So to this point you have been coasting along in your life, enjoying the magazines you picked, you think until the subscription runs out.....at which point you probably figure that Time or Better Homes and Gardens (or which ever magazines you got) will each send you a post card thanking you for trying their magazine and asking you if you would like to continue getting them, right?
WRONG!
Your subscription is with TWX, not with the individual magazines and this is the point in which they try to leverage sales.
The scenarios are endless for what happens next but the majority seem to follow this path...
You find out one day that your bank account is short a bunch of money (hopefully not in the way of a declined purchase) and you might even be looking at NSF charges on top of that!
If you are using online banking and looking at your account you usually see three charges from the mysterious TWX****.
Your heart skips and you go into protect mode
You call the bank wanting to know what the heck TWX**** is and why they debited money from your account when you never said they could.
You no doubt will be told it is a magazine company at this point.
In all the confusion and anger you probably don't link to two things together right now (Time/Better Homes and Garden and TWX****) and you might even ask the bank to freeze or worse cancel you card while you figure out these 'unauthorized charges'.
What your bank should and probably does tell you, is that the charges won't be stopped at this point. That they are posting as 'pre-authorized charges'
The blood begins to boil!
You end your call to the bank pissed and scared that this company has your money and you think there is not much you can do about it. (not true though....keep reading)
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Thanks Jerry! I really appreciate this information. I followed your instructions to the letter and kept my cool. The operator promised to refund all but a small amount on each of the four charges. I'll receive almost $175.00 back in my account. You have to be calm and unwavering, because they try everything to keep you subscribed, but it does work. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteI used the automated to cancel subscriptions that kept trying to charge my account for (luckily I use a pre-paid visa instead of my 'real' debit card). The automated system was quick and easy even without having the subscription numbers handy. Thanks for the help!
ReplyDeleteI didn't read all of the comments on this blog, but I was given the same assurance that I would be credited $142.00 for four different subscriptions. I was told by a Ms. Fernandez (I always try to get their name!) that the copies I had received would be "with their compliments". I just checked my credit card online and they did not give me full credit; they deducted $13.62. I will be calling back in the morning. Also, I contacted my credit card company (in writing) and disputed the four charges and that has already been posted on my card also.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I still have all the paperwork on this orginal transaction and it states, "After the first term, all selections will continue. EACH YEAR, YOU'LL RECEIVE A REMINDER NOTICE AND YOU AUTHORIZE THE ACCOUNT YOU PROVIDED TO BE CHARGED THE RATE ON THE NOTICE FOR THE NEXT YEAR OF ISSUES UNLESS YOU CHOOSE TO CANCEL: 1-800-429-2550." (Notice there is no time limit?)
Other magazines send you a notice (a chance to decline), but this organization did not send anything........nada.........on any of these magazines. And.......they waited two months before they charged me!
By the way....I had another company do this to me by way of some vitamins.... and the pills just kept on coming and coming. I wouldn't even accept them from the postman. There were many complaints filed against this guy, and I was alerted by the Fraud Division of our government that he had a trial and served three months in prison. So...it does pay to complain.
Thanks for listening to my rant. And...thanks for your hard work in getting the word out to everyone! By the way...they WERE SUPPOSED TO SEND A NOTICE....AND THEY DIDN'T.
On September of 2012 I noticed that TMX, BetterHomes and Garden had gone into my checking acc. and withdrew money which they had no premission to do. It all started when my husband went to our local dept store and was asked if he wanted 3 magazines of his choice to try out for free.I have always said NO immediately not even giving the sales pesron a chance to finish speaking,but they got my husband,who came home and said this will proably cause a headache for us. He was right. When you have gotten your mag. for free what the sales person doesn't tell you is that the mag. company will go into your checking acc or credit card and charge you for the mag. that you will continously recive.I was able to get all 3 mag. cancelled and my acc.remenbursted. So long story short,say NO,when asked if you want to try out any 3 mag. of you choice for free.Cause in this day and age NOTHING IS FREE.
