Progressive Business Publications

Review: We were called by a Progressive Business Publications company in December offering us a free newsletter. To our knowledge we never received such a newsletter. 6/19/2013 we received a phone call from [redacted] (###-###-####). A Chris Bennett informed us that we had been turned over to his collection agency by PBP and owed $253.00. We are being charged for something that we did not agree to purchase and have no record of ever receiving. We will not pay for these services. We deem this business practice as fraudulent and deceptive. We wish to register a formal complaint against [redacted] and PBP for harrassing us to pay for services that we never agreed to purchase.Desired Settlement: We demand that [redacted] and PBP cease and desist from any future attempts at collecting this fradulent charge of $253 and that neither business contact us again.

Business

Response:

See Attachment:

Review: The Center for Education and Employment Law alleges to have sent us a book, which they are attempting to bill us for and which they have turned us over to a collection agency, [redacted], to collect. The book was neither ordered, nor delivered, to us, and we have indicated that to the company over telephone calls.Desired Settlement: [redacted] and The Center for Education and Employment Law need to reverse the charges for the item we did not order or receive, and they need to stop their unethical business practices.

Business

Response:

November 14, 2013

Dear [redacted]:

Thank you for your email of [redacted]/13 regarding the above referenced complaint that you received on 11/13/13. After review of our detailed electronic records we would like to respond to your letter with the following explanation.

Please note that our primary method by which we secure orders is by telephone solicitation. In such cases, our representatives take orders with a 60-day right of cancellation to a 1-year subscription to one of our newsletters, books or on line programs. We have very stringent quality control procedures regarding our representatives making this offer. These include verifying the address, asking for the month and day of the person's birth and asking for the person's email address or fax so we can send written confirmation of the order within 24 hours, as well as to encourage contact with us if there are any mistakes or changes that need to be made.

Regarding the specifics of this situation, please note that **. [redacted], Facilities Dir, placed an order on 3/20/13 for

our Keeping Your School Safe & Secure: A Practical Guide book and its companion newsletter. We were provided with a birth date of [redacted], as well, as an email address. Within 24 hours of the discussion, we sent a confirmation letter that clearly restated the offer discussed, including the liberal 60-day, no questions asked, cancellation policy. Our records show the email went through without any problems.

The birthday information is obtained, in part, to verify the conversation took place. Once the order was placed, the same computer system sent the book, newsletters and invoices over a 5-month period of time.

Thus the goods that were ordered by **. [redacted] were sent to the same address that shows on this complaint. This computer system records and tracks all confirmations, invoices, on-line programs, books, periodicals sent and cancellation reguests. It does not show that we ever received a cancellation on this account or mail returned as "undeliverable". If we had we would have cancelled the account immediately.

With all telephone orders placed, if the ordering person does not find the information helpful, all that needs to be done is to write CANCEL on the invoice and return it and the book to us or advise us any other way and the subscription will be stopped with no payment required, as is the publishing industry's general custom. However, if neither paid nor cancelled after 5 months, 2 warning notices plus an additional 30-day wait period the account may be turned over for collection. That is what happened in this instance.

As a courtesy we did contact the collection agency on 11/14/13 and advised the agency to cease collections and cancel the account. They have assured us that will be done. There will be no ramifications due to this account being turned over for collection and there is no money due or owing on the book portion of the account.

While researching this complaint we did find that on 7/24/13 they did cancel the newsletter portion of the account via U.S. mail.

In continuing to search, we did not find any contact regarding the book. We did find several different trial subscriptions had been accepted before and they are aware of our cancellation policy; we did find 1-paid in full account and others cancelled as instructed without issue except the book portion of this account.

Please know that we do business continually with thousands of companies who place repeated orders due to their continued satisfaction and excellent customer service.

All of our contact information is in our newsletter and it contains our toll free telephone number. We, also, have a 24 hour/7 days a week voice mail system due to the large amount of calls we receive daily from our coast-to-coast subscribers.

Feel free to contact the Customer Service Department if you have any questions at ###-###-####.

Thank you

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.

Regards,

Review: The company called my assistant and stated they would send her a 30 day free trial publication and continue semding it if the first one was not return to stop sending the publication. My assistant does not have the authority to accept anything concerning this type of business. The company continued to send the publication for an additional 5 months and then stopped becuse of non payment. Now they are trying to collect an amount of $299.00. Threatening collections through [redacted].Desired Settlement: stop contacting us

Business

Response:

See Attachment:

Review: On October 30, 2013, I had gotten a call from [redacted] with [redacted] (I filed a complaint as well on this day) regarding an invoice that wasn't paid in the amount of $299. [redacted] refused to send me the invoice unless I was going to pay for it via credit card or overnight a check. She spoke with my supervisor and then she faxed him the invoice. I had called Progressive Business Publications and spoke with a [redacted] and had explained to her that this collection agency was calling me about an invoice that I didn't know about. She told me that I had accepted the trial offer in March. I don't recall this. She did send me the invoice, I still don't recall receiving the invoice. She proceeded to tell me that I was told that once I received the invoice if I wanted to discontinue that I needed to write the word "Cancel" and return the invoice. Still not aware of this. She sent me the email that I should have received in March, still it didn't ring a bell. [redacted] had then called me to see if I had received the invoice that she sent me, which I did, she then asked if I received the email showing that I had accepted the trial offer and she asked me if it rang a bell. I told her "NO". I then asked her about [redacted] and she told me that they were a collection agency for them. I told her they were constantly calling us and she told me not to answer the phone. I had also asked [redacted] to remove me so I would not be called or receive any type of email. I wanted this cancelled. Since all this had taken place, my supervisor asked me to pay [redacted] $130 for the "settlement" and that my account would be closed, which I did. I was not comfortable with this. I have since received the credit card statement showing that it went to (or it's in the name of) Progressive Business Publications. I want our money back. I want it from either [redacted] of Progressive Business Publications. Now, this morning, November 1, 2013, I have received an email on the item that I told them to cancel my subscription or whatever you want to call it. I immediately emailed [redacted] and told her to remove my name. I want a credit on our card for $130.Desired Settlement: I want a refund on our corporate card and I want them to remove my name from their list, I don't want them to call me and I don't want any of their emails!!!!

