement: I WOULD LIKE THIS TRANSACTION CANCELLED IMMEDIATELY. I WOULD LIKE MY NAME REMOVED FROM THEIR CALL LIST AND I WOULD LIKE MY MONEY $66.41 RETURNED.

Business

Response:

In reply to: [redacted]

I am writing this in response to Complaint Id: 9520316. Mr. [redacted] placed his order

with our company on April 18, 2013, during a three-call process; the final call was

recorded with his permission. Please be aware that an order is not processed until the

terms of service are agreed to upon three scripted phone calls. We use a three-call process

to ensure that the customer fully understands the terms of the service.

During the recorded conversation at 15 seconds the verifier goes over all the

magazines that Mr. [redacted] will be receiving.

At 37 seconds the verifier states, “Again you’ll find that your payments are set up

the 4 months at a time making your billing amount that $66.41 once each month for the

first 12 months of your service, nothing at all the last 36 months. Total of the service is

just $797 but of course you don’t pay it that way, it’s just that $66.41 once each month

for the first 12 nothing the last 36. Is that the way you understood your payments?” At 57

seconds the customer replies, “Ok.”

At no time during the recorded conversation did Mr. [redacted] state that he could not

hear or need something repeated.

At this time it is apparent that Mr. [redacted] is not going to pay for what he ordered. I

have elected to close his account and refund that 1st payment of $66.41. Mr. [redacted] will

receive that money back within 7-10 business days depending on his banks rules and

regulations. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Respectfully,

Compliance Officer

Countrywide Periodicals LLC

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID 9520316, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Regards,

Par Dar

I tried to cancel this "service" a week or so after I got scammed. I was told I could not cancel because I already passed the timed allowed to cancel. I was NEVER told I only had 3 days to cancel. I tried several more times and they reduced my payment. I wanted them to cancel not reduce the payment. I called my credit card company and they are taking care of it and crediting my account. I am having to get another card because of these people!!! My credit card company is looking into this company and doing an investigation. I can not believe I was scammed!!! Ugh!!!!

Review: The merchant called me unsolicited on my cell phone. The initial conversation led me to believe that the magazine subscriptions would cost me $3.83 per month, to which I agreed. I later received a letter/contract requesting my signature. This is when I discovered the actual cost of $33.20 per month for 24 months, which is a completely unreasonable amount for magazines. I looked this company up online and found many, many websites indicating this was an unscrupulous company. I did not sign the contract and notified my bank that I felt I had been scammed. The bank stopped payment and closed down that card for me, and issued a new card. A month or two later this merchant began calling my phone. They harassed, bullied and threatened me telling me they would Ruin my life and send me to court as well as insulting my intelligence. They would not accept no for an answer and became belligerent, yelling at me. Being 19 at the time I was not certain if they could or could not make good on these threats so I gave them my new card number out of fear. Feeling embarrassed about it, it wasnt until the magazines started to show up that I told my parents what happened. They felt this was illegal and advised me to stop payment, which I immediately did. I then called the merchant and told them I wanted to cancel my subscriptions. They told me I couldnt and I had to continue to make payments. They became angry when I told them I couldnt afford it and began yelling at me. I hung up because of the abuse and inability to work with them. Having no other recourse, I then contacted all of the magazine companies and cancelled all of my subscriptions with no problems.Since then, they have continued to call and make threats and attempts to bully me into paying for magazines I no longer receive, all the while, I have repeatedly asked them to stop calling. I have stopped answering their calls and blocked their number. They have now begun to call me from a restricted number so that I can't block it.Desired Settlement: I want this company to stop contacting me and remove me from their system.

Business

Response:

Re: [redacted]

I am writing this in response to Complaint Id: [redacted]. [redacted] placed his order with our company on May 10, 2013, during a three-call process; the final call was recorded with his permission. Please be aware that an order is not processed until the terms of the service are agreed to upon three scripted phone calls. We use a three-call process to ensure that the customer fully understands the terms of the service.

