Strategic Media

I want to thank Marti (owner of Strategic Media, LLC) for responding so quickly regarding some magazines I was receiving. Within 24 hrs. Marti e-mailed me back and explained how and why I was receiving 2 magazines I don't recall ordering.

The magazines were coming to us because my husband had ordered some golf clubs online and these magazines were a gift from the company. There were no charges to our credit cards and no "automatic" renewal. Simply "free" magazines.

I was a little concerned when I first contacted Marti because I had read a couple of complaints about her company. But in my case, I had a fast response to my questions and really appreciated it immensely.

Thank you Marti.

Review: Unknown to me, this company signed me up for magazine subscriptions to Inc. magazine and Fast Company magazine. I have no interest in either one and didn't authorize these subscriptions. I tried to cancel both of them through their respective web sites but they informed me that since the subscriptions were initiated by Strategic Media LLC in [redacted] that they would need to cancel them. In the mean time, issues from both magazines keep arriving in my mail. I remove the subscription information for shredding form the magazine and they go promptly into the recycle bin.Desired Settlement: I demand that Strategic Media LLC cancel both of these magazine subscriptions placed in my name and remove any trace of my personal information from their database so this sort of thing can't happen again.

Business

Response:

Emailed customer directly on 6/**/14 and subscriptions have been cancelled. They were included with a purchase on an ecommerce website at no additional cost but customer wishes to cancel them and we have processed said request.

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 and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: I was given Strategic Media LLC's company name from Essence Magazine's customer service on 1/**/2015 at 2:50pm CST. They told me that Strategic Media LLC is responsible for signing me up for a subscription for Essence magazine. I have NEVER and would NEVER agree to a subscription to their magazine or any other magazine. It is my opinion that this was a fraudulent transaction completed in my name. Essence magazine's customer service specialist ([redacted]) told me that only Strategic Media LLC can cancel the subscription. I was told that Strategic Media LLC is solely responsible for the subscription that was created in my name. I want this subscription immediately cancelled. The Essence Account#[redacted].Desired Settlement: I want Strategic Media LLC to cancel the Essence magazine subscription that they created in my name. I want Strategic Media LLC to delete my name from any other mailing lists and/or possible fraudulent subscription orders. I want a letter from Strategic Media LLC stating that they have cancelled the subscription(s) in my name. I would like to get any helpful information from Revdex.com on how to avoid and handle fraudulent magazine subscriptions and orders.

Consumer

Response:

I have received a phone call and voice message from a representative from Strategic Media LLC. They quickly and professionally resolved the complaint (ID [redacted]) that I filed with Revdex.com.org. I was told by the representative that Strategic Media LLC will cancel the subscription to Essence magazine. I am satisfied with the resolution. The matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: During the booking process with budget [redacted], I got a special offer which was automatically checked, YES. The offer was to receive a free magazine called Prevention. I did not want the magazine but I did not click on the "not interested" box. I called Prevention to cancel the subscription but was told they were not able to cancel it since the subscription is with Strategic Media, LLC. I called Strategic Media and have not received a response. My subscription number with Prevention is [redacted]. The company is located at[redacted].Desired Settlement: I want to cancel the subscription and do not want the company and any of their affiliates to contact me or use my name, address or phone number in the future.

Business

Response:

The subscription has ended and no further action is needed. We apologized for the delay in getting back to her. We never received this Revdex.com complaint. We always answer all complaints within a week! On 3/**/15 I called the number on the complaint and left a detailed voice message explaining how she received Prevention back in June 2013 and apologizing for the delayin getting back to her due to the Revdex.com having the wrong snail mail address associated with our account. The subscription has ended and no further action is needed. We apologized for the delay in getting back to her.

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 and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: I have received two Sports Illustrated magazines in the mail in the past two weeks and have learned that I was subscribed on February * to receive 56 issues. I did NOT subscribe to this magazine and do not want it. I am concerned that this company somehow has my credit card information and will charge this purchase to it without my authorization.Desired Settlement: I want assurance that 1) my credit card will NOT be charged for this product and 2) all of my personal information will be deleted from their database.

Business

Response:

The business has responded. Please read below:[redacted]We processed a bonus subscription to Sports Illustrated for [redacted] on 2/*/15. On 2/**/15 he filed this complaint. Not sure he reached out to our customer service team. I tried to call him personally today (4/*/15) but there was no answer so I left a detailed message explaining how he got Sports Illustrated. At no time did we get his credit card or email address. We have processed the cancellation on his behalf and I also left my phone # should he wish to call with any additional questions.