Business

Response:

November 4, 2013

Dear [redacted]:

Thank you for your email of 11/4/13 regarding the above referenced complaint that you received on 11/1/13. After review of our detailed electronic records, we would like to respond to your letter with the following explanation.

Please note that our primary method by which we secure orders is by telephone solicitation. In such cases, our representatives take orders with a 60-day right of cancellation to a 1-year subscription to one of our newsletters, books or on line programs. We have very stringent quality control procedures regarding our representatives making this offer. These include verifying the address and asking for the person's email address or fax so we can send written confirmation of the order within 24 hours, as well as to encourage contact with us if there are any mistakes or corrections that need to be made.

Regarding the specifics of this situation, please note that [redacted], Reg. Assoc, placed an order on 3/22/13 for our Environmental Compliance Alert publication and she provided us with an email address. Within 24 hours of the discussion, we sent a confirmation letter that clearly restated the offer discussed, including the liberal 60-day, no questions asked, cancellation policy. Our electronic records show that the confirmation letter went through without any problems.

Once the order was placed, the same computer system sent the newsletters and invoices over a 5-month period of time.

Thus the goods that were ordered by [redacted] were sent to the same address that shows in this complaint. This computer tracks all confirmations, invoices, on-line programs, books, periodicals sent and cancellation requests. It does not show that we ever received a cancellation on this account or mail returned as "undeliverable". If we had we would have cancelled the account immediately.

With all telephone orders placed, if the ordering person does not find the information helpful, all that needs to be done is to write CANCEL on the invoice and return it to us or advise us any other way and the subscription will be stopped with no payment required, as is the publishing industry's general custom.

However, if neither paid nor cancelled after 5 months, 2 warning notices plus an additional 30-day wait period the account may be turned over for collection. That is what happened in this instance.

As a courtesy we contacted the collection agency on 11/4/13 and they advised us that they have received payment for issues served ($130.00) on 10/30/13. They have marked this account "Settled Satisfactorily". There will be no ramifications due to this account being turned over for collection and there is no money due or owing on this account. Once the collection agency receives payment for issues already sent there can be no refunds.

We have initiated a request on 11/4/13 that the name, address and telephone number be removed from our computer files. This action takes approximately 30-days to process. In business we hesitate to say the company will never receive another mailing from us. If any company information changes our computers may not recognize it and something may go out. If that should happen, simply call us and we will remove that version, too.

While researching this complaint we did find that this company has done business with us in the past and is aware of our cancellation policy. We found several different trial subscriptions had been accepted before; we found a current publication that is paid and has been a subscriber since 2005.

All but [redacted]'s account had been cancelled without issue.

Please know that we do business regularly with thousands of companies who place repeated orders due to their continued satisfaction and excellent customer service.

All of our contact information is in the newsletter. It contains our address and telephone number. We, also, have a 24 hour/7 days a week voice mail system due to the large amount of calls we receive daily from our coast-to-coast subscribers.

Feel free to contact the Customer Service Department if you have any questions at ###-###-####.

Thank you.

Consumer

Response:

[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 fine to me. This will never happen again and I will make sure that everyone knows NOT to accept anything from this company again.

Regards,

Review: I have received an invoice for a product I was told would not cost me anything. I was asked if I was authorized to accept a free publication on behalf of my employer. I said "only if there is no cost." Now we are being billed $299.00 and I have never seen an issue of the publication. When they call they ask if they can verify the address information for your free publications which apparently cost $299.00. I did not request your publication. It was my understanding that your company was trying to send us information regarding your company. I did not agree to any monetary compensation.Desired Settlement: This is horrible. For myself I want the account to be adjusted to $0.00 and to be closed. Furthermore I would like this company to be restricted from ever contacting our place of business. For the rest of the country I think that they should not be able to conduct business the way they are.

Business

Response:

September 30, 2013

Dear [redacted]:

Thank you for your email of 9/30/13 regarding the above referenced complaint that you received on 9/27/13. After review of our detailed electronic records we would like to respond to your letter with the following explanation.

Please note that our primary method by which we secure orders is by telephone solicitation. In such cases, our representatives take orders with a 60-day right of cancellation to a 1-year subscription to one of our newsletters, books, or on line programs. We have very stringent quality control procedures regarding our representatives making this offer. These include verifying the address, asking for the month and day of the person's birth date and asking for the person's email or fax so we can send written confirmation of the order within 24 hours, as well as to encourage contact with us if there are any mistakes or changes that needs to be made.

Regarding the specifics of this situation, please note that [redacted], Office Mgr, placed an order on 7/29/13 for our Quality Manager's Alert publication. We were provided with birth date information as 10/13, as well as an email address. Within 24 hours of the discussion, we sent a confirmation letter that clearly restated the offer discussed, including the liberal 60-day, no questions asked, cancellation policy. Our computers show that the confirmation went through without any problems.

The birth date information is obtained, in part, to verify the conversation took place. Once the order was placed, the same computer system sent the newsletters and invoices over a 2-month period of time.

Thus the goods that were ordered by [redacted] were sent to the same address that shows on this complaint. This computer system records and tracks all confirmations, invoices, on-line programs, books, periodicals sent and cancellation requests.

With all telephone orders placed, if the ordering person does not find the information helpful, all that needs to be done is to write CANCEL on the invoice and return it to us or advise us any other way and the subscription will be stopped with no payment required, as is the publishing industry's general custom.

As a courtesy we cancelled this account on 9/30/13 as she requested. There is no money due or owing on the account.

We initiated a request on 9/30/13 that the name, address and telephone number be removed from our computer files. This action takes approximately 30-days to process. In business we hesitate to say the company will never receive another mailing from us. If any company information changes our computers may not recognize it and something may go out. If that should happen, simply call us and we will remove that version, too.

We did receive a call on 9/30/13 01:05 PM (EST) from [redacted] (she spoke to our Customer Service Manager) and verified all the information we have for her is correct but wanted her company suppressed from our records. We will do that if she sends us a letter with all company information, including all telephone numbers, zip codes and if they have multi-addresses, all those must be listed so that our computers will have all the information required to suppress properly.

Please know that we do business continually with thousands of companies who place repeated orders due to their continued satisfaction and excellent customer service.

