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The good, the bad, and the ugly - discover what customers are saying about American Reading Club

Welcome to our customer reviews and complaints page for American Reading Club. We understand that making informed decisions about where to invest your time and money can be challenging, which is why we've created this platform for our community to share their honest feedback about their experiences with American Reading Club.

On this page, you'll find a comprehensive collection of reviews and complaints from real customers who have used American Reading Club's products or services. Our reviews are authentic and unbiased, providing you with a complete picture of the company, its products or services, and their customer service.

Whether you're considering doing business with American Reading Club, or you've already had an experience with them, our community's reviews and complaints will give you a valuable perspective on what to expect. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions about where to invest your time and money, and we hope that our platform will be a valuable resource for you.

Please feel free to browse our reviews and complaints and share your own experience with American Reading Club. Your feedback is an important part of our community and will help others make informed decisions.

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9:58 am EDT
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American Reading Club BIG SCAM!!!!!!!!

I just wanna say I deeply appreciate this website because I just found out that this company was not only scamming me but lots of other people. I have been called by this company everyday and have tried to cancel the subscription. Everyone keeps telling me the same thing, it's a 3 day cancellation policy. When I ordered them no one ever talked to me about the cancellation policy. I recently spoke with a representative about why the magazines could not be canceled. I don't understand why this is happening but I DESPERATELY AM IN NEED OF HELP because I am currently 9 months pregnant and I have a four year old daughter also so I can't keep making payments to these people for magazines that I don't even want. Now there telling me if I don't make a payment soon that will take legal action against me.

If there is someone out there that can HELP ME contact me back at my email at [protected]@inbox.com. I would really appreciate it.
Thank you

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chris stercula
Wadsworth, US
Apr 26, 2010 7:44 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I was under the influence of a sleeping pill when the call was made by the telemarketer and had no idea that someone even called. I gave them my checking account number and at the time my husband was on it, we were getting so many overdrafts that he closed the account. I am no longer on (Ambien) and I am on disability and cannot afford these overdrafts because they keep pulling money from my account. Help!

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Je123
, US
Aug 28, 2009 11:19 pm EDT

Taken from the FTC's website: (IT'S THE LAW... KNOW YOUR RIGHTS)

Guidelines for Managers of Telemarketing Enterprises Who Sell Magazine Subscriptions

As the supervisor of a telemarketing sales force, you know that your employees' communications with prospective magazine subscription purchasers must be clear and courteous, and that their sales solicitations must be accurate, truthful, and complete. It makes good business sense — and it's the law.

Through its enforcement of the Telemarketing Sales Rule and other laws, the Federal Trade Commission regulates the telephone sale of consumer products, including magazine subscriptions. The Telemarketing Sales Rule requires that you keep certain records about advertising and promotional materials, recipients of prizes of $25 or more, sales, sales employees, and verifiable approvals for demand drafts for two years from the date that records are made.

The FTC and the Magazine Publishers of America have written this guide for telemarketing professionals who sell magazine subscriptions.
Initial Contact: After You've Said Hello

When you are making an outbound call, you must disclose clearly and promptly, prior to the consumer's purchase, and in a way that is unlikely to mislead the consumer:

That the purpose of your call is to sell magazine subscriptions.
Who is selling the magazine subscriptions.
A description of the magazine subscriptions you are selling.
You must not misrepresent the reasons why the consumer was chosen for the call. You may not suggest that the consumer was "specially" selected because he or she is a "good customer, " a contest winner, or a survey participant — unless that is true.
Prize Promotions: You Never Have to Pay to Play

If you are offering a prize promotion in connection with an outbound call solicitation, you must state clearly and promptly, and prior to purchase, that no purchase is necessary to play or to win. You also must disclose:

* A description of any prize you offer in the sales promotion and a statement of its value.
* The "no purchase/no payment" way consumers can participate in the prize promotion with instructions on how to participate, or an address or toll-free telephone number where consumers can get instructions on how to participate.
* The odds of winning the prize in the promotion or the factors used to calculate the odds.
* Any material costs, restrictions, limitations, or conditions on receiving, redeeming or using a prize that you offer in the promotion.

Sympathy Appeals and Enticements: No Lies Allowed

The law does not allow you to make false statements to encourage a purchase. Specifically, you must not falsely state that:

* You are affiliated with an educational, charitable, social, or governmental organization or cause, that you are selling subscriptions on their behalf, or that they will receive part of the sales proceeds.
* The consumer's subscriptions will be distributed as gifts to educational, charitable, social, or governmental organizations or causes.
* The consumer's relatives or friends will receive free gift subscriptions.
* You are working your way through school or competing for a scholarship or in a contest. That is, you must not make false statements to create a sympathy appeal about yourself — including claiming illness, disease, disability, or low-income or student status.
* Consumers will receive free gifts, goods, or services with the purchase of magazine subscriptions unless the subscription costs the same as or less than the regular subscription price (or "basic" subscription price published in the magazine).
* The subscription is available at a special or reduced rate unless the cost of the subscription is less than the regular subscription price (or "basic" subscription price published in the magazine) and less than the price that similar subscriptions have been sold in substantial quantities to similar consumers.
* The subscription is being offered free unless the cost of any other subscription(s) or other products that the consumer must purchase to get the free subscription is no more than the cost the consumer must pay to buy the other subscription(s) or other products without receiving the free subscription.
* The subscription is available at a reduced rate because the consumer will be charged only for postage or for shipping and handling.

Payment and Subscription Terms: Just the Facts

Before the consumer buys any subscription, you must clearly state:

* The total costs of the subscription(s); if you state the price of installment payments, you must give the amount of each installment and the total number of installment payments.
* The name and duration of each magazine subscription in your solicitation, including the number of issues or frequency of each subscription.
* A description of all material restrictions on the subscriptions, including the amount of any down payment that is required or the form of payment that is required.

Consumer Authorization For Payment: Getting The Okay

If you ask consumers for their bank account numbers to facilitate payment through "phone checks" or "demand drafts, " you must get the consumer's advance "express verifiable authorization." You can do this in one of three ways:

* By getting advance written authorization,
* By tape recording the consumer giving express oral verification, or
* By sending written confirmation of the transaction to the consumer before you submit the draft for payment.

At the same time, you must not:

* Bill a consumer's credit card without their express authorization.
* Mislead a consumer about the reason you are asking for account information.
* Invoice the consumer for the subscription orders unless the consumer has expressly ordered the subscription.

Cancellation and Refund Rights: The Fine Print

You must not misrepresent the consumer's right to cancel. Before the purchase, you must clearly and truthfully disclose:

* Any "no refund" or "no cancellation" policy, if you have such a policy.
* If you talk about refund, cancellation, exchange or repurchase options during your solicitation, you must disclose all material terms and conditions of your refund and cancellation policy.
* If you have a policy of accepting cancellations or making refunds or exchanges, you don't have to raise the subject. But if you do — or if the consumer requests information — you must clearly disclose all material terms and conditions of your refund, cancellation or exchange policy.

Order Fulfillment: Delivering the Magazines

You may not sell subscriptions to — and accept payment for — magazines that you have no authority to sell.

It's not necessary to mention when the first issue of each magazine subscription order will be shipped to the consumer if you have a reasonable basis to expect that it will be shipped within 30 days of the order (or 50 days if the consumer applies for credit).

However, it is necessary to:

* State clearly how long you reasonably expect it will take before the first issue of each magazine subscription order is shipped if that time period will be more than 30 days (or 50 days if credit is requested) from the order; and
* If first shipment is delayed beyond 30 days (if no shipment time was stated) or beyond the shipment time stated, you must then offer the consumer the option to accept a new delayed shipment date that you have reason to believe will be net, or to cancel the subscription and get a full refund.

Guarantees and Bonds

You must not:

* Falsely describe any guarantees you make about the placement, fulfillment, or delivery of the magazine subscription orders.
* Make false statements about the fact that you are bonded — or about the nature or conditions of your bond.

Assisting in Deceptive Telemarketing Practices:
Who Are You Dealing With?

You should take reasonable steps to determine whether someone is engaged in any deceptive telemarketing practice before you assist them. According to the Telemarketing Sales Rule, you must not provide substantial assistance or support for another seller or telemarketer if you know — or consciously avoid knowing — that he or she is engaged in deceptive practices. Support includes, but is not limited to sponsoring promotions, sending confirmation letters, prize certificates and bonuses to consumers for another seller or telemarketer, or billing consumers’ credit cards.
Restrictions on Phone Calls and Abusive Practices:
Respecting the Customer

You must not:

* Threaten, intimidate, or use obscene language when you make sales calls.
* Cause a phone to ring or engage consumers in phone conversations, repeatedly or continuously, to annoy, abuse, or harass the person who answers the phone.
* Call consumers who have previously said they do not wish to get calls from you or the seller of the magazine subscriptions that you are selling.
* Call consumers’ homes earlier than 8 AM or later than 9 PM local time — unless you have their permission in advance.

For More Information

For more information about complying with the Telemarketing Sales Rule, contact the Federal Trade Commission. If your business has been a victim of fraud, you can file a complaint with the FTC.

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair practices in the marketplace and to provide information to businesses to help them comply with the law. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP [protected]); TTY: [protected]. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

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kelly.perham
Kodiak, US
May 20, 2009 7:52 pm EDT

dude i've been dealing with the same exact thing. they refuse to cancel my account since january. now they say there going to prosecute me for some crap. i dont know what to do either.

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11:34 am EDT
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American Reading Club Awful place

American Reading Club claim that back in 2000 I ordered a 5 year subscription which I did not order totally in the amount of $1, 026. Now they have forwarded the account to a collection agency. According to the collection agency the transaction was done over the phone and that I have paid $54.00 for the 1st subscription. I don't recall ever ordering magazine over the phone and I know better to order anything over the phone. Ask the collection agency to show me proof that I ordered the magazine by providing me the credit card number or checking account used. The collection agency would not give me the information nor allow me to contact American Reading Club to get the proof. Because American Reading Club has nothing to do with the account any more. Now the collection agency is will to settle the matter from $1, 026 to $92.68. If I pay the $92.68 they will stop contacting me.

I have contacted ABC 7 at your side in my area to help with this matter. If anyone else out there experiencing the same problem with American Reading Club. You contact your local news media to report them. Also if anyone has other suggestions of reporting them to a government agency.

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CLB312
Mattapan, US
Jul 23, 2010 4:26 pm EDT

I think that Complaint can be a good thing because it help other who might be going through the same thing with a company.

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CLB312
Mattapan, US
Jul 23, 2010 4:24 pm EDT

I just received a call today for a police office name agent Brown from an law office call District Legal office telling me that she has a warrant for my arrest for a account that I have with a company name ARC back in 2006 I made this agreement over the phone with some credit card and then the card number change in Nov. 2006 and that is when the payments stop. She also stated that I can pay this account off today for $200.00 so I ask her for the phone# to ARC and she told me that she have the account now and would not give me the phone# if anybody know what a person can do about these people please help a sister out.

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12:13 pm EST
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American Reading Club non-delivery of magazines

ordered magazines through them, they were unable to get the magazines i wanted. They credited my account, and did not charge me, but said they would still send me the magazines they could get, that i have asked for. however, i have only received 1 of each magazine that i ordered, and here it is 3 months later and all i have received in the mail were magazines i did not order. every time i call them, they say that they have called the magazine companies and those companies say they delivered them. they have not. i have a postal watch on my mail, and they have not seen 1 magazine come through.
DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY! YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE YOUR MAGAZINES. IF YOU WANT A SPECIFIC MAGAZINE ORDER STRAIGHT FROM THE COMPANY THAT PUBLISHES THEM.
I GIVE THIS COMPANY NEGATIVE 5 STARS.

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Je123
, US
Aug 29, 2009 2:48 pm EDT

Taken from the FTC's website: (IT'S THE LAW... KNOW YOUR RIGHTS)

Guidelines for Managers of Telemarketing Enterprises Who Sell Magazine Subscriptions

As the supervisor of a telemarketing sales force, you know that your employees' communications with prospective magazine subscription purchasers must be clear and courteous, and that their sales solicitations must be accurate, truthful, and complete. It makes good business sense — and it's the law.

Through its enforcement of the Telemarketing Sales Rule and other laws, the Federal Trade Commission regulates the telephone sale of consumer products, including magazine subscriptions. The Telemarketing Sales Rule requires that you keep certain records about advertising and promotional materials, recipients of prizes of $25 or more, sales, sales employees, and verifiable approvals for demand drafts for two years from the date that records are made.

The FTC and the Magazine Publishers of America have written this guide for telemarketing professionals who sell magazine subscriptions.
Initial Contact: After You've Said Hello

When you are making an outbound call, you must disclose clearly and promptly, prior to the consumer's purchase, and in a way that is unlikely to mislead the consumer:

That the purpose of your call is to sell magazine subscriptions.
Who is selling the magazine subscriptions.
A description of the magazine subscriptions you are selling.
You must not misrepresent the reasons why the consumer was chosen for the call. You may not suggest that the consumer was "specially" selected because he or she is a "good customer, " a contest winner, or a survey participant — unless that is true.
Prize Promotions: You Never Have to Pay to Play

If you are offering a prize promotion in connection with an outbound call solicitation, you must state clearly and promptly, and prior to purchase, that no purchase is necessary to play or to win. You also must disclose:

* A description of any prize you offer in the sales promotion and a statement of its value.
* The "no purchase/no payment" way consumers can participate in the prize promotion with instructions on how to participate, or an address or toll-free telephone number where consumers can get instructions on how to participate.
* The odds of winning the prize in the promotion or the factors used to calculate the odds.
* Any material costs, restrictions, limitations, or conditions on receiving, redeeming or using a prize that you offer in the promotion.

Sympathy Appeals and Enticements: No Lies Allowed

The law does not allow you to make false statements to encourage a purchase. Specifically, you must not falsely state that:

* You are affiliated with an educational, charitable, social, or governmental organization or cause, that you are selling subscriptions on their behalf, or that they will receive part of the sales proceeds.
* The consumer's subscriptions will be distributed as gifts to educational, charitable, social, or governmental organizations or causes.
* The consumer's relatives or friends will receive free gift subscriptions.
* You are working your way through school or competing for a scholarship or in a contest. That is, you must not make false statements to create a sympathy appeal about yourself — including claiming illness, disease, disability, or low-income or student status.
* Consumers will receive free gifts, goods, or services with the purchase of magazine subscriptions unless the subscription costs the same as or less than the regular subscription price (or "basic" subscription price published in the magazine).
* The subscription is available at a special or reduced rate unless the cost of the subscription is less than the regular subscription price (or "basic" subscription price published in the magazine) and less than the price that similar subscriptions have been sold in substantial quantities to similar consumers.
* The subscription is being offered free unless the cost of any other subscription(s) or other products that the consumer must purchase to get the free subscription is no more than the cost the consumer must pay to buy the other subscription(s) or other products without receiving the free subscription.
* The subscription is available at a reduced rate because the consumer will be charged only for postage or for shipping and handling.

Payment and Subscription Terms: Just the Facts

Before the consumer buys any subscription, you must clearly state:

* The total costs of the subscription(s); if you state the price of installment payments, you must give the amount of each installment and the total number of installment payments.
* The name and duration of each magazine subscription in your solicitation, including the number of issues or frequency of each subscription.
* A description of all material restrictions on the subscriptions, including the amount of any down payment that is required or the form of payment that is required.

Consumer Authorization For Payment: Getting The Okay

If you ask consumers for their bank account numbers to facilitate payment through "phone checks" or "demand drafts, " you must get the consumer's advance "express verifiable authorization." You can do this in one of three ways:

* By getting advance written authorization,
* By tape recording the consumer giving express oral verification, or
* By sending written confirmation of the transaction to the consumer before you submit the draft for payment.

At the same time, you must not:

* Bill a consumer's credit card without their express authorization.
* Mislead a consumer about the reason you are asking for account information.
* Invoice the consumer for the subscription orders unless the consumer has expressly ordered the subscription.

Cancellation and Refund Rights: The Fine Print

You must not misrepresent the consumer's right to cancel. Before the purchase, you must clearly and truthfully disclose:

* Any "no refund" or "no cancellation" policy, if you have such a policy.
* If you talk about refund, cancellation, exchange or repurchase options during your solicitation, you must disclose all material terms and conditions of your refund and cancellation policy.
* If you have a policy of accepting cancellations or making refunds or exchanges, you don't have to raise the subject. But if you do — or if the consumer requests information — you must clearly disclose all material terms and conditions of your refund, cancellation or exchange policy.

Order Fulfillment: Delivering the Magazines

You may not sell subscriptions to — and accept payment for — magazines that you have no authority to sell.

It's not necessary to mention when the first issue of each magazine subscription order will be shipped to the consumer if you have a reasonable basis to expect that it will be shipped within 30 days of the order (or 50 days if the consumer applies for credit).

However, it is necessary to:

* State clearly how long you reasonably expect it will take before the first issue of each magazine subscription order is shipped if that time period will be more than 30 days (or 50 days if credit is requested) from the order; and
* If first shipment is delayed beyond 30 days (if no shipment time was stated) or beyond the shipment time stated, you must then offer the consumer the option to accept a new delayed shipment date that you have reason to believe will be net, or to cancel the subscription and get a full refund.

Guarantees and Bonds

You must not:

* Falsely describe any guarantees you make about the placement, fulfillment, or delivery of the magazine subscription orders.
* Make false statements about the fact that you are bonded — or about the nature or conditions of your bond.

Assisting in Deceptive Telemarketing Practices:
Who Are You Dealing With?

You should take reasonable steps to determine whether someone is engaged in any deceptive telemarketing practice before you assist them. According to the Telemarketing Sales Rule, you must not provide substantial assistance or support for another seller or telemarketer if you know — or consciously avoid knowing — that he or she is engaged in deceptive practices. Support includes, but is not limited to sponsoring promotions, sending confirmation letters, prize certificates and bonuses to consumers for another seller or telemarketer, or billing consumers’ credit cards.
Restrictions on Phone Calls and Abusive Practices:
Respecting the Customer

You must not:

* Threaten, intimidate, or use obscene language when you make sales calls.
* Cause a phone to ring or engage consumers in phone conversations, repeatedly or continuously, to annoy, abuse, or harass the person who answers the phone.
* Call consumers who have previously said they do not wish to get calls from you or the seller of the magazine subscriptions that you are selling.
* Call consumers’ homes earlier than 8 AM or later than 9 PM local time — unless you have their permission in advance.

For More Information

For more information about complying with the Telemarketing Sales Rule, contact the Federal Trade Commission. If your business has been a victim of fraud, you can file a complaint with the FTC.

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair practices in the marketplace and to provide information to businesses to help them comply with the law. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP [protected]); TTY: [protected]. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

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Gregory
Zachary, US
May 29, 2009 2:25 pm EDT

purchased this offer, because it sounded/ seemed like a good idea, in-part by the "special" offers'. Know now, that what was offered, was not provided, so tried to cancel subscription. Was told by the lead Credit Manager, that my initial agreement, (that was recorded for "quality-assurrance" purposes) stated that the 3 day cancellation period had been passed, and that their company had purchased the magazines' I requested directly from the publishers'. Hence, I now owe them for the entire stock, which in total equals 400+ dollars. But cancelling was not an option, and that I would continue being charged each month. I mentioned that I had not recieved but two magazines this past month, and one being damaged, clearly marked with a letter of apology from the local postal office. She said that the services would take up to 4 months to be completely beneficial, and that if I were to "ignore" the billing, I would then be added to a "collection-deficiancy list", and turned over to a collection agency for obtainment. Which obviously would harm my credit rating. My advice to anyone considering their product/ services is...DONT!

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9:55 pm EST
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The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

American Reading Club Billing Fraud

Charged by ARC, from fake website. Dispute was made and the bank will contact the company. Left message for the company. Will try again supposedly the letter comes soon and it was an unauthorized phone number.

What else can I do besides contacting the bank, disputing and cancelling charges, and contacting the company. I am a young college student trying to get them back. On the phone I kept trying to tell them no but they kept asking for info. Should I sue as well ? Should I open another card and cancel- they tried to get my debit card number and my bank will flag stop payments as long as it is up to six months in advance. Contacted BBB in Atlanta and filed.

Read full review of American Reading Club
Update by Heidi
Dec 11, 2008 10:07 pm EST

Sent a packet though i cancelled. Should i call back ?

Update by Heidi
Dec 09, 2008 2:33 pm EST

The company gave me back my money as promised and the phone calls have stopped. Boy did I learn my lesson! Thanks for the tips or else I'd be gone for good!

Update by Heidi
Dec 08, 2008 4:39 pm EST

After 12 phone calls to them all by general complaint, cutsomer service to all three major heads: Janae, Susie, and Chris. I got to speak to Susie. Susie told me about the company got the information, apologized for the phone call, gave me an immediate refund and stated that I owed nothing because the debit card # said it was pending. On pending if you call to get money back they are required to. After I also told her I filed with FDIC, my bank etc. she closed it down for good. She stated if I had given her the debit after she cleared the check, it would have required a dispute to get the money back, she sternly stated never to give out credit card or debit info, and how to prevent this again. She even removed my phone number and name from her computer. Chris then called and I told him about what happened with Susie. He apologized as well. I should get the refund by the end of 24-48 days.

I ended up lucky thanks to advice on this board- whatever you do never answer an anauthorized call, read all your rights, and register with gov. agencies for future protection. Also try to find the company's business ids online- all companies are required to by BBB and all the ones with complaints are marked on the BBB site in red with contact info. Also request a BBB report on the phone for free that was also how I got the steps to appeal.

Also always check internet creditentials- many of these contest ideas are fake and register you for this stuff. The ARC may not have a website but there is a promo called the Preferred Readers Network- most contests automatically enter you in there and obtain your credit info which was exactly what Chris said. The Preferred Readers Network is owned by ARC's parent company- so be careful! Even Susie warned me about that- fortuntately the ARC complied with me.

Never pay them and check to see if it is pending especially on debit cards. With credit cards- flag them to the company, provide contact info about them to the company, and dispute all charges. On pending they get no money so make sure t0 tell ARC about the rules you read here, mention that it was obtained without permission, and the steps you took. They'll be forced to comply and they rather give that money and your info back to you to avoid further action- a major sign that they are crooks, know exactly what they did was wrong, and the reports against them.

Also ask them to remove your number and never contact you again- when you mean business they'll comply!

Be sure to stay away!

Good luck to you.

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4:42 pm EST

American Reading Club SCAM!

First, call [protected]. If you do not get the answer you want, contact the better business bureau for the Metro Atlanta area. This company has an unsatisfactory rating with them. This company knows how to play the old bait and switch game. Do not allow them to do this! Contact the BBB ASAP!

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Je123
, US
Aug 28, 2009 11:19 pm EDT

Taken from the FTC's website: (IT'S THE LAW... KNOW YOUR RIGHTS)

Guidelines for Managers of Telemarketing Enterprises Who Sell Magazine Subscriptions

As the supervisor of a telemarketing sales force, you know that your employees' communications with prospective magazine subscription purchasers must be clear and courteous, and that their sales solicitations must be accurate, truthful, and complete. It makes good business sense — and it's the law.

Through its enforcement of the Telemarketing Sales Rule and other laws, the Federal Trade Commission regulates the telephone sale of consumer products, including magazine subscriptions. The Telemarketing Sales Rule requires that you keep certain records about advertising and promotional materials, recipients of prizes of $25 or more, sales, sales employees, and verifiable approvals for demand drafts for two years from the date that records are made.

The FTC and the Magazine Publishers of America have written this guide for telemarketing professionals who sell magazine subscriptions.
Initial Contact: After You've Said Hello

When you are making an outbound call, you must disclose clearly and promptly, prior to the consumer's purchase, and in a way that is unlikely to mislead the consumer:

That the purpose of your call is to sell magazine subscriptions.
Who is selling the magazine subscriptions.
A description of the magazine subscriptions you are selling.
You must not misrepresent the reasons why the consumer was chosen for the call. You may not suggest that the consumer was "specially" selected because he or she is a "good customer, " a contest winner, or a survey participant — unless that is true.
Prize Promotions: You Never Have to Pay to Play

If you are offering a prize promotion in connection with an outbound call solicitation, you must state clearly and promptly, and prior to purchase, that no purchase is necessary to play or to win. You also must disclose:

* A description of any prize you offer in the sales promotion and a statement of its value.
* The "no purchase/no payment" way consumers can participate in the prize promotion with instructions on how to participate, or an address or toll-free telephone number where consumers can get instructions on how to participate.
* The odds of winning the prize in the promotion or the factors used to calculate the odds.
* Any material costs, restrictions, limitations, or conditions on receiving, redeeming or using a prize that you offer in the promotion.

Sympathy Appeals and Enticements: No Lies Allowed

The law does not allow you to make false statements to encourage a purchase. Specifically, you must not falsely state that:

* You are affiliated with an educational, charitable, social, or governmental organization or cause, that you are selling subscriptions on their behalf, or that they will receive part of the sales proceeds.
* The consumer's subscriptions will be distributed as gifts to educational, charitable, social, or governmental organizations or causes.
* The consumer's relatives or friends will receive free gift subscriptions.
* You are working your way through school or competing for a scholarship or in a contest. That is, you must not make false statements to create a sympathy appeal about yourself — including claiming illness, disease, disability, or low-income or student status.
* Consumers will receive free gifts, goods, or services with the purchase of magazine subscriptions unless the subscription costs the same as or less than the regular subscription price (or "basic" subscription price published in the magazine).
* The subscription is available at a special or reduced rate unless the cost of the subscription is less than the regular subscription price (or "basic" subscription price published in the magazine) and less than the price that similar subscriptions have been sold in substantial quantities to similar consumers.
* The subscription is being offered free unless the cost of any other subscription(s) or other products that the consumer must purchase to get the free subscription is no more than the cost the consumer must pay to buy the other subscription(s) or other products without receiving the free subscription.
* The subscription is available at a reduced rate because the consumer will be charged only for postage or for shipping and handling.

Payment and Subscription Terms: Just the Facts

Before the consumer buys any subscription, you must clearly state:

* The total costs of the subscription(s); if you state the price of installment payments, you must give the amount of each installment and the total number of installment payments.
* The name and duration of each magazine subscription in your solicitation, including the number of issues or frequency of each subscription.
* A description of all material restrictions on the subscriptions, including the amount of any down payment that is required or the form of payment that is required.

Consumer Authorization For Payment: Getting The Okay

If you ask consumers for their bank account numbers to facilitate payment through "phone checks" or "demand drafts, " you must get the consumer's advance "express verifiable authorization." You can do this in one of three ways:

* By getting advance written authorization,
* By tape recording the consumer giving express oral verification, or
* By sending written confirmation of the transaction to the consumer before you submit the draft for payment.

At the same time, you must not:

* Bill a consumer's credit card without their express authorization.
* Mislead a consumer about the reason you are asking for account information.
* Invoice the consumer for the subscription orders unless the consumer has expressly ordered the subscription.

Cancellation and Refund Rights: The Fine Print

You must not misrepresent the consumer's right to cancel. Before the purchase, you must clearly and truthfully disclose:

* Any "no refund" or "no cancellation" policy, if you have such a policy.
* If you talk about refund, cancellation, exchange or repurchase options during your solicitation, you must disclose all material terms and conditions of your refund and cancellation policy.
* If you have a policy of accepting cancellations or making refunds or exchanges, you don't have to raise the subject. But if you do — or if the consumer requests information — you must clearly disclose all material terms and conditions of your refund, cancellation or exchange policy.

Order Fulfillment: Delivering the Magazines

You may not sell subscriptions to — and accept payment for — magazines that you have no authority to sell.

It's not necessary to mention when the first issue of each magazine subscription order will be shipped to the consumer if you have a reasonable basis to expect that it will be shipped within 30 days of the order (or 50 days if the consumer applies for credit).

However, it is necessary to:

* State clearly how long you reasonably expect it will take before the first issue of each magazine subscription order is shipped if that time period will be more than 30 days (or 50 days if credit is requested) from the order; and
* If first shipment is delayed beyond 30 days (if no shipment time was stated) or beyond the shipment time stated, you must then offer the consumer the option to accept a new delayed shipment date that you have reason to believe will be net, or to cancel the subscription and get a full refund.

Guarantees and Bonds

You must not:

* Falsely describe any guarantees you make about the placement, fulfillment, or delivery of the magazine subscription orders.
* Make false statements about the fact that you are bonded — or about the nature or conditions of your bond.

Assisting in Deceptive Telemarketing Practices:
Who Are You Dealing With?

You should take reasonable steps to determine whether someone is engaged in any deceptive telemarketing practice before you assist them. According to the Telemarketing Sales Rule, you must not provide substantial assistance or support for another seller or telemarketer if you know — or consciously avoid knowing — that he or she is engaged in deceptive practices. Support includes, but is not limited to sponsoring promotions, sending confirmation letters, prize certificates and bonuses to consumers for another seller or telemarketer, or billing consumers’ credit cards.
Restrictions on Phone Calls and Abusive Practices:
Respecting the Customer

You must not:

* Threaten, intimidate, or use obscene language when you make sales calls.
* Cause a phone to ring or engage consumers in phone conversations, repeatedly or continuously, to annoy, abuse, or harass the person who answers the phone.
* Call consumers who have previously said they do not wish to get calls from you or the seller of the magazine subscriptions that you are selling.
* Call consumers’ homes earlier than 8 AM or later than 9 PM local time — unless you have their permission in advance.

For More Information

For more information about complying with the Telemarketing Sales Rule, contact the Federal Trade Commission. If your business has been a victim of fraud, you can file a complaint with the FTC.

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair practices in the marketplace and to provide information to businesses to help them comply with the law. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP [protected]); TTY: [protected]. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

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5:00 am EDT
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The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

American Reading Club Scam magazine subscriptions

My husband was contacted by American Reading Club a couple of months ago wanting him to purchase multiple magazine subscriptions at a discounted rate. He never received anything in the mail and was contacted about 3 months later by a representative of the company demanding money & threatening to turn us in to collections. They conned our debit card# out of my husband and it cost us $500! We need to ban together to stop these thieves. I am going to seek legal counsel against them. Please don't be fooled if they contact you - HANG UP!

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Kilie
Imlay City, US
Sep 02, 2011 5:37 pm EDT

It happend to me as well im 18 years old and they told me i had to be 19 to participate, so the guy lied and told me i would get this shopping spree and it didnt really matter how old i was... so i went along with it thinking wow that will really help out for school... i cancled my card when they took more out of my account than they said...never got any of the stuff that they said... now im getting harrasing calls saying they r going to sue me? Im 18 and putting myself through college and i even told the lady that... n they still had the nerve to procede... i dont need this! ITS A SCAM dont fall for it!

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Beatrice Nelson
brewster, US
Dec 07, 2010 5:37 am EST

Hi,
My name is Beatrice Nelson. one of the telemarketer called me up and told me I won a thousand dollar shopping free and that I have to buy 7 magazines before I can get it. Well, without thinking I accepted a questioner on the phone I gave them my credit card and they have already taking $24.99 . Since that time till now, other magazine companies have been calling offering gifts to buy their magazines. I spoke to one of the tele marketer in reading america to cancel me out and he refused cancel me. He said treo me that he will send the magazines and if I don't pay for it for 2years it will destroy my credit score. I need your help or I will have to go to my Lawyer.
Beatrice bnel76@hotmail.com

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Beatrice Nelson
brewster, US
Dec 07, 2010 5:23 am EST

Hi,
My name is Beatrice Nelson. one of the telemarketer called me that I won a thousand dollar shopping free and I have to buy 7 magaines accorider to get it. Well without thinking I accepted a questioner on the phone . Since that time till now they or other magazine company have been calling offering megazinegift to buy their magazine. I gave them my credit card and they have already taking $24.99 from me. I have spoken to one of them that I want to cancel he refused to cancel me. plse I need your help
Beatrice bnel76@hotmail.com

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Je123
, US
Aug 29, 2009 3:38 pm EDT

Taken from the FTC's website: (IT'S THE LAW... KNOW YOUR RIGHTS)

Guidelines for Managers of Telemarketing Enterprises Who Sell Magazine Subscriptions

As the supervisor of a telemarketing sales force, you know that your employees' communications with prospective magazine subscription purchasers must be clear and courteous, and that their sales solicitations must be accurate, truthful, and complete. It makes good business sense — and it's the law.

Through its enforcement of the Telemarketing Sales Rule and other laws, the Federal Trade Commission regulates the telephone sale of consumer products, including magazine subscriptions. The Telemarketing Sales Rule requires that you keep certain records about advertising and promotional materials, recipients of prizes of $25 or more, sales, sales employees, and verifiable approvals for demand drafts for two years from the date that records are made.

The FTC and the Magazine Publishers of America have written this guide for telemarketing professionals who sell magazine subscriptions.
Initial Contact: After You've Said Hello

When you are making an outbound call, you must disclose clearly and promptly, prior to the consumer's purchase, and in a way that is unlikely to mislead the consumer:

That the purpose of your call is to sell magazine subscriptions.
Who is selling the magazine subscriptions.
A description of the magazine subscriptions you are selling.
You must not misrepresent the reasons why the consumer was chosen for the call. You may not suggest that the consumer was "specially" selected because he or she is a "good customer, " a contest winner, or a survey participant — unless that is true.
Prize Promotions: You Never Have to Pay to Play

If you are offering a prize promotion in connection with an outbound call solicitation, you must state clearly and promptly, and prior to purchase, that no purchase is necessary to play or to win. You also must disclose:

* A description of any prize you offer in the sales promotion and a statement of its value.
* The "no purchase/no payment" way consumers can participate in the prize promotion with instructions on how to participate, or an address or toll-free telephone number where consumers can get instructions on how to participate.
* The odds of winning the prize in the promotion or the factors used to calculate the odds.
* Any material costs, restrictions, limitations, or conditions on receiving, redeeming or using a prize that you offer in the promotion.

Sympathy Appeals and Enticements: No Lies Allowed

The law does not allow you to make false statements to encourage a purchase. Specifically, you must not falsely state that:

* You are affiliated with an educational, charitable, social, or governmental organization or cause, that you are selling subscriptions on their behalf, or that they will receive part of the sales proceeds.
* The consumer's subscriptions will be distributed as gifts to educational, charitable, social, or governmental organizations or causes.
* The consumer's relatives or friends will receive free gift subscriptions.
* You are working your way through school or competing for a scholarship or in a contest. That is, you must not make false statements to create a sympathy appeal about yourself — including claiming illness, disease, disability, or low-income or student status.
* Consumers will receive free gifts, goods, or services with the purchase of magazine subscriptions unless the subscription costs the same as or less than the regular subscription price (or "basic" subscription price published in the magazine).
* The subscription is available at a special or reduced rate unless the cost of the subscription is less than the regular subscription price (or "basic" subscription price published in the magazine) and less than the price that similar subscriptions have been sold in substantial quantities to similar consumers.
* The subscription is being offered free unless the cost of any other subscription(s) or other products that the consumer must purchase to get the free subscription is no more than the cost the consumer must pay to buy the other subscription(s) or other products without receiving the free subscription.
* The subscription is available at a reduced rate because the consumer will be charged only for postage or for shipping and handling.

Payment and Subscription Terms: Just the Facts

Before the consumer buys any subscription, you must clearly state:

* The total costs of the subscription(s); if you state the price of installment payments, you must give the amount of each installment and the total number of installment payments.
* The name and duration of each magazine subscription in your solicitation, including the number of issues or frequency of each subscription.
* A description of all material restrictions on the subscriptions, including the amount of any down payment that is required or the form of payment that is required.

Consumer Authorization For Payment: Getting The Okay

If you ask consumers for their bank account numbers to facilitate payment through "phone checks" or "demand drafts, " you must get the consumer's advance "express verifiable authorization." You can do this in one of three ways:

* By getting advance written authorization,
* By tape recording the consumer giving express oral verification, or
* By sending written confirmation of the transaction to the consumer before you submit the draft for payment.

At the same time, you must not:

* Bill a consumer's credit card without their express authorization.
* Mislead a consumer about the reason you are asking for account information.
* Invoice the consumer for the subscription orders unless the consumer has expressly ordered the subscription.

Cancellation and Refund Rights: The Fine Print

You must not misrepresent the consumer's right to cancel. Before the purchase, you must clearly and truthfully disclose:

* Any "no refund" or "no cancellation" policy, if you have such a policy.
* If you talk about refund, cancellation, exchange or repurchase options during your solicitation, you must disclose all material terms and conditions of your refund and cancellation policy.
* If you have a policy of accepting cancellations or making refunds or exchanges, you don't have to raise the subject. But if you do — or if the consumer requests information — you must clearly disclose all material terms and conditions of your refund, cancellation or exchange policy.

Order Fulfillment: Delivering the Magazines

You may not sell subscriptions to — and accept payment for — magazines that you have no authority to sell.

It's not necessary to mention when the first issue of each magazine subscription order will be shipped to the consumer if you have a reasonable basis to expect that it will be shipped within 30 days of the order (or 50 days if the consumer applies for credit).

However, it is necessary to:

* State clearly how long you reasonably expect it will take before the first issue of each magazine subscription order is shipped if that time period will be more than 30 days (or 50 days if credit is requested) from the order; and
* If first shipment is delayed beyond 30 days (if no shipment time was stated) or beyond the shipment time stated, you must then offer the consumer the option to accept a new delayed shipment date that you have reason to believe will be net, or to cancel the subscription and get a full refund.

Guarantees and Bonds

You must not:

* Falsely describe any guarantees you make about the placement, fulfillment, or delivery of the magazine subscription orders.
* Make false statements about the fact that you are bonded — or about the nature or conditions of your bond.

Assisting in Deceptive Telemarketing Practices:
Who Are You Dealing With?

You should take reasonable steps to determine whether someone is engaged in any deceptive telemarketing practice before you assist them. According to the Telemarketing Sales Rule, you must not provide substantial assistance or support for another seller or telemarketer if you know — or consciously avoid knowing — that he or she is engaged in deceptive practices. Support includes, but is not limited to sponsoring promotions, sending confirmation letters, prize certificates and bonuses to consumers for another seller or telemarketer, or billing consumers’ credit cards.
Restrictions on Phone Calls and Abusive Practices:
Respecting the Customer

You must not:

* Threaten, intimidate, or use obscene language when you make sales calls.
* Cause a phone to ring or engage consumers in phone conversations, repeatedly or continuously, to annoy, abuse, or harass the person who answers the phone.
* Call consumers who have previously said they do not wish to get calls from you or the seller of the magazine subscriptions that you are selling.
* Call consumers’ homes earlier than 8 AM or later than 9 PM local time — unless you have their permission in advance.

For More Information

For more information about complying with the Telemarketing Sales Rule, contact the Federal Trade Commission. If your business has been a victim of fraud, you can file a complaint with the FTC.

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair practices in the marketplace and to provide information to businesses to help them comply with the law. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP [protected]); TTY: [protected]. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

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mctabby
vicksburd , US
Jun 30, 2009 4:16 pm EDT

total scam they got my wife saying right now we owe 171 dollars but to pay them and will be 800 dollars so if yall take em down ill testafy my email porkchop806@hotmail.com

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Brey
, US
Mar 13, 2009 1:23 pm EDT

They are also calling me at all hours of the night, every single day a week. If anyone is getting together to file a lawsuit, please contact me. breymama@gmail.com

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mre8ball
Lexington, US
Feb 28, 2009 3:18 pm EST

Same thing happen to me they scammed me for like $100.00. Now they keep calling me everyday. They want there money and they won't send me the magazines I want I am getting mazines I didn't order. Contact me at mre8ball@yahoo.com.

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Nikolai
,
Aug 20, 2008 3:18 am EDT

This same thing just happened to my wife, I will testify as well. Report these problems to the bbb please!

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Ratsnaggle
,
May 13, 2008 7:50 pm EDT

I used to work for this company and I can offer you an explanation as to why you are charged on your credit card when you weren't even solicited.

First off, they buy lists of people's names, address, telephone number, and also they obtain their credit card information! This is completely illegal if they keep the credit card information on site instead of having it secured at a third party location. They may tell people that they have access to only the last 4 digits of the card number for "verification purposes" when in reality they are staring at the WHOLE CARD NUMBER! WHOA! Big trouble! And what if the peron looking at the card is a thief and wants to order something offline? Whoa! More trouble! The whole company is totally crooked and they seriously need to be in major investigation by the FBI. If there is any attorney generals or people who want to get together to file a class action lawsuit contact me at ratsnaggle@yahoo.com and I will testify in court!

ComplaintsBoard
P
12:00 am EST

American Reading Club Rip off!

I used to be an employee at american reading club and i was reading all of these complaints and wanted to give advice to anyone who is or thinking of becoming a customer of american reading club. It is a scam a rip off they will do nothing but take your money and you will never receive what you ask for. I am going to let the public in on a few secrets of arc. First and for most NEVER NEVER give anyone your credit card # YOU ARE MAKING A VERY BIG MISTAKE! A trick of american reading club were they get most people. Is when you first place your order and you give them your credit card # and your card declines for some reason or another and they tell you ok well we will place this order as soon as your credit card gives us the approval. and you think ok well o well i didn't want it anyway and just forget about it! HA you are dead wrong they will run that card and run it some more until they get an approval and when they do they will charge you for it without even calling back to make sure you still want it or if you want the money taken out of your account at that time then LISTEN THIS IS THE BEST PART!~! They will wait 1 week to send you your welcome packet that has all the info on what you just bought and the cancellation information but what you don't know is by the time you receive the packet it is already to late to cancel. Another famous trick is that when you are on the phone with the sales person who is selling you these great magazines what you don't know is that you will NEVER receive those magazines you will receive the cheapest magazines they have nothing that you ordered or even want.! Now don't get me wrong the owner of american reading club is a good man and has children a wife and a helicopter that is probably paid for with your money! PUBLIC BE AWARE of what you are doing DO NOT give your credit card to anyone over the phone especially one you have never hard of or don't know where is located. I am sorry to all the customers i have sold magazines to in the past and put in such a bad situation I worked for the company for 1 year and sold many many magazine packages to many many people so again to those people I am so sorry!

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Valerie
Valerie
, US
Oct 28, 2008 11:38 am EDT

I have tried to cancel my account several times. They don't give me that option. They call at all hours of the day and also on weekends. They are very rude and I'm sick of it. They have my business phone number as a contact and I can't very well change it. I need help on what to do from here.

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Smagghe Guido
, BE
Nov 28, 2013 10:55 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

We payed for "Golfer's Today" a subscription until April 2014.
Since Augustus 2013 we haven't received any Magazine.
Their custumors service means nothing, in fact, it's crap.
They take the mont of their customers and that's all;
They are real cheaters!

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kidneyboy97
memphis , US
Feb 24, 2010 12:42 pm EST

well Mr. Boyd is telling me is legal action against me can he do this?I am disabled and on limited income?R. Mitchell

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Je123
, US
Aug 28, 2009 11:22 pm EDT

Taken from the FTC's website: (IT'S THE LAW... KNOW YOUR RIGHTS)

Guidelines for Managers of Telemarketing Enterprises Who Sell Magazine Subscriptions

As the supervisor of a telemarketing sales force, you know that your employees' communications with prospective magazine subscription purchasers must be clear and courteous, and that their sales solicitations must be accurate, truthful, and complete. It makes good business sense — and it's the law.

Through its enforcement of the Telemarketing Sales Rule and other laws, the Federal Trade Commission regulates the telephone sale of consumer products, including magazine subscriptions. The Telemarketing Sales Rule requires that you keep certain records about advertising and promotional materials, recipients of prizes of $25 or more, sales, sales employees, and verifiable approvals for demand drafts for two years from the date that records are made.

The FTC and the Magazine Publishers of America have written this guide for telemarketing professionals who sell magazine subscriptions.
Initial Contact: After You've Said Hello

When you are making an outbound call, you must disclose clearly and promptly, prior to the consumer's purchase, and in a way that is unlikely to mislead the consumer:

That the purpose of your call is to sell magazine subscriptions.
Who is selling the magazine subscriptions.
A description of the magazine subscriptions you are selling.
You must not misrepresent the reasons why the consumer was chosen for the call. You may not suggest that the consumer was "specially" selected because he or she is a "good customer, " a contest winner, or a survey participant — unless that is true.
Prize Promotions: You Never Have to Pay to Play

If you are offering a prize promotion in connection with an outbound call solicitation, you must state clearly and promptly, and prior to purchase, that no purchase is necessary to play or to win. You also must disclose:

* A description of any prize you offer in the sales promotion and a statement of its value.
* The "no purchase/no payment" way consumers can participate in the prize promotion with instructions on how to participate, or an address or toll-free telephone number where consumers can get instructions on how to participate.
* The odds of winning the prize in the promotion or the factors used to calculate the odds.
* Any material costs, restrictions, limitations, or conditions on receiving, redeeming or using a prize that you offer in the promotion.

Sympathy Appeals and Enticements: No Lies Allowed

The law does not allow you to make false statements to encourage a purchase. Specifically, you must not falsely state that:

* You are affiliated with an educational, charitable, social, or governmental organization or cause, that you are selling subscriptions on their behalf, or that they will receive part of the sales proceeds.
* The consumer's subscriptions will be distributed as gifts to educational, charitable, social, or governmental organizations or causes.
* The consumer's relatives or friends will receive free gift subscriptions.
* You are working your way through school or competing for a scholarship or in a contest. That is, you must not make false statements to create a sympathy appeal about yourself — including claiming illness, disease, disability, or low-income or student status.
* Consumers will receive free gifts, goods, or services with the purchase of magazine subscriptions unless the subscription costs the same as or less than the regular subscription price (or "basic" subscription price published in the magazine).
* The subscription is available at a special or reduced rate unless the cost of the subscription is less than the regular subscription price (or "basic" subscription price published in the magazine) and less than the price that similar subscriptions have been sold in substantial quantities to similar consumers.
* The subscription is being offered free unless the cost of any other subscription(s) or other products that the consumer must purchase to get the free subscription is no more than the cost the consumer must pay to buy the other subscription(s) or other products without receiving the free subscription.
* The subscription is available at a reduced rate because the consumer will be charged only for postage or for shipping and handling.

Payment and Subscription Terms: Just the Facts

Before the consumer buys any subscription, you must clearly state:

* The total costs of the subscription(s); if you state the price of installment payments, you must give the amount of each installment and the total number of installment payments.
* The name and duration of each magazine subscription in your solicitation, including the number of issues or frequency of each subscription.
* A description of all material restrictions on the subscriptions, including the amount of any down payment that is required or the form of payment that is required.

Consumer Authorization For Payment: Getting The Okay

If you ask consumers for their bank account numbers to facilitate payment through "phone checks" or "demand drafts, " you must get the consumer's advance "express verifiable authorization." You can do this in one of three ways:

* By getting advance written authorization,
* By tape recording the consumer giving express oral verification, or
* By sending written confirmation of the transaction to the consumer before you submit the draft for payment.

At the same time, you must not:

* Bill a consumer's credit card without their express authorization.
* Mislead a consumer about the reason you are asking for account information.
* Invoice the consumer for the subscription orders unless the consumer has expressly ordered the subscription.

Cancellation and Refund Rights: The Fine Print

You must not misrepresent the consumer's right to cancel. Before the purchase, you must clearly and truthfully disclose:

* Any "no refund" or "no cancellation" policy, if you have such a policy.
* If you talk about refund, cancellation, exchange or repurchase options during your solicitation, you must disclose all material terms and conditions of your refund and cancellation policy.
* If you have a policy of accepting cancellations or making refunds or exchanges, you don't have to raise the subject. But if you do — or if the consumer requests information — you must clearly disclose all material terms and conditions of your refund, cancellation or exchange policy.

Order Fulfillment: Delivering the Magazines

You may not sell subscriptions to — and accept payment for — magazines that you have no authority to sell.

It's not necessary to mention when the first issue of each magazine subscription order will be shipped to the consumer if you have a reasonable basis to expect that it will be shipped within 30 days of the order (or 50 days if the consumer applies for credit).

However, it is necessary to:

* State clearly how long you reasonably expect it will take before the first issue of each magazine subscription order is shipped if that time period will be more than 30 days (or 50 days if credit is requested) from the order; and
* If first shipment is delayed beyond 30 days (if no shipment time was stated) or beyond the shipment time stated, you must then offer the consumer the option to accept a new delayed shipment date that you have reason to believe will be net, or to cancel the subscription and get a full refund.

Guarantees and Bonds

You must not:

* Falsely describe any guarantees you make about the placement, fulfillment, or delivery of the magazine subscription orders.
* Make false statements about the fact that you are bonded — or about the nature or conditions of your bond.

Assisting in Deceptive Telemarketing Practices:
Who Are You Dealing With?

You should take reasonable steps to determine whether someone is engaged in any deceptive telemarketing practice before you assist them. According to the Telemarketing Sales Rule, you must not provide substantial assistance or support for another seller or telemarketer if you know — or consciously avoid knowing — that he or she is engaged in deceptive practices. Support includes, but is not limited to sponsoring promotions, sending confirmation letters, prize certificates and bonuses to consumers for another seller or telemarketer, or billing consumers’ credit cards.
Restrictions on Phone Calls and Abusive Practices:
Respecting the Customer

You must not:

* Threaten, intimidate, or use obscene language when you make sales calls.
* Cause a phone to ring or engage consumers in phone conversations, repeatedly or continuously, to annoy, abuse, or harass the person who answers the phone.
* Call consumers who have previously said they do not wish to get calls from you or the seller of the magazine subscriptions that you are selling.
* Call consumers’ homes earlier than 8 AM or later than 9 PM local time — unless you have their permission in advance.

For More Information

For more information about complying with the Telemarketing Sales Rule, contact the Federal Trade Commission. If your business has been a victim of fraud, you can file a complaint with the FTC.

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair practices in the marketplace and to provide information to businesses to help them comply with the law. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP [protected]); TