Farmer's Insurance Group

I received a notice from Associated Publishers Network (APN) for my subscription to "The Economist" magazine. The notice was marked in bold red lettering "Renewal Notice" and the price was $179.95 for one year. When I called The Economist directly I found the renewal price was $126.99 for a year. The renewal notice from APN came well before the subscription was due so if I hadn't been careful I would have paid it because it looked very official. When I called APN they noted that on their notice in very small lettering it says "RENEWAL OFFER - NOT A BILL" but it is very small and you really have to look for it. The APN was ready to pocket $52.96 simply to renew my subscription for me.

In my opinion this company is predatory taking advantage of people that don't read the small print on what looks to be a bill and is marked as a renewal notice. I wonder how they get customer subscriptions lists from magazines so they can run this deceptive practice?

I received a "Renewal Notice" from this company for one year of National Enquirer for $199.95 - roughly double the normal subscription price. They are clearly trying to imply that the invoice is from National Enquirer and say "You're receiving one of the lowest available rates we can offer for your regular subscription". The greatest indignity of all is that I am sure they would not send me the energized lucky "Blue Dot" that National Enquirer sends with a timely renewal. I hope that this nasty organization gets shut down or their principals experience seriously bad Karma.