All of our contact information is in our newsletter and it contains our toll free telephone number. We, also, have a 24 hour/7 days a week voice mail system due to the large amount of calls we receive daily from our coast-to-coast subscribers.

Feel free to contact the Customer Service Department if you have any questions at ###-###-####. Thank you.

Cordially,

Consumer

Response:

[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.

I do however feel that this businesses practices are under handed. When I was contacted by their company I was asked if I could accept a free publication on behalf of my employer. My response was "only if it would not cost any money". At no time was I told this was a trial period. I don't doubt email newsletters, confirmations and invoices were likely sent but weeded out with other unwanted solitations. This is still in my opinion dishonest business practice.

Review: I was contacted by [redacted] (collections agency) regarding a debt for a Progressive Business Publications newsletter that I supposedly signed up for. The alleged debt/account is listed under our business, but in my name. I did not, do not read, or sign up for, let alone purchase newsletters. There is absolutely no way I agreed to purchase this product/service. They claim that they have proof I purchased it based on having my date of birth. I also as a rule do not give out my date of birth, so I have no idea how they obtained it.

They claimed this occurred on August 13th 2012. In checking our phone logs, I had received no calls from their number, nor any out of area code calls that I was not able to identify. We have no record of receiving a call from them on the date provided. I asked for further proof, and was informed they have a transcript of the call, but upon asking for it, they refused to provide it. They claim they will process this through collections, and take legal action. Of course defending any legal action will cost more than the $299 they are trying to extort. In researching this it appears I am not the only victim of this type of fraud.Desired Settlement: I would like to make sure this does not negatively affect the company credit nor my own personal credit, and to have this fraudulent debt erased.

Business

Response:

See Attachment:

Review: In January I received a phone call asking if I was in charge of safety in our medical clinics.I was told I could review a Safety publication for free. I denied and was told it would be sent free for me to check out to see if it was helpful. I denied again.I was reassured it was free and I could review it to see how helpful it would be to our company.I finally agreed, asking if there was any charge and I was told no.First issue came, I opened it and found it to contain no information at all for medical offices.I never even opened the 2nd mailing. I never accessed the website.Today I get a bill for $299. I did not order anything. Was not told by phone I had to call to cancel. I will not pay for this publication. It does not apply to medical safety at all and I feel as tho I have been scammed by a company that scams for a living.I did write on the bill to cancel any subscriptions they think I have.Desired Settlement: I do not want to have to pay for something that I did not purchase. do not need and is of very little or no benefit.

Business

Response:

April 10, 2 014Dear [redacted]:Thank you for your email of 4/8/14 regarding the above referenced complaint that you received on 4/1/14. After review of our detailed electronic records we would like to respond to your letter with the following explanation.Please note that our primary method by which we secure orders is by telephone solicitation. In such cases, our representatives take orders with a 60-day right of cancellation to a 1-year subscription to one of our newsletters, books or on line programs. We have very stringent quality control procedures regarding our representatives making this offer. These include verifying the address, asking for the month and day of the person's birth date and asking for the person's email or fax so we can send written confirmation of the order within 24 hours, as well as to encourage contact with us if there are any mistakes or changes that needs to be made.Regarding the specifics of this situation, please note that [redacted], Site Mgr, placed an order on 1/17/14 for our Safety Compliance Alert publication. We were provided with birth date information as [redacted], as well as an email address. Within 24 hours of the discussion, we sent a confirmation letter that clearly restated the offer discussed, including the liberal 60-day, no questions asked, cancellation policy. Our computers show that the confirmation went through without any problems.The birth date information is obtained, in part, to verify the conversation took place. Once the order was placed, the same computer system sent the newsletters and invoices over a 2-month period of time.Thus the goods that were ordered by Ms Blank were sent to the same address that shows on this complaint. This computer system records and tracks all confirmations, invoices, on-line programs, books, periodicals sent and cancellation requests.With all telephone orders placed, if the ordering person does not find the information helpful, all that needs to be done is to write CANCEL on the invoice and return it to us or advise us any other way and the subscription will be stopped with no payment required, as is the publishing industry's general custom.As a courtesy we cancelled this account on 3/21/14 as they requested. There is no money due or owing on the account.Please know that we do business regularly with thousands of companies who place repeated orders due to their continued satisfaction and our excellent customer service.All of our contact information is in our newsletter and it contains our toll free telephone number. We, also, have a 24 hour/7 days a week voice mail system due to the large amount of calls we receive daily from our coast-to-coast subscribers.Please feel free to contact the Customer Service Department if you have any questions at ###-###-####.Thank you.

Review: received advertisement to try magazine free and if did not want or like, could cancel. Did cancel within time frame, also called company to state my desire to not have magazine. Eventually paid unwanted subscription but subsequent notifications from this company continued to arrive indicating a continuation of the subscription. These notifications were returned with CANCEL written across the notice in a diagonal manner. Also included was the sentence: "Do not want. Did not order, and do not want anything else. Please do not send any more. COPIES were made of the returned forms, however as of this filed complaint, they continue to arrive.Desired Settlement: Return/Refund of cash, since they DO NOT honor any type of refund and ignore their own 'refund policy'. I want a refund AND I want them to STOP CONTACTING ME!!

Business

Response:

September 12, 2013

Dear [redacted]:

Thank you for your email of 9/12/13 regarding the above referenced agency complaint that you received on 9/8/13. After researching this complaint, we would like to respond with the following explanation.

We are a publisher who, from time-to-time, sends out promotional mailings of our publications for companies to review. We sent such a promo mailing of the "Facility Managers Alert" to **. [redacted] on 6/20/13.

We send out issues and then a "Conversion Notice" that states, "This is not a bill". We send out a Conversion Notice to see if the company would like to change to a regular one-year subscription. If we do not get a response the newsletter stops, assuming the company is not interested. There is never any money due or owing on this type of promotional mailing. Also, this type of account expires of its own volition. In this case the account ceased on 8/22/13. We never received payment on this account so there can be no refunds made.

While researching this complaint, please know that we found an old account for **. [redacted] entitled the Facility Manager's Alert dated 9/27/11. He gave us a birth date of 1/1, as well as an email address. **. [redacted] paid this account in full on 1/31/12 and received the full 1-year subscription. The account expired on 9/20/12.