Review: I have purchased a magazine through PCH contest. I have received Men's Health and paid for it. I NEVER ORDERED THIS MAGAZINE - I called CS @ Men's Health - they said it was a third party order shipped by Strategic Media. I have called [redacted], 3 times with no call backs.

Business

Response:

Customer inquired about a magazine subscription she is receiving for Essence. That subscription came as bonus (no bill, no automatic renewal) with a purchase of $25 or more at a site called AshleyStewart.com. The promotion is featured at the top of the home page and every single page in the user experience including the cart page. It is possible she did not see it but it is disclosed on every page. There is no bill for this subscription ever - it's included with the purchase from Ashley Stewart.

This order was cancelled on 7/** after speaking with the Ms. [redacted].

Review: I started receiving Parents and Family Fun magazines through the mail without ever having ordered subscriptions. When I called Parents customer service (after having found out I had been charged) they told me it had been ordered through Strategic Media LLC. I have never heard of this company, never gave them authorization to charge my credit card for any subscription and have contacted them via email at [redacted] and through their website ([redacted]) to complain and ensure any false subscriptions/orders are erased and I am duly refunded fees they have already charged. It's impossible to reach a real person at this business to make this happen! How on earth can they get away with stealing credit card information and making unauthorized charges for unwanted subscriptions?????Desired Settlement: Refund of all charges and immediate cancellation of any/all magazine "subscriptions".

Business

Response:

The busness has responded. Please read below: We never received this Revdex.com complaint. We always answer all complaints within a week! This subscriptions for FamilyFun and Parents were included at no additional cost with an online purchase back in 2013 on [redacted]. The subscriptions already ended. Tried to call customer but she did not answer so I left a detailed voice message including my return phone # if she has any remaining questions/concerns. Also apologized for the delay in responding to this complaint. Thank you.

Review: The company signed me up for a subscription to Essense magazine without my consent in October 2013. I contacted Essense magazine distributors, who informed me that I would not be able to terminate the order considering it was placed through Strategic Media LLC. I have continued to receive the magazine and recently got a bill, which did not include anyway to contact said company. The number I received for the company is ###-###-#### and upon calling and leaving a message several times, I have not been contacted to resolve the matter. The company voicemail gives a bogus email address of [redacted] which is not a valid address. I do not plan to pay for any of this magazines and don't want my credit affected as a result.Desired Settlement: I want the subscription cancelled along with an apology for the obvious corrupt practices of this company. Additionally, the company needs to pay the existing bill since they ordered the Essense magazines.

Business

Response:

The business has responded. Please read below: We never received this Revdex.com complaint. We always answer all complaints within a week! So today on 3/[redacted]15 I called the number on the complaint and left a voice message for [redacted] explaining in detail how she got Essence and apologizing for the delay in responding to her Revdex.com complaint. I let her know that we cancelled her subscription as of 3/**/15 and left my personal phone # if she has any remaining questions/concerns. 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 and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: In 2013 I started receiving a subscription of Cosmopolitan magazine that I did not order or pay for. I contacted the company STRATEGIC MEDIA LLC several times as the magazine website said that since STRATEGIC MEDIA LLC was the one who placed the order they had to be the one that cancelled it. The subscription was never cancelled but did run out finally in January 2014. Now I am receiving Essence magazine which I did not order and again can't cancel because STRATEGIC MEDIA LLC ordered it. I have requested they cancel and remove my name from their mailing list with no success.Desired Settlement: I just want the subscriptions to magazines to stop. I didn't order them nor do I want them.

Business

Response:

The business has responded. Please see below: We never received this Revdex.com complaint. We always answer all complaints within a week! So today on 3/**/15 I called the number on the complaint and left a voice message for [redacted] explaining in detail how she got Essence and Cosmpolitan and apologizing for the delay in responding to her Revdex.com complaint. I let her know that we cancelled her subscription to Essence as of 3/**/15 and do not see a subscription in force any longer for Cosmopolitan. I left my personal phone # if she has any remaining questions/concerns. 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 and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: I started receiving these magazines in September of 2015. Not once did I agree to this subscription or give any authorization to charge my credit card. I have sent this business multiple emails asking them to cancel my subscription and have not heard back once. I would like my information removed from their system and if my card was charged, I would like my money back. This is a complete scam.Desired Settlement: Cancel My Subscription Immediately and Do not Contact me any further

Consumer

Response:

At this time, I have not been contacted by Strategic Media, LLC regarding complaint ID [redacted].Sincerely,[redacted]

Business

Response:

The business has responded. Please see below:FROM STRATEGIG MEDIA:[redacted] received a bonus year of InStyle Magazine for making a qualifing purchase on a women’s fashion ecommerce site. I left a voice message for her on Dec **, 2015 with the full details as well as my personal phone # if she has any additional questions. The bonus was a thank you from the ecommerce site for making a qualifying purchase and at NO time is there a bill for the magazine and it will not automatically renew. We did not get her credit card or email information. We immediately processed her cancellation for InStyle. Should she have any additional questions she can contact us at [redacted]. Thank you. [redacted]

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 and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: In the past week I have received two magazines that I DID NOT ORDER. When I called the magazine subscription customer service lines I was told the subscriptions were placed by Strategic Media LLC and I would need to contact them to cancel the subscriptions. I attempted to contact Strategic Media LLC and could not make contact with a "real person" and was asked to just leave a message. I did not order these magazine and will not use them. I hate waste and even though I recycle, this is an undue burden on our planet. In addition, I do not want to incur any charges for these magazines that I did not order. This is a sneaky and wasteful way to do business and I do not appreciate my personal information being provided to this company.Desired Settlement: Inform me as to how these magazine subscriptions were initiated since I did not order them. CANCEL both subscriptions. DO NOT send me any further subscriptions. DO NOT bill me for any of these subscriptions. REMOVE me from your mailing list.

Business

Response:

Please be advised that the customer received two bonus subscriptions included with a qualifying purchase at a site called [redacted]. Customers who spent $25+ got Inc Magazine and customers who spent $40+ also got Fast Company.

The magazines were sent to your billing address.

There is NO bill for these subscriptions, no automatic renewals, no hidden costs or obligations whatsoever. We did not receive your credit card or your email as part of this promotion just the billing name and address were sent to the publisher to fulfill the bonus subscriptions.

We will put through a cancellation request immediately. Please note that

based on the timing of your cancellation you could still receive another issue.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Strategic Media LLC

Review: I continue to get magazines sent to me that I did not subscribe to. When I contact the magazine they indicate that the subscription was placed through Strategic Media LLC. I have not authorized Strategic Media LLC to issue subscriptions in my name. This is the second time in the last month I have been issued a subscription by this company and I have asked them to permanently remove my name from their list and prohibit any other magazines from being issued in my name.Desired Settlement: I would like this company to cancel any subscriptions they have issued in my name and permanently remove my name from their list and prohibit any other future magazines from being issued in my name.

Business

Response:

Hi,This was a bonus subscription included with an online purchase. [redacted] had received [redacted] as part of the same promotion previously (which we cancelled on July *). We will be delighted to cancel her bonus subscription to [redacted] as well. In all cases the subscription was a "thank you bonus" for making a qualifying purchase as a fashion site and it was just for a one-year bonus with no auto renewal. We have also added [redacted] to our Do Not Promote list. If we can be of further assistance please let us know.Marti S[redacted], President

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 and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: I received their July 2014 issue in June 2014, I noticed the mailing label looked like I was a subscriber. I called their Customer Service who informed account [redacted] was opened by Strategic Media LLC (June 2014 - June 2015). I explained that I never heard of this company & I don't know how they received my information. I asked for this fraudulent account to be closed. They said they couldn't close the account only suspend delivery, that was a lie because I received their Aug/Sept issue on 7/*/14. I asked to speak to a [redacted], I was told there are no [redacted] at their call center. Over 20yrs ago when I was living in Georgia I received a card stating I can get a complimentary issue with no string attached. I returned the card agreeing to the ONE ISSUE, when I received the issue I received a bill. I initially ignored it until I put in collections over $20 & forced to pay so my credit wasn't ruined. During that one year subscription I only received 3 additional issues. I was more than overjoyed when my year was finally up. Now 20 years later living in another state I'm going thru this with Essence again. I want this account closed, my information deleted from their system. I never paid for this subscription & I will not pay for it even if I'm put in collections.I blame this mess on both Essence & Strategic Media LLC. I feel this is their way of bullying people into receiving a subscription to their magazine.Desired Settlement: Account closed. My information deleted from their system or flagged to NEVER use again. A letter confirming the account has been closed.

Business

Response:

The business has responded. Please read attached. We never received this Revdex.com complaint. We always answer all complaints within a week! So today on 3/**/15 I called the number on the complaint and spoke with [redacted]s. I explained the status of his subscription and told her that we already cancelled her subscription as of 3/**/15. She may still receive another issue before the cancellation takes effect. We apologized for the delay in getting back to her. She seemed satisfied with the conversation and said that we had addressed her needs fully. Thank you.