ReplyDeleteI was charged for a 32.00 subscription (without my knowing it, after I visited a scam website to pay 1.00 for a property value report (Myinfo1.com--do NOT use it) Not only did I not receive my report, but I was charged the 1.00 and an additional 19.95; no option was given to become a 'member'. That was 24 hours ago, and well lo and behold, I was charged today for a magazine subscription and I believe that TWX was given my charge info with MyInfo1 as the hosting website. (they are trying to get MANY little pieces of the financial pie) I had no trouble with the 1-877-813-4977 # so thanks for providing it! I spoke with a very kind young manager, and he is actually expiditing to the fullfillment team a request for the name of the hosting website that slid in this false magazine order. I did file a complaint with the FTC, on-line, and the TWX manager did agree that there were many calls to cancel orders; he is just doing a job, and not realize the scams which are taking place. He has to put gas in his tank, after all. Thanks for the blog!
ReplyDeleteI had to call my bank to cancel this "unknown" transaction. What a dishonest company!
ReplyDeleteHi all,
ReplyDeleteI was about to cancel my subscription but the automated voice couldn't understand my last name, while I was trying to find an email online through their phone number I found this blog! I started receiving free magazines last September, but then in March (for other reasons) I canceled my previous debit card, so I guess I'm ok right? They can't charge me because I have a new debit card that they don't know! In your opinion, should I just leave this without calling them anymore?
Thanks!
Follow my directions my friend. You need to actually talk to a person so they can make sure they cancel EVERYTHING. There are all kinds of posts here from people who thought getting a new card would keep them safe, only to find out later that they charged that card as well.
DeleteAgain, follow the instructions to the letter and you should be fine. Thanks for posting.
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ReplyDeleteTWX* is still at it. Charged my expired credit card for four magazines for a total of $92.50. I called their 800 number and after a long argument I hung up and notified by card co and they told they have had multiple complaints. BEWARE!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing this information. You are a lifesaver! I followed your instructions to the letter. I had to repeat several times that I just wanted everything cancelled, as the operator was well-trained to make several offers to keep me hooked. I remained very polite but just kept repeating that as much as I appreciated the offers, I wanted to cancel everything. Eventually she did just that. She was also very polite, just doing her job. Thank you again! Much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteHad the same problem. I called mastercard and was told they give twx my new card nbr because I have a contract with them. I finally was able to talk to a real person at twx it took several no no no to get canx.
ReplyDeletethank goodness i found this blog! due to a health issue, br.cancer (i promise i'm not whining here), my finances are non-existent and i check my bank account daily as just a couple of dollar mistake can easily start a debit charges snowballing. so, am watching every penny i spend. seeing a $15.50 charge from TWXhealth has had me upset all evening. now, after searching online, i found this blog - thank you so much for putting this out here! i've not subscribed to a magazine in over a couple of years (not on purpose, anyway). now i can go to sleep and know that this is something i'll be able to handle tomorrow by phone (am assuming it's business hours?). again, thank YOU!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely worked! My bank gave me a different number to call off the charge 877-312-1121. Tried calling but was on hold for almost 20 minutes with no response. Called the number you posted and within a few minutes was speaking with a rep. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI called the 877-312-1121 number shared above, kept pressing 0 every few seconds, waited, they asked for account information to speed up the process, pressed 0 again and again, waited, then got a rep on the line who asked my last name and zip code. Then they verified my full name and address and asked how they could help me. I told them I had charges for subscriptions that I didn't authorize and they asked which ones - I named them all but said I wanted all subscriptions cancelled. They quickly said okay and processed the refund. I noticed it wasn't the full amount of the charges and asked why - they said it was a refund for the remaining subscription (which makes sense), but I said I wanted a full refund because I didn't authorize it. She said You don't remember ordering them? I said No. She said wait a minute, then gave me a full refund which went from a $49 partial refund to a $78.50 full refund. I asked for a reference number and she gave it to me. Very straightforward. THANK YOU for posting this !!! One of the great benefits of the Internet :)
ReplyDeleteI just called the 877-312-1121 number, followed the automated answer machine and cancelled my "subscriptions". For each magazine they will present 3 questions to get as much as they can from you. I just keep on answering NO to the questions. Finally all three of my magazines were cancelled - well, I will have to see if they actually refund me as they promised and stop charging me.
ReplyDeleteThanks ,I was also able to stop those subscriptions . Your info helped a lot ,
ReplyDeleteCall 877-312-1121. keep hitting 0. You will get a live person. cancel everything. ask and be polite but forceful and you will get a full refund. which they say will show up in 1-2 business days.
ReplyDeleteSarah what about subscriptions from someone called TME? Is that the same? They charged for Money and Kiplinger's and Sports Illustrated. The number associated with the charge was also 877-312 but without the last 4 digits only the letters NY.
DeleteYou can also go to following website and cancel your subscription:
ReplyDeletewww.magcustomerservice.com.
thank you anonymous! I'm overseas and didn't want to bother my family with calling this people, although i think calling is better to get the full refund, on the website it charged me the first month,
DeleteThank you, Jerry and Anonymous. This is very useful information!!
ReplyDeleteI want to THANK YOU for providing that phone number! I just called and HOPEFULLY got "renewed magazine subscriptions" UN-renewed and have 8 to 10 days to look at my online banking to see when the two charges (one $38, the other $39) are put back into my account, AS PROMISED by a man with an English/European/Middle Eastern accent (I'm a transcriptionist and I KNOW my accents, haha.) I'm sure I called a number in India or Pakistan. Anyway, as you advised, I was very nice and it turns out he behaved very nicely, too. Of course the proof is in the pudding in 8-10 days. FYI to anyone reading: if you buy things online and after your purchase you "get" to have 4 mag subscriptions for just $2 a year each, BACK OUT ASAP. If you read the fine print (if there IS any), it SHOULD say that those subscriptions will be renewed and charged to your account. I didn't see fine print and probably wouldn't have read it if there was. But I've learned as of TONIGHT and am going to be lots more careful about my online purchases. Hope this helps someone. Do what Jerry and Anonymous advised and use that number, hitting zeroes until you get a live person. I only had to wait about 60 seconds or less before I got this guy on the phone.
ReplyDeleteI too, would like to thank you all for the great info. I call 877-312-1121.... kept hitting "0"... and finally talked to a live person. I was forceful. They tried everything to get me to continue my magazine subscription... but I demanded all be canceled - and my full refund issued. The rep told me all should be canceled in 36 hours. We'll see....
ReplyDeleteAll the info posted on this blog was so helpful. We made the same mistake too. Went to the www.magcustomerservice.com to first cancel the subscriptions and called TWX to get the $58.50 refunded. We got hoodwinked into the "discounted" subscriptions after purchasing online a baseball glove for our son at Christmas. We are also contacting company to let them know they are in bed with bad company.....
ReplyDeleteI am calling tomorrow first thing in the morning to get a refund. I just noticed a 157 dollar charge on my credit card as a result of these magazine subscriptions. I got nothing in the mail as a reminder, just these four charges together amounting to 157 dollars. this is a scam! I would never pay that much for magazines.
ReplyDeleteupdate: my credit card company said they would take care of it for me and that i dont have to contact the company myself. i hope they block these charges for good once they investigate and see what a scam this is.
ReplyDeleteyikes, i redeemed miles for a bunch of magazines in april 2013 and today i found the first charge of unauthorized renewal charges. called my bank,they told me to call merchand, only voice operator no live person when i called the number next to the charge, called bank back, they canceled my debit card ( grrrr), i googled and found all these very helpful comments here, called the number back and kept hitting 00000 at least 20some times ;) . got india on the phone and i had to insist and repeat over and over "you are not and never were authorized to charge any renewal" finally they said they will credit and not charge any more, I also made them promise to send me an email confirmation, surprisingly they had my email address on file, they never send any notification of upcoming charges. I called my bank back and hope all is going to be cleared soon. What a scam- Happy Easter.
ReplyDeleteI had 2 charges today, at first my bank offered to cancel them as fraud, but I figured I would try calling first. TWX*TIMEMAG 877-312-1121 NYUS. First I got an American, he could not find me in their system by any means, including the card number that was charged. Then he said it must be with "their sister company in NY" so he transferred me there. I spoke to a foreigner, who asked me the same questions over and over and over again, and he also could not find me in their system, not even with the card number that was charged. I figure that situation is hopeless, so I'm having the bank cancel my card and revert the charges. :(
ReplyDeletei just found these charges on my account and thought my card was stolen. i called the number instead of panicking and insisted they were canceled. i was shocked that 1) she asked me to give her my full credit card number and 2) had the audacity to ask if i wanted to buy more magazines. i insisted it was all canceled as i did not sign up for this service. let's see when i get my refund.
ReplyDeleteWhat a terrible company! I just had a $31 charge show up on my card from them. I called and they will refund it all. I'm glad I caught it early though, because I have three other mag. subscriptions they would have charged me for! So glad I found this blog!
ReplyDeleteI called today (had not gotten notices from the company). However, I called the number on the credit card charge, got an automated system, and easily cancelled the subscriptions using the automated system. If I actually get the $$ back in a couple days, it will have all worked out fine.
ReplyDeleteI actually used the website, got a confirmation number and all. If get my money back, that website works just as well! It was easy, even though to cancel your subscription, they still try to get you to keep your subscription, so definitely take your time reading the prompts!
ReplyDeleteOther than that, thanks a bunch Jerry! Definitely helped answer the many questions I had!
Thanks for the info and telephone number to call. I had been calling that blasted 1-800-429-2550 number for 2 days, never being able to get through to a real person. I was ticked. Saw this article after doing some searching, called, and told them I wanted a full refund and no more problems. They tried to tell me I was only getting partial refund, and I said absolutely not. Finally came back on and said I was getting a full refund within 24 hours...got a name, confirmation number so we shall see if it for real. However, when I talked to the bank, they said I should definitely come in and file a Fraud report against this company. I believe I will.
ReplyDeleteOk, I just went in through the website, www.magcustomerservice.com (had to create an account and they found me through my email address??) and it pulled up all 4 of these magazines that I've been receiving and have no clue when/how they were ordered!!
ReplyDeleteBE AWARE!!! When cancelling you have to cancel each individual magazine even though they were all listed under one acct # and continue clicking on "No, I still want to cancel" and HOPEFULLY they are cancelled. I took screenshots of each confirmation # it gave me so I have proof that I DID cancel them! I'm SO GLAD I found this blog bc my "anniversary" date is May 4th!!!! Someone mentioned above they were told it takes 36 hrs for the cancellation to go into effect so I will continue cking back and make sure they do bc as of right now they all still show "Active"!! This crap better be fixed before May 4th and they bill me again!!
Thanks to Jerry and Anonymous for posting all of this info about this scamming company!!
My issues:
ReplyDeleteNot knowing about this scam, I foolishly selected 4 FREE magazines and charged its required $2 order processing fee to my Chase credit card all of which were denied by Chase with warming alert emails to me.
My question: without being paid of the $2 to process the orders of 4 magazines, Can TME still go ahead to start the 4 orders of 4 free magazines for now and wait for the renew time (12 months later) to charge me forever?
I am not certain but I would not doubt it at all. I would follow the steps I have outlined here just to be sure.
DeleteShould there be difference among the 1-800-429-2550, 1-877-312-1121, 1-877-813-4977? I called all three phone numbers, it seems that all reached to the same voice msg. (same customer service), why is this? How do I contact the real person?
ReplyDeleteFollow the steps I have described here to reach a 'real person'. It works every time.
Delete