We did request that the name, address and telephone number be removed from our computer files. This action takes approximately 30 days to complete. In business, we hesitate to say they will never receive another telephone offer or mailing. If any information changes or the name is misspelled or the zip code different our computers may not recognize it and something may go out. If that should happen, please call us and we will happy to remove that version, too.

If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at ###-###-####.

Thank you.

Review: We did not receive any subscription newsletters or invoices from the vendor until item was placed in collections. When this information was given to [redacted], they said they could only "reduce the debt" for the actual number of issues we had received even though we had never received the actual newsletter that was supposed to have come with the invoices. Employee attempted to cancel online subscription several times during "trial period" to no avail.Desired Settlement: Reduce debt to zero as we never received actual newsletters in question.

Business

Response:

March 6, 2014

Dear [redacted]:

Thank you for your email of 3/4/14 regarding the above referenced complaint that you received on 2/20/14. After review of our detailed electronic records we would like to respond to your letter with the following explanation.

Please note that our primary method by which we secure orders is by telephone solicitation. In such cases, our representatives take orders with a 60-day right of cancellation to a 1-year subscription to one of our newsletters, books or on line programs. We have very stringent quality control procedures regarding our representatives making this offer. These include verifying the address, asking for the month and day of the person's birth and asking for the person's email address or fax so we can send written confirmation of the order within 24 hours, as well as to encourage contact with us if there are any mistakes or changes that need to be made.

Regarding the specifics of this situation, please note that **. [redacted], Ops Mgr, placed an order on 7/1/13 for our Environmental Compliance Alert publication. We were provided with a birth date of [redacted], as well as an email address. Within 24 hours of the discussion, we sent a confirmation letter that clearly restated the offer discussed, including the liberal 60-day, no questions asked, cancellation policy. Our records show the email went through without any problems.

The birthday information is obtained, in part, to verify the conversation took place-. Once the order was placed, the same computer system sent the newsletters and invoices over a 5-month period of time.

Thus the goods that were ordered by **. [redacted] were sent to the same address that shows on this complaint. This computer system records and tracks all confirmations, invoices, on-line programs, books, periodicals sent and cancellation requests. It does not show that we ever received a cancellation on this account or mail returned as "undeliverable". If we had we would have cancelled the account immediately.

With all telephone orders placed, if the ordering person does not find the information helpful, all that needs to be done is to write CANCEL on the invoice and return it to us or advise us any other way and the subscription will be stopped with no payment required, as is the publishing industry's general custom.

However, if neither paid nor cancelled after 5 months, 2 warning notices plus an additional 30-day wait period the account may be turned over for collection. That is what happened in this instance.

As a courtesy we did contact the collection agency on 3/6/14 and advised the agency to cease collections and cancel the account. They have assured us that will be done. There will be no ramifications due to this account being turned over for collection and there is no money due or owing on the account.

Please know that we do business regularly with thousands of companies who place repeated orders due to their continued satisfaction and excellent customer service.

All of our contact information is in our newsletter and it contains our toll free telephone number. We, also, have a 24 hour/7 days a week voice mail system due to the large amount of calls we receive daily from our coast-to-coast subscribers.

Please feel free to contact the Customer Service Department if you have any questions at ###-###-####.

Thank you.

Review: PROGRESSIVE BUSINESS PUBLICATIONS CONTINUALLY OFFERS FREE E-MAIL PUBLICATION TO OURS HR, PAYROLL, A/P AND VARIOUS OTHER DEPARTMENTS, WITH THE OPTION TO OPT OUT BEFORE YOU ARE CHARGED AND THEN THEY MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO DO SO.I FILED A COMPLANIT A FEW YEARS BACK AND THEY SEEMED TO LEAVE US ALONE FOR A WHILE. HOW IS A COMPANY RUNNING A SCAM LIKE THIS PERMITTED TO STAY IN BUSINESS?Desired Settlement: FOR PROGRESSIVE BUSINESS PUBLICATIONS TO STOP CONTACTING THIS COMPANY COMPLETELY

Business

Response:

March 6, 2014

Dear [redacted]:

Thank you for your email of 3/4/14 regarding the above referenced agency complaint that you received on 2/20/14. After researching this complaint, we would like to respond with the following explanation.

We are a publisher who, from time-to-time, sends out promotional mailings of our publications for companies to review. We sent such a promo mailing to [redacted], Payroll Mgr, entitled "What's Working In Human Resources" on 9/9/13.

We send out 2 issues and then a "Conversion Notice" that states, "This is not a bill". We send out the conversion notice to see if the company would like to change to a regular one-year subscription. If we do not get a response the newsletter stops, assuming the company is not interested. There is never any money due or owing on this type of promotional mailing. Also, this type of account expires of its own volition. That is what happened in this instance. There is no money due.

While researching this complaint, we found that this company has done business with us in the past and is aware of our cancellation policy. We found many trial subscriptions had been accepted before and cancelled as we instructed without issue. Too, we found that **. [redacted] has been receiving our Keep Up To Date On Payroll since 2005 and paid to have the account renewed each year until 2012.

We did request on 3/6/2014 that the name, address and telephone be removed from our computer files. This action takes approximately 30 days to complete. In business, we hesitate to say they will never receive another telephone offer or mailing. If there are any changes made our computers may not recognize it and something may go out.

If that should happen, please call us and we will happy to remove that version, too.

Please know we do business regularly with thousands of companies who place repeated orders due to their continued satisfaction and our excellent customer service.

If you require further help, please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service Department at ###-###-####.

Thank you.

Review: They claim to have send us a 1 year subscription to Environmental Compliance Alert but we did NOT authorize this service. We also have NOT received a copy of said services and they have a lot of information wrong from business address, company name, to email address. They claimed to have emailed me for approvals but also said I did not reply so they took that as approvals but it was probably spam filtered if true. I think this is a scam and did not find any trace of an email.Desired Settlement: Remove invoice from collections ([redacted]) and tell them to stop contacting us. They are rude and not resolving the matter professionally.