During the recorded conversation the verifier went over the magazines, the 24 consecutive payments of $33.20, total for the full term of service, verified the Visa card provided by Mr. [redacted], and also asked his permission to process the monthly payments to the Visa account each month. Mr. [redacted] replied yes. The verifier also went over our three-day cancellation policy, the estimated time of delivery, our toll free customer service number, and also had Mr. [redacted] verbally verify his mailing address.

Mr. [redacted] states in his complaint, “The initial conversation led me to believe that the magazines subscription would cost me $3.83 per month.” The verifier stated that the cost of the magazines is $3.83 a week averages out to $16.60 a month for 48 months. We don’t bill monthly for the full 48 months so what we do is put you on our consolidated billing system paying 2, 3, or 4 months at a time. Mr. [redacted] was put on our smallest billing plan paying 2 months at a time. During the recorded conversation specifically at 35 seconds the verifier states, “and your payments have been set up at 2 months at a time making your billing amount only $33.20 once each month for the first 24 months of the service than nothing at all the last 24 months. The total for the service is just $797 but of course you don’t pay it that way, it’s just $33.20 once each month for the first 24 months than nothing at all the remaining 24 month. Is that the way you understood you payments?” At 55 seconds Mr. [redacted] answers, “Yes.”

Mr. [redacted] states, “I did not sign the contract.” There is not contract to sign, as this is a verbal agreement that was done over the phone with Mr. [redacted]’s permission.

Also during the recorded conversation at 2 minutes 35 seconds the verifier states, “We ask that you take the order with the understanding that after 3 business days you may not cancel.” At 2 minutes 49 seconds the verifier asks, “Do you have any questions for me on your order or payments?” At 2 minutes 52 seconds the customer answers, “Not at all.”

It is apparent that Mr. [redacted] was well aware of what the charge was and that he ordered the magazines, agreed to make all 24 payments, gave us permission to charge his card, and also agreed to our cancellation policy.

I have contacted our clearinghouse regarding Mr. [redacted] canceling his magazines and according to the publishers the magazines have been put on hold. Mr. [redacted] is responsible for all 24 payments that he has agreed to and it is our responsibility to provide product for what Mr. [redacted] has paid for as we were doing until he called the publishers.

To date Mr. [redacted]’s account is active and will remain as so until all payments have been made. I suggest Mr. [redacted] call our customer service department and make arrangements to make his payments and than we will get the hold lifted off of the magazines so he can receive product as promised. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Respectfully,

Compliance Officer

Countrywide Periodicals LLC

Review: country wide periodicals hamilton contacted me to offer magazines. the calls was recorded with three different people. I spoke first with [redacted] who start telling me about the magazines,that I will get gift cards even if I cancel I get to keep the gift card and chances to win a superprize.I said yes to the deals, but when the second person [redacted] came to make sure that I understood [redacted] and that the magazines were $66.41 for the first month and that I have to pay after for a year the same amount. I told him to cancel it that I don't want it.the third person came [redacted] I said no to cancel it because that's too much money and I don't have time to read.All the conversations were voice recorded but they had my credit card company listen to only one of the recordingand it's the part that I said "YES AT FIRST" I WAS SUPPOSE TO RECEIVE A PACKAGE WITH THE LIST OF THE MAGAZINES AND A NUMBER TO CALL TO CHOOSE MY SET OF MAGAZINE OR TO CANCEL. I DIDN'T RECEIVE anything from COUNTRY WIDE MEANWHILE FROM mARCH TO aPRIL THEY ROBBED MY CREDIT CARD OF $132.82. Please HELP!!! these people are crooks. America don't need these kind of people to do business. "GOD BLESS AMERICA".Desired Settlement: I WANT THEM TO CANCEL THE SUBSCRIPTION LIKE I TOLD THEM BEFORE I HAVE AN INFANT AT HOME I DON'T HAVE TIME TO READ MAGAZINES AND THEIR MAGAZINES ARE OVER MY BUDGET. I HAVE CONTACTED THEM TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THEY REFUSED TO REFUND ME BACK MY MONEY SAYING THAT I AGREED FOR THEM TO BILL ME."heLP" lET THESE PEOPLE REFUND ME MY MONEY BECAUSE THEY CHARGE MY CREDIT CARDS FOR PRODUCTS THAT I CANCELLED.