Review: This company subscribed me to a magazine (Wine Spectator) without my knowledge or consent.Desired Settlement: I don't want this company to subscribe me to a product or service without my express permission. I want them to take me off of whatever lists they keep.

Business

Response:

[redacted] received a 6 month subscription to Wine Spectator after purchasing wine online and the bonus magazine subscription was included. The order came in on 12/**/14 and was cancelled on 3/**/15.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

Their answer just acknowledges that they signed me up for a subscription that I didn't want and didn't order. I didn't see anything about changing that practice in the future. In what way did they imagine this resolves anything? Each time they send out an unwanted subscription to somebody, there is another stack, weighing several lbs., of glossy paper that gets shipped all over the country and ends up needing to be recycled (or, often, in a landfill). Either that, or an errand for the recipient who must track down the sender and find out how to cancel. One possible reason for this is to allow the magazines to pretend that their subscriber list is larger than it actually is. This would allow them to increase their ad rates. Or, perhaps there is another reason. Either way, this practice is a waste of resources and a nuisance. It wouldn't be much of a problem if one unwanted subscription went to one person. It becomes a problem of wasted time and wasted resources when multiplied by a large number of recipients (not to mention the advertisers who may be getting inflated subscription numbers and thereby overpaying for advertising, but that is a different issue).

Sincerely,

Review: I placed and order with an online retailer that offered 2 magazine subscriptions as a bonus for my order. I was not interested in in receiving the magazines so I instead opted for a rebate of $20 (the value of the two one year subscriptions). In order to receive my rebate, I needed to fill out a form and attach a copy of my order receipt to the form and mail it to [redacted] within 30 days of my purchase. I mailed it in the day after placing my order. About a month later, the magazine subscriptions that I opted out of began to arrive in the mail. After calling the publisher of the magazines to complain, I was given the phone number [redacted]. I tried numerous times to reach someone at [redacted], however, all I got was an endless loop of recorded messages. When I finally got in touch with an actual human, I was told they would look into it and get back to me within 1-2 business days. Weeks went by and I called again and never heard back. I called again today and spoke to a customer service rep who once again said they would look into it but the mail is the mail and if they didn't get my forms it wasn't their problem but she would get back to me within 1-2 business days. I told her that I had been told that before and if I didn't hear back from anyone in that period of time, I would file a report with the Revdex.com. I asked to speak with a supervisor and she hung up on me. I have since called back 6 times and cannot reach a human, just a recording.This business is running a complete scam. They have no accountability to fulfil rebate requests so they don't. The fine print says that you have to submit your request within 30 days but that you need to wait 8-10 weeks to receive your rebate. If there is a problem, you won't even know before it is too late to resubmit. You have to mail the forms to a PO Box so you cannot send it certified mail to insure that it arrives so if they choose to not process it so they can save a buck, too bad for you.Desired Settlement: I want the $20 rebate that I am owed and that I submitted my paperwork for as well as an apology for all the time wasted trying to keep a dishonest business honest.

Business

Response:

To Whom it May Concern,First our sincere apologies for the late response to your complaint. We recently switched customer service teams and it looks like your complaint got lost in the transition. Your subscriptions to [redacted] and [redacted] were included with a qualifying web purchase. There was no bill for these bonuses ever and we never got your credit card.Based on your email I have asked to double check that the subscriptions were cancelled and if for some reason they had not already been they will be now.We also do not find a check was issued for the rebate. It could be that you did not submit all of the qualifying materials but I sent a rebate out to in the mail today. Hopefully all of your concerns have now been addressed and again I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.

Review: Several weeks ago I received an issue of InStyle magazine, which I thought was in error as I never subscribed to this magazine. Today I received another issue of the same magazine and when I called the Customer Service number was told that the subscription was placed through one of their agents - Strategic Media and was provided with a # (###-###-####). When I called this number, I could only record a voicemail.

I find it unacceptable and a violation of my privacy to have my name and address shared for such unauthorized communications. I want to know how this company received my information. Additionally, I did not appreciate the the fact that it has been impossible to speak with an actual person to resolve the matter is causing me to further waste my time.Desired Settlement: Cancel unauthorized subscription.

Business

Response:

This is Marti S[redacted], President of Strategic Media. I just left a voice message for Leah as well as a very detailed email on how she qualified to receive a one-year bonus of InStyle Magazine with a qualifying purchase on a fashion site. At no time was she billed for this bonus subscription. We have asked her to get in touch with us if she wishes to cancel and provided my personal contact information. Regarding her call to our customer service center, looks like she got unlucky there and called just a few minutes before our call center closed for the day. So by the time she got through the prompts and hit go to "operator" they had left for the day and she was prompted to leave a message.We pride ourselves on excellent customer service so if there are any additional questions/concerns please let us know.

Review: I received a copy of Sports Illustrated that I did not order. I called SI to inquire and they told me that it had been ordered by Strategic Media. They put my subscription on hold and gave me the phone number for Strategic Media. SI told me they couldn't cancel the subscription as it was ordered by Strategic Media. I called and, of course, you can't talk to a live person, but, I was given time to provide my name, address, and the nature of my call. They said someone would return my call within 24 hrs., I'm still waiting. I do not want this magazine, if I did I would have ordered it myself. This is bothersome to me as there is so much "hacking" going on.Desired Settlement: I demand that Strategic Media to cancel the subscription to Sports Illustrated, and any other magazine that they may have ordered in my name, without authorization. I also demand that Strategic Media remove any and all personal information that they have about me, from any database, file, etc., that they possess.

Business

Response:

The customer below received a bonus one-year subscription included as a thank you bonus at NO additional cost whatsoever with a qualifying purchase at a sports site. Their credit card and email address were never shared with us or with Sports Illustrated. We attempted to reach [redacted] by phone but were unable to reach her so we left a detailed message including my personal phone number should she have any additional questions. As requested, we have put a cancellation through to Sports Illustrated. She may stil receive a couple more issues but it has been cancelled. No further action is required. Thank

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 and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: Strategic Media LLC is a third party company that purchased a magazine subscription in my name for 56 issues of Sports Illustrated magazine effective 12/*/14. At no time was I aware of authorizing, and nor did I have know of a subscription purchase. Sports Illustrated magazine requires that the subscriber contact the third party (Strategic Media LLC) in order to cancel a subscription. I did submit a cancellation request via the vendor's website but have received no contact from the company or confirmation of cancellation. I simply want the subscription canceled and to be indemnified of any charges resulting from this unauthorized transaction.Desired Settlement: Cancel subscription to Sports Illustrated magazine and indemnify me of any charges associated with subscription.

Business

Response:

On January **, 2015 I spoke with [redacted] to describe the promotion in which a bonus subscription was included with a qualifying purchase on a sports site. He has elected to keep the bonus subscription. No further action is required.

Review: Review: I started receiving a magazine that I did not order. I contacted [redacted] and they said that this Strategic Media LLC ordered it in my name. I did not order the magazine nor did I want it. They won't let me cancel it although I'm in process of working up through the company to get it canceled as we speak. I called and emailed Strategic Media LLC and they don't have live representatives nor do they respond to your emails/calls. They committed identify theft and sent me something I don't want and are trying to charge me. This is the most shady company ever and needs to be taken out of business. They are committing illegal acts and won't even have anyone on the phone to answer for their crimes. ILLEGAL, SHADY. The magazine company I called seemed to think this is no big deal "[redacted]" and said the only way to cancel is call ###-###-#### which I did and never recd return calls.Desired Settlement: Stop sending and do not use my unauthorized information. Also ensure no billing as I have no idea who these people are and I have never in my whole life ordered magazines.

Business

Response:

I left [redacted] and voice mail and written email today summarizing how she received the subscription and have also cancelled the subscription. She received a bonus subscription with a qualifying purchase at an online site. They included the bonus (at no additional cost) as a thank you. At no time did we receive her credit card number or email address (she provided that in the Revdex.com complaint). I left her my direct phone number should she have any additional questions or concerns. Thank you.

Review: Receiving unwanted and unsolicited magazine subscriptions from this "company". When I try to cancel the subscriptions directly with the magazine I am unable to b/c they claim the subscription was purchased by Strategic Media LLC so I need to contact them, which is also ridiculous. Revdex.com should also review all these magazine companies that are probably in on the scam!!Desired Settlement: CANCEL ALL MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS AND DELETE MY INFO AND CEASE ALL CONTACT.

Business

Response:

Hi,This is Marti S[redacted], President of Strategic Media. I tried to call [redacted] earlier today and left a detailed voice message. She received InStyle as a special bonus included with a qualifying online purchase. At no time ever was there a bill for the bonus; it was simply a thank-you for making a qualifying purchase on the ecommerce site. As requested, we have cancelled her subscription. Thank you.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

The "business" indicates that they have canceled the unsolicited InStyle magazine however I want them to cancel all subscriptions if there are other ones and delete my information from their system. In addition, I want to be permanently removed from receiving anything from this "business" ever again.

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

Dear [redacted].We have searched our databases again under both your name and address and only find the one InStyle subscription we already cancelled. We added a Do Not Promote so you will not get any mailings from us. 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 and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,