Business

Response:

See Attachment:

Review: Progressive Business Publications has sent three invoices saying we owe them $ 299.00 for a safety alert email that they send that does not pertain to our business as a police department. I did not authorize them to send this email nor did I authorize any charges for this publication. My boss received this invoice and said that it had taken 5 months for this business to clear another unauthorized invoice when he dealt with this same company some time ago. I have tried to block their emails and marked them as spam but they still continue to filter through our City's email system. I have sent them a fax requesting that they stop this and clear this account.Desired Settlement: For them to stop sending the emails and invoices.

Business

Response:

August 22, 2013

Dear [redacted]:

Thank you for your email of 8/21/13 regarding the above referenced complaint that you received on 8/16/13. After review of our detailed electronic records we would like to respond to your letter with the following explanation.

Please note that our primary method by which we secure orders is by telephone solicitation. In such cases, our representatives take orders with a 60-day right of cancellation to a 1-year subscription to one of our newsletters, books or on line programs. We have very stringent guality control procedures regarding our representatives making this offer. These include verifying the address, asking for the month and day of the person's birth date and asking for the person's email or fax so we can send written confirmation of the order within 24 hours, as well as to encourage contact with us if there are any mistakes or changes that needs to be made.

Regarding the specifics of this situation, please note that **. [redacted], Property Officer, placed an order on 5/1/13 for our Safety Compliance Alert publication. We were provided with birth date information as 7/8, as well as an email address.

Within 24 hours of the discussion, we sent a confirmation letter that clearly restated the offer discussed, including the liberal 60-day, no questions asked, cancellation policy. Our computers show that the confirmation went through without any problems.

The birth date information is obtained, in part, to verify the conversation took place. Once the order was placed, the same computer system sent the newsletters and invoices over a 3-month period of time.

Thus the goods that were ordered by **. [redacted] were sent. This computer system records and tracks all confirmations, invoices, on-line programs, books, periodicals sent and cancellation requests.

With all telephone orders placed, if the ordering person does not find the information helpful, all that needs to be done is to write CANCEL on the invoice and return it to us or advise us any other way and the subscription will be stopped with no payment required, as is the publishing industry's general custom.

As a courtesy we cancelled this account on 8/21/13 as requested. There is no money due or owing on the account.

While researching this complaint we did find that this company has done business with us in the past and is aware of our cancellation policy. We found many different trial subscriptions had been accepted before; 6-paid in full accounts for our Center For Education & Employment Law Division and all other accounts were cancelled as we instructed without issue.

Please know that we do business continually with thousands of companies who place repeated orders due to their continued satisfaction and excellent customer service.

All of our contact information is in our newsletter and it contains our toll free telephone number. We, also, have a 24 hour/7 days a week voice mail system due to the large amount of calls we receive daily from our coast-to-coast subscribers.

Feel free to contact the Customer Service Department if you have any questions at ###-###-####.

Thank you.

Review: Progressive Business Publications contacted [redacted]'s offices in 2013 regarding a trial subscription to a publication that we did not have any interest in. The company was incredibly persistent and would call our offices on a daily or weekly basis. We started receiving the publications, but when I attempted to contact the business to cancel our subscription, my request was not honored or acknowledged. On February 12, 2014, I received a call from the credit collection agency [redacted]., who stated that unless the account balance of $295 was made and processed today, [redacted]'s credit would be affected.Desired Settlement: We request that our balance of $295 be cleared.

Business

Response:

February 27, 2014

Dear [redacted]:

Thank you for your email of 2/26/14 regarding the above referenced complaint that you received on 2/12/14. After review of our detailed electronic records we would like to respond to your letter with the following explanation.

Please note that our primary method by which we secure orders is by telephone solicitation. In such cases, our representatives take orders with a 60-day right of cancellation to a 1-year subscription to one of our newsletters, books or on line programs. We have very stringent quality control procedures regarding our representatives making this offer. These include verifying the address and asking for the month and day of the person's birth.

Regarding the specifics of this situation, please note that [redacted], Proposal Coord, placed an order on 6/28/13 for our Selling Advantage publication. We were provided with a birth date of [redacted]. Prior to ending the conversation we clearly restated the offer discussed, including the liberal 60-day, no questions asked, cancellation policy.

The birthday information is obtained, in part, to verify the conversation took place. Once the order was placed, the same computer system sent the newsletters and invoices over a 5-month period of time.

Thus the goods that were ordered by [redacted] were sent to the same address that shows on this complaint. This computer system records and tracks all confirmations, invoices, on-line programs, books, periodicals sent and cancellation requests. It does not show that we ever received a cancellation on this account or mail returned as "undeliverable". If we had we would have cancelled the account immediately.

With all telephone orders placed, if the ordering person does not find the information helpful, all that needs to be done is to write CANCEL on the invoice and return it to us or advise us any other way and the subscription will be stopped with no payment required, as is the publishing industry's general custom.

However, if neither paid nor cancelled after 5 months, 2 warning notices plus an additional 30-day wait period the account may be turned over for collection. That is what happened in this instance.

As a courtesy we did contact the collection agency on 2/27/14 and advised the agency to cease collections and cancel the account. They have assured us that will be done. There will be no ramifications due to this account being turned over for collection and there is no money due or owing on the account.

Please know that we do business regularly with thousands of companies who place repeated orders due to their continued satisfaction and excellent customer service.

All of our contact information is in our newsletter and it contains our toll free telephone number. We, also, have a 24 hour/7 days a week voice mail system due to the large amount of calls we receive daily from our coast-to-coast subscribers.

Please feel free to contact the Customer Service Department if you have any questions at ###-###-####.

Thank you.

Review: On August 1, 2012, a sales representative from Progressive Business Publications made a cold-call to our Customer Support Phone Line and asked one of our Customer Support Representatives to sign up for a free trial to an Accounts Payable publication. Our Customer Support Representative, unfortunately, agreed to a free trial and provided the email address to our Accounts Payable email. The Customer Support Rep never saw any email because the email address provided was not an email to which she has access. I have access to the email address unsubscribed our company from one email subscription in September 2012. Four additional emails from a company represented by Progressive Business Publications were sent to the email address, but were filtered as SPAM and not read. Today we received a call from a collections agency representing Progressive Business Publications indicating that we have a past due invoice in the amount of $299.00.

I contacted Progressive Business Publications to attempt to resolve the matter and explain the situation. I was told that we were mailed 5 invoices. I spoke with our A/P Manager who indicated that she discarded the invoices as junk mail, as she did not recognize the company name nor product. All purchases in our company must be made through approved vendors and with a purchase order. Our A/P Manager knew that we would not make a purchase through Progressive Business Publications.

I was told that they could take our account out of collections for $130.00. I told the representative that we would not make a payment of $130.00, or any other amount, as we never requested any publication from their company, nor does the Customer Support Representative who agreed to a free trial have any authorization to make any purchases. I was told that, because of my refusal to pay $130.00, our account would remain in collections.

This is an absolutely absurd way to make money. This company called our Customer Support Line and swindled our representative into providing information. If you search for this company on the internet you will see many other complaints of this nature. The front page of their website even has a link to a page called "Received an Invoice". It is clear to me that this company operates on fraudulent principles and attempts to scam companies into paying for a service or product that they never wanted.Desired Settlement: I would like the $299.00 invoice to be removed from our account and for a note to be placed in our account stating that Progressive Business Publications is never again to contact [redacted]

Review: This company currently has an F rating with you. They sent me a "2nd Notice - Payment is now OVERDUE" letter for two newsletters that I never received. I tried contacting the company and I can't communicate with a human being and they are not returning my calls. I contacted the Federal Trade Commission and spoke to [redacted] who transferred me to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. I spoke to [redacted] who told me that I should file a complaint with the Revdex.com and with the US Postal Service since I received this scam by mail. I refuse to pay for a publication I did not request and that I did not receive. My name is even misspelled!Desired Settlement: REMOVE my name from whatever list they got it from, ADJUST THE BALANCE TO ZERO AND CEASE AND DESIST!

Business

Response:

January 13, 2014

Dear [redacted]:

Thank you for your email of 1/13/14 regarding the above referenced complaint that you received on 1/9/14. After review of our detailed electronic records we would like to respond to your letter with the following explanation.

Please note that our primary method by which we secure orders is by telephone solicitation. In such cases, our representatives take orders with a 60-day right of cancellation to a 1-year subscription to one of our newsletters, books or on line programs. We have very stringent quality control procedures regarding our representatives making this offer. These include verifying the address, asking for the month and day of the person's birth date and asking for the person's email or fax so we can send written confirmation of the order within 24 hours, as well as to encourage contact with us if there are any mistakes or changes that needs to be made.

Regarding the specifics of this situation, please note that **. [redacted], Office Mgr, placed an order on 10/1/13 for our Primary Care Coding & Reimbursement publication. We were provided with birth date information as [redacted], as well as an email address. Within 24 hours of the discussion, we sent a confirmation letter that clearly restated the offer discussed, including the liberal 60-day, no questions asked, cancellation policy. Our computers show that the confirmation went through without any problems.

The birth date information is obtained, in part, to verify the conversation took place. Once the order was placed, the same computer system sent the newsletters and invoices over a 4-month period of time.

Thus the goods that were ordered by **. [redacted] were sent to the same address that shows on this complaint. This computer system records and tracks all confirmations, invoices, on-line programs, books, periodicals sent and cancellation requests. It does not show that we ever received a cancellation on this account or mail returned as "undeliverable".

With all telephone orders placed, if the ordering person does not find the information helpful, all that needs to be done is to write CANCEL on the invoice and return it to us or advise us any other way and the subscription will be stopped with no payment required, as is the publishing industry's general custom.

As a courtesy we cancelled this account on 1/13/14 as requested. There is no money due or owing on the account.

We initiated a request on the same day that the name, address and telephone number be removed from our computer files. This action takes approximately 30-days to process. In business we hesitate to say the company will never receive another mailing from us. If any company information changes our computers may not recognize it and something may go out. If that should happen, simply call us and we will remove that version, too.

Please know that we do business regularly with thousands of companies who place repeated orders due to their continued satisfaction and excellent customer service.

All of our contact information is in our newsletter and it contains our toll free telephone number. We, also, have a 24 hour/7 days a week voice mail system due to the large amount of calls we receive daily from our coast-to-coast subscribers.

Please feel free to contact the Customer Service Department if you have any questions at ###-###-####.

Thank you.

Review: I was contacted regarding trying a Facility Managers Report for our business. I finally agreed to try a couple of the publications at no charge and with no commitment to proceed with a subscription. I was told that I would receive a subscription opportunity that I could just throw in the trash if I did not want to move forward with the subscription. I received (2) of the trial publications and never another word until an invoice for $253.00 showed up in the mail with the warning "unpaid bills are referred to a collection agency" It also states that I received 10 issues, but I only received 2 "trial" copies. They are simply trying to get money from customers through fraudulent measures. I have tried to contact them several times and simply get the run around time after time.Desired Settlement: They need to delete the invoice they have sent and never contact our company or take measures to collect against this invoice in the future.

Business

Response:

August 14, 2014Dear [redacted]:Thank you for your email of 8/13/14 regarding the above referenced complaint that you received on 8/7/14. After review of our detailed electronic records we would like to respond to your letter with the following explanation.Please note that our primary method by which we secure orders is by telephone solicitation. In such cases, our representatives take orders with a 60-day right of cancellation to a 1-year subscription to one of our newsletters, books or on line programs. We have very stringent quality control procedures regarding our representatives making this offer. These include verifying the address and asking for the person’s email or fax number so we can send written confirmation of the order within 24 hours. This serves to encourage contact with us if there are any mistakes or changes that need to be made.Regarding the specifics of this situation, please note that [redacted], G/M, placed an order on 2/17/14 for our Facility Manager’s Alert publication and we were provided with an email address. Within 24 hours of the discussion, we sent a confirmation letter that clearly restated the offer discussed, including the liberal 60-day, no questions asked, cancellation policy. Our computers show that the confirmation went through without any problems.Once the order was placed, the same computer system sent the newsletters and invoices over a 5-month period of time.Thus the goods that were ordered by [redacted] were sent. This computer system records and tracks all confirmations, invoices, on-line programs, books, periodicals sent and cancellation requests.With all telephone orders placed, if the ordering person does not find the information helpful, all that needs to be done is to write CANCEL on the invoice and return it to us or advise us any other way and the subscription will be stopped with no payment required, as is the publishing industry’s general Custom.As a courtesy we cancelled this account on 8/13/14 as requested. There is no money due or owing on the account.We initiated a request on the same day that the name, address and telephone number be removed from our computer files. This action takes approximately 30-days to process. In business we hesitate to say the company will never receive another mailing from us. If any company information changes our computers may not recognize it and something may go out. If that should happen, simply call us and we will remove that version, too.While researching this complaint we did find that this company has done business with us in the past and is aware of our cancellation policy. We found several different trial subscriptions had been accepted before and they were cancelled as we instructed without issue.Please know that we do business regularly with thousands of companies who place repeated orders due to their continued satisfaction and our excellent customer service.All of our contact information is in our newsletter and it Contains our toll free telephone number. We, also, have a 24 hour /7 days a week voice mail system due to the large amount of Calls we receive daily from our coast-to-coast subscribers.Feel free to contact the Customer Service Department if you have any questions at [redacted].Thank you.SYLVIA *. N[redacted] DIRECTOR OF SUBSCRIBER SERVICES

Consumer

Response:

[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 although the description of their business practices are inaccurate and simply not what I encountered or have records of, I do acknowledge and accept the resolution.

Regards,

Review: I received a phone call from someone asking for our company address. Then I have received an Invoice from this company for $299.00 stating that I subscribed to their publication titled Quality Manager's Alert. The invoice # is [redacted] and they have assigned an account number of [redacted]. There is no phone number on the invoice to call and question this. They claim that they have sent me 4 notices and that they have already processed and shipped 8 isssues to me. This is completely FALSE!

I have never contacted this company for any publication ever. I have no knowledge of any receipt of any publication from this company at any time. I have researched this company on the internet since I received this invoice and find that even the Revdex.com does not approve of their business practices. I will not pay for this service and hope that nobody else falls into this fraud either.

If you have a way to contact this company please let them know that we are smarter than this and will not comply with their scam.Desired Settlement: I don't ever want to be contacted by this company again and if they continue to send fraudulent invoices, I will take this to an attorney for further action

Business

Response:

See Attachment:

Review: Progressive Business Publications has requested that [redacted] pay for newsletter subcriptions that were never approved for purchase. PBP contacted [redacted], the HR Manager, and stated that her DOB was verification of the subscription; However, there was never any intention of purchasing or trying any "free-trial" subscription and after sending many notices to cancel they keep sending us the returned items. Now they are saying they will send us to collections. They have also sent the same publications to our Benefits Manager.Desired Settlement: We should not be charged for something that was never mutually agreed upon. We also wish to be removed permanently from their mailing and phone list.

Business

Response:

May 15, 2014Dear [redacted] :Thank you for your email of 5/14/14 regarding the above referenced agency complaint that you received on 5/13/14. After review, we would like to respond to your letter with the following detailed explanation.Please note that our primary method by which we secure orders is by telephone solicitation. In such cases, our representatives take orders with a 60-day right of cancellation to a 1-year subscription to one of our newsletters, books or on line programs. We have very stringent quality control procedures regarding our representatives making this offer. These include verifying the mailing address, asking for the month and day of the persons birth date and asking for the persons email address or fax so we can send written confirmation of the order within 24 hours, as well as to encourage contact with us if there are any mistakes or changes that need to be made.Regarding the specifics of this situation, please note that [redacted], HR Mgr., placed an order on 11/11/13 for our Supervisors Safety Bulletin publication and she provided us with birth date information as [redacted], as well as an email address. Within 24 hours of the discussion, we sent a confirmation letter that clearly restated the offer discussed, including the liberal 60-day, no questions asked cancellation policy. Our computers show that the confirmation went through without any problems.The birth date information is obtained, in part, to verify the conversation took place. Once the order was placed, the same Computer system sent the newsletter and invoices over a -month period of time.Thus the goods that were ordered by [redacted] were sent to the same address that shows in this complaint. This computer system records and tracks all confirmations, invoices, on-line programs, books, periodicals sent and cancellation requests. It does not show ever receiving a cancellation request or mail returned as undeliverable. If we had we would have cancelled the account immediately.With all telephone orders placed, if the ordering person does not find the information helpful, all that is required is to write CANCEL on the invoice and return that to us or advise us any other way and the subscription will be stopped with no payment required, as is the publishing industrys general custom. However, if neither paid nor cancelled after -months, 2-warning notices, plus an additional 30-day wait period the account may be turned over for collection. That is what happened in this instance.As a courtesy we contacted the collection agency on 5/14/14 and advised them to cease collection and cancel this account. They have assured us that this will be done. There will be no ramifications due to this account going for collection and there is no money due or owing on this account.While researching this complaint we did find that this company has done business with us in the past and is aware of our cancellation policy. We found several trial subscriptions had been accepted before; 6-paid in full account, 2-of those subscriptions were renewed multiple times while others were cancelled as we instructed without issue. We found that [redacted] had -trial subscriptions in the past and all those were cancelled as requested except this account.We, also, found that on 4/15/14 G 10:33 AM (EST) we received a call from [redacted] regarding this account, we offered to settle for the 10-issues already sent ($180) and he said he would call us back with an answer but he never returned that call.We have initiated a request on the same day that the name, address and telephone number be removed from our computer files. This action takes approximately 30-days to process. In business we hesitate to say the company will never receive another mailing from us. If any company information changes our computers may not recognize it and something may go out. If that should happen, simply call us and we will remove that version, too.Please know that we do business regularly with thousands of companies who place repeated orders due to their continued satisfaction and our excellent customer service.All of our contact information is in the newsletter and it contains our toll free telephone number. We, also, have a 24 hour 7 days a week voice mail system due to the large amount of calls we receive daily from our coast-to-coast subscribers.Please feel free to contact our Customer Service Department if you have any further questions at [redacted].Thank you.

Consumer

Response:

[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 10048776, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. Regards, Alex Thach

Review: Progressive Business Publications initially called a few months ago asking if I would be interested in their products. As a new employee, I told them that they could send me an email with information if they wanted and I could run it by my supervisor. She was not interested. I never told them that I wanted to order anything. Since then, I received small newsletters here and there with little to no substance that I figured needed to be thrown away. Last month, I received another phone call from Progressive Business Publications and I told the woman that I wasn't interested and to please cancel everything. She never mentioned an invoice, but told me to call the customer service number and select option 2. When I tried to do this, it asked me for an account number that I did not have. On April 21, 2014, I received an invoice stating that this was my second notice for a payment that is now overdue for $299.00 for a newsletter that I have never subscribed to. It claims that the 60-day cancellation period has expired for this subscription that supposedly ordered. I mailed back the invoice stub with "Cancel my services -- I never ordered this" written on it. I have also emailed their customer service email account, describing the situation and asking them to handle it.Desired Settlement: The desired outcome is for Progressive Business Publications to adjust their billing to show that I have never ordered anything from them and therefore should have a $0 balance. I would also like to cease all communication with them after the problem has been fixed.

Business

Response:

April 24, 2014Dear [redacted]:Thank you for your email of 4/23/14 regarding the above referenced complaint that you received on 4/22/14. After review of our detailed electronic records we would like to respond to your letter with the following explanation.Please note that our primary method by which we secure orders is by telephone solicitation. In such cases, our representatives take orders with a 60-day right of cancellation to a 1-year subscription to one of our newsletters, books or on line programs. We have very stringent quality control procedures regarding our representatives making this offer. These include verifying the address, asking for the month and day of the persons birth date and asking for the persons email or fax number so we can send written confirmation of the order within 24 hours, as well as to encourage contact with us if there are any mistakes or changes that needs to be made.Regarding the specifics of this situation, please note that [redacted], Acct 1, placed an order on 26/14 for Our CFO & Controllers Alert publication. We were provided with birth date information as [redacted], as well as an email address. Within 24 hours of the discussion, we sent a confirmation letter that clearly restated the offer discussed, including the liberal 60-day, no questions asked, cancellation policy. Our computers show that the confirmation went through without any problems.The birth date information is obtained, in part, to verify the Conversation took place. Once the order was placed, the same Computer system sent the newsletters and invoices over a 2-month period of time.Thus the goods that were ordered by [redacted] were sent to the same address that shows on this complaint. This computer system records and tracks all confirmations, invoices, on-line programs, books, periodicals sent and cancellation requests.With all telephone orders placed, if the ordering person does not find the information helpful, all that needs to be done is to write CANCEL on the invoice and return it to us or advise us any other way and the subscription will be stopped with no payment required, as is the publishing industrys general custom.As a courtesy we cancelled this account on 4/22/14 as she requested that same day she contacted us. There is no money due or owing on the account.We initiated a request on 4/23/14 that the name, address and telephone number be removed from our computer files. This action takes approximately 30-days to process. In business we hesitate to say the company will never receive another mailing from us. If any company information changes our computers may not recognize it and something may go out. If that should happen, simply call us and we will remove that version, too.While researching this complaint we did find that this company has done business with us in the past and is aware of our cancellation policy. We found 3-different trial subscriptions had been accepted before and all those accounts were cancelled as we instructed without issue.Please know that we do business regularly with thousands of Companies who place repeated orders due to their continued satisfaction and our excellent customer service.All of our contact information is in our newsletter and it Contains our toll free telephone number. We, also, have a 24 hour 7 days a week voice mail system due to the large amount of calls we receive daily from our coast-to-coast subscribers.Feel free to contact the Customer Service Department if you have any questions at [redacted].Thank you.

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. While I still disagree that the subscription was ever ordered, I am glad that no payment is due or owing on the account.

Regards,

Review: They have been targeting us for years sending invoices and collection notices.Desired Settlement: Stop send us invoices and calling us, the harassment is getting old.

Business

Response:

November 14, 2013

Dear [redacted]:

Thank you for your email of 11/13/13 regarding the above referenced complaint that you received on 11/12/13. After review of our detailed electronic records we would like to respond to your letter with the following explanation.

Please note that our primary method by which we secure orders is by telephone solicitation. In such cases, our representatives take orders with a 60-day right of cancellation to a 1-year subscription to one of our newsletters, books or on line programs. We have very stringent quality control procedures regarding our representatives making this offer. These include verifying the address and asking for the month and day of the person's birth date.

Regarding the specifics of this situation, please note that [redacted], Admin Asst/HR Mgr, placed an order on 7/11/13 for our What's Working In Human Resources publication. We were provided with birth date information as [redacted]. Prior to ending the call we clearly restated the offer discussed, including the liberal 60-day, no questions asked, cancellation policy.

The birth date information is obtained, in part, to verify the conversation took place. Once the order was placed, the same computer system sent the newsletters and invoices over a 4-month period of time.

Thus the goods that were ordered by [redacted] were sent to the same address that shows on this complaint. This computer system records and tracks all confirmations, invoices, on-line programs, books, periodicals sent and cancellation requests.

With all telephone orders placed, if the ordering person does not find the information helpful, all that needs to be done is to write CANCEL on the invoice and return it to us or advise us any other way and the subscription will be stopped with no payment required, as is the publishing industry's general custom.

As a courtesy we cancelled this account on 11/14/13 as requested. There is no money due or owing on the account.

We initiated a request on the same day that the company name, address and telephone number be removed from our computer files. This action takes approximately 30-days to process. In business we hesitate to say the company will never receive another mailing from us. If any company information changes our computers may not recognize it and something may go out. If that should happen, simply call us and we will remove that version, too.

While researching this complaint we did find that this company has done business with us in the past and is aware of our

cancellation policy. We found several different trial subscriptions had been accepted before; 2-trials for [redacted] herself (all information given matches present cancelled account). 1-paid in full account and other accounts cancelled as we instructed without issue.

Please know that we do business continually with thousands of companies who place repeated orders due to their continued satisfaction and excellent customer service.

All of our contact information is in our newsletter and it contains our toll free telephone number. We, also, have a 24 hour/7 days a week voice mail system due to the large amount of calls we receive daily from our coast-to-coast subscribers.

Feel free to contact the Customer Service Department if you have any questions at ###-###-####.

Thank you.