Business

Response:

In reply to: [redacted]

I am writing this in response to Complaint Id: 9509080. [redacted] placed her

order with our company on March 7, 2013, during a three-call process; the final

call was recorded with her permission. Please be aware that an order is not

processed until the terms of the service are agreed to upon three scripted

phone calls. We use a three-call process to ensure that the customer fully

understands the terms of the service.

During the recorded conversation the verifier went over the magazines, the 12 consecutive

payments of $66.41, total for the full term of service, verified the Mastercard

provided by Ms. [redacted], and also asked her permission to process the monthly

payments to the Mastercard each month. Ms. [redacted] replied yes. The verifier

also went over our three-day cancellation policy, the estimated time of

delivery, the toll free customer service number, and also had Ms. [redacted]

verbally verify her mailing address.

Ms. [redacted] states in her complaint, “I will get gift cards even if I cancel.” This is not

true we do not offer gift cards.” During the recorded conversation at 3 minutes

35 seconds the verifier states, “We do ask that you take the order with the

understanding that after 3 business days you may not cancel.”

Ms. [redacted] states that the third person she talked to was [redacted] I believe that

Ms. [redacted] is a little confused. Ms. [redacted] did talk to three people but [redacted]

was not one of them. We do not record all the conversations. The only call that

is recorded is the 3rd and final call which is for our records and

is the call that Ms. [redacted] accepted the order, agreed to the payments, and

also gave us permission to process the monthly payments to the Mastercard each

month. Mr. [redacted] works in our customer service department and was the 3rd

person that Ms. [redacted] talked to from our customer service department.

I have personally reviewed the recorded conversation and at no time during the

conversation of the acceptance of the order did Ms. [redacted] state that she

wanted to cancel. In fact, at 3 minutes 49 seconds the verifier asks, “Do you

have any further questions on the order or the payments or any of this?” At 3

minutes 53 seconds Ms. [redacted] replies, “No.”

On April 10, 2013, Ms. [redacted] called our customer service department with her bank

representative on the phone. Ms. [redacted] was again explained our cancellation

policy. The bank representative and Ms. [redacted] listened to the recorded

acceptance of her order and the bank representative told Ms. [redacted] himself

that she needed to pay for what she ordered and that she did not have a case.

To date Ms. [redacted]’s account is active and will remain as so until all payments have been

made. If Ms. [redacted] is having a problem with her payments we are more than

willing to work with her and we do have lower payment plans. Should you have

any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Respectfully,

Compliance Officer

Countrywide Periodicals LLC

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID 9509080, and find that this resolution is not satisfactory to me.

When they contacted me, first thing they said to me is that the call was being recorded. All the three conversations was to be recorded because even the second person told me also that the call was being recorded but it's funny how there' s only one recording. I said yes to the first person because of what he mentioned the prizes were.

free watch, vacation cruise and other things plus magazines. If I didn't like what they're sending that I can always change them. I will get a letter in the mail with the number to call to cancel, and the list of the magazines that was being offered. The first person didn' t mention to me how much those magazines will cost me and that I will be on a contract for 60 months. I didn't have any questions because I understood that I will get magazines and if I wasn't happy that I can always change them from the list they will send me. The reason they have you talk to more than one person is to make sure that everything was well explained before.

Review: On June 3rd 2013, they had told me that this was a 1-year subscription and that I can cancel within 3 days of the subscription or after 1-year. They did not answer my calls within those 3 days after I subscribed with them. Now it has been over a year and they said I cannot cancel until December 11th 2013 when clearly I had been informed in recent calls that I can cancel after June 3rd 2013. I have been calling over the past few days and they are not answering my calls most of the time and when they do, they refuse to cooperate and continue to give me different dates for cancellation each time. Some of them were extremely rude and claimed that I'm not the account holder and any other ridiculous excuses saying I don't have the authorization to cancel after they had already confirmed that I was in fact me calling.Desired Settlement: Refund for any payment after June 3, 2013 and cancellation of subscription. No further attempts to charge or contact after dispute is settled.

Business

Response:

In reply to: [redacted]

Review: Around a year ago I was conned into a contract with this company under false pretenses like many others. I never received the signing gift, waited months to receive my subscriptions and paid every month a sum of 50 dollars. After a while I realized this wasn't what I was originally told, that there would be a low payment of approximately 4 dollars a week for a few months, so I wanted to cancel my subscription. After calling I was told that I only had three days to cancel my plan and since I was out of that Window they would not let me cancel. They in turn lowered my payments and continued billing me after I expressed my desire to end our agreement. My next course of action was to cancel my debit card to stop the payments. This action led of constant calls to my cell phone and my parents home, where I no longer live, from a blocked number pestering about payments needed. I finally spoke with a representative and told him that I canceled my card and would not pay them another sent so they should not send me any more magazines and should stop calling. Our conversation led to more frequent phone calls to my family and myself.Desired Settlement: All I would like is for the calls to stop and for these people to leave me and my family alone. Nothing more, nothing less

Business

Response:

In reply to: [redacted]

I am writing this in response to Complaint Id: 9494138. [redacted] placed his

order with our company on March 29, 2011, during a three-call process; the

final call was recorded with his permission. Please be aware that an order is

not processed until the terms of the service are agreed to upon three scripted

phone calls. We use a three-call process to ensure that the customer fully

understands the terms of the service.

During the recorded conversation the verifier goes over the magazines, the payments, the

total for the service, and verifies the Visa card provided by Mr. [redacted]. The

verifier also goes over our three-day cancellation policy, the estimated time

of delivery, the toll free customer service number, and also had Mr. [redacted]

verbally verify his mailing address.

This is not a valid complaint. This is pretty cut and dry. Mr. [redacted] admits to ordering

the magazines. Mr. [redacted] admits to receiving product for what he was paying

for. Mr. [redacted] just decided he didn’t want to pay anymore and he closed his

credit card account.

Mr. [redacted] owes 6 payments than his account will be paid in full and he will continue to

receive the magazines, as he is now, for what he paid. As soon as he pays his

account in full Mr. [redacted] will not be contacted anymore from our billing

department.

To date Mr. [redacted]’s account is active and will remain as so until all payments have been

made. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact

me.

Respectfully,

Compliance Officer

Countrywide Periodicals LLC

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID 9494138, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

As I have stated previously I want no further connection with Countrywide Periodicals. I stated to the company that multiple times and I am met with the same response that I have here. Let me reiterate I am not letting them have one more penny from me and I will be sending a cease an desist letter to stop the harassment calls. If things persist after that legal action will be taken.

Regards,

Review: This Company is a SCAM!!! They contacted me and offered me these "free" magazines, well they are not free and they have billed my bank account for $33.20 for the last 2 months and I have received not the 1st magazine!! I called them to cancel and they say that they cannot cancel because there is a 3 day cancellation period! 3 days really?? So why am I paying for magazines that I have yet to receive? If you have not sent out the magazine why should I have to pay for a service that I am not even getting? And if you have to send out the magazine why cant I cancel??? This is a SCAM of the worst sort how this company is allowed to still be in business is beyond me!Desired Settlement: I want them to cancel this subsciption and to refund me my money that I paid for a magazine that has never been delivered!!!!!

Business

Response:

In reply to: [redacted]

I am writing this in response to Complaint Id: [redacted]. [redacted] placed his

order with our company on September 19, 2013, during a two-call process; the final call

was recorded with his permission. Please be aware that an order is not processed until the

terms of the service are agreed to upon two scripted phone calls. We use a two-call

process to ensure that the customer fully understands the terms of the service.

During the recorded conversation the verifier went over the magazines, the 24

consecutive payments of $33.20, total for the full term of service, verified the [redacted] card

provided by Mr. [redacted], and also asked his permission to process the monthly payments

to the [redacted] account each month. Mr. [redacted] replied yes.

The verifier also went over our three-day cancellation policy, the estimated time

of delivery, our toll free customer service number, and also had Mr. [redacted] verbally

verify his mailing address.

Mr. [redacted] was never told that the magazines were free. I believe that this

complaint is from Mr. [redacted]’s fiancé. Mr. [redacted] is well aware of what he agreed to

in the recorded conversation.

Mr. [redacted]’s fiancé called our company wanting to cancel his account. The lady

became very abusive with her words and also threatened to burn down a customer service

representative’s home. Mr. [redacted] spoke with the manager of the customer service

office and he stated he understood and agreed to a payment being delayed for a month so

he would start receiving product before he paid any more money. It was clearly explained

to Mr. [redacted] that it takes 8-12 weeks for the magazines to start arriving. It has not yet

been 8 weeks.

After careful consideration I have elected to close Mr. [redacted]’s account. Our

company will no longer take any calls or abuse from Mr. [redacted]’s fiancé. Mr. [redacted]

will not receive a refund as 7 years of magazines have already been ordered for Mr.

[redacted]. Mr. [redacted] will receive product for what he has paid. Should you have any

further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Respectfully,

Compliance Officer

Countrywide Periodicals LLC

Review: Unacceptable service! Getting magazines I would NEVER order...they go straight in the trash. Not getting the magazines promised. Such regret and a waste of money! At this point, their threats of trashing my credit score doesn't even bother me--and we're in the process of buying a house!!!Desired Settlement: I do not want anything from Countrywide except to DISCONTINUE SERVICE...NO MORE MAGAZINES, NO MORE PAYMENTS!!! (I am putting a stop payment on the account.)

Business

Response:

In reply to: [redacted]

Review: I feel like this business is a scam. I am supposed to be billed every other month. That is what I was told on the phone. I was told it was gonna be 3.83$ a month. I was being billed every month which was a total scam out of my money. They are liars and just want your money.Desired Settlement: I honestly want my subscription to be cancelled as soon as possible because they are just taking my money monthly. However that can be done.

Business

Response:

In reply to: [redacted]

I am writing this in response to Complaint Id: 9529609. [redacted] placed

his order with our company on July 7, 2012, during a two-call process; the final call was

recorded with his permission. Please be aware that an order is not processed until the

terms of the service are agreed to upon two scripted phone calls. We use a two-call

process to ensure that the customer fully understands the terms of the service.

Mr. [redacted] states in his complaint, “I am supposed to be billed every month.

That is what I was told on the phone. I was told it was gonna be $3.83 a month.” It was

explained to Mr. [redacted] that the price was $3.83 a week averaging out to $16.60 per

month for 48 months. During the recorded conversation the verifier explains at 34

seconds, “Payments are set up for you like I explained [redacted], just 2 months at a time,

that makes the billing amount that $33.20 is all once each month for the first 24 months,

no payments at all the remaining 24 month. The service is just $797 of course you don’t

pay it like that it’s just $33.20 once each month for the first 24 months and no payments

at all the last 24.” At 57 seconds the verifier asks, “Is that the way I explained your

payments to you?” At 59 seconds Mr. [redacted] replied, “Yeah.”

During the recorded conversation the verifier also went over the magazines,

verified the Visa card provided by Mr. [redacted], and also asked his permission to process

the monthly payments to the Visa account each month. Mr. [redacted] replied, “Yes.” The

verifier also went over our three-day cancellation policy, the estimated time of delivery,

our toll free customer service number and also had Mr. [redacted] verbally verify his

mailing address.

Mr. [redacted] has had his account since July of 2012. Not only is he well aware of

what his payments are for but he also has supplied our company with 3 different credit

cards to bill since he placed his order. Mr. [redacted] has made 11 payments on his account

and now only has 13 payments left.

To date Mr. [redacted]’s account is active and will remain as so until all payments

have been made. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact

me.

Respectfully,

Compliance Officer

Countrywide Periodicals LLC

Review: I was under the impression that service would be $3.83 per week and to be billed every 2nd, 3rd or 4th month of the service. My husband's debit card was charged $66.41 immediately. When I called the company today [redacted] stated that we will not receive any magazines until a second payment is made. I told him that we tried to cancel service because were under the impression that we could cancel at any time and [redacted] stated we only had 3 days to cancel. We then cancelled our debit card so no further payments could be taken. This order was made in March of 2013 we have not received any magazines yet they are positive that we owe money for services. I told [redacted] that apparently they are in a better position than we are because they have collected $66.41 of my money and we have nothing to show for it. I do not want this service nor does my husband. We also did not receive the welcome packet which included the service agreement, terms and conditions.Desired Settlement: We are requesting a refund of $66.41 payable by check. We are also requesting the harassing phone calls to immediately stop.

Business

Response:

In reply to: [redacted]

This is not a chargeable complaint as this is not our customer.

I am writing this in response to Complaint ID: [redacted] filed by [redacted].

Ms. [redacted] is not a customer of ours and in no way could know the facts of what took

place between her husband [redacted] and our company when he placed his order with

us on March 2, 2013, during a three-call process; the final call was recorded with his

permission. Please be aware that an order is not processed until the terms of the service

are agreed to upon three scripted phone calls. We use a three-call process to ensure that

the customer fully understands the terms of the service.

During the recorded conversation the verifier went over the magazines, the 12

consecutive payments of $66.41, total for the full term of service, verified the [redacted] card

provided by Mr. [redacted], and also asked his permission to process the monthly payments

to the [redacted] account each month. Mr. [redacted] replied yes.

The verifier also went over our three-day cancellation policy, the estimated time

of delivery, our toll free customer service number, and also had Mr. [redacted] verbally

verify his mailing address.

Mr. [redacted] was sent his confirmation letter the day after he placed his order and

was also sent the [redacted] magazine. The rest of the magazines were put on hold due to non-

payment on his account.

It was clearly explained to Mr. [redacted] that it was $3.83 a week for the magazines

averaging out to $16.60 per month for a 48-month service. We do not bill monthly for 48

months so we put you on our consolidated billing system where you pay 2, 3, or 4

months at a time. Mr. [redacted] chose our most popular plan paying 4 months at a time.

$66.41 each month for the first 12 months and nothing at all the remaining 36 months.

After careful consideration I have elected to cancel Mr. [redacted]’s account, as it is

obvious that his wife is not going to let him keep his word and pay for what he ordered. I

will not be refunding any money as Mr. [redacted] was sent a magazine and also because we

could legally hold him to the remaining balance of $730.51 on his account. Should you

have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Respectfully,

Compliance Officer

Countrywide Periodicals, LLC

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. I would like to state that I do know the facts of the phone conversation as a member of their company played the recorded message to me. Never was my husband told he would be billed for 12 months at $66.41 per month. He also did not receive any magazines but for this problem to go away we accept the account as cancelled. I, [redacted]'s wife, has nothing to do with the outcome of this order. No magazine should be worth $66.41 per month for 12 months. This company wrongly gave information as if this were a good deal. We have received nothing and as far as I am concerned they are ahead of the game because they have collected funds without sending us any magazines. There also should be no negative reporting to any credit bureaus because as stated above we have received nothing and they have collected a payment. Cancelling this account if satisfactory so we expect to no longer receive any contact with this business. If contact is made we will file another complaint.

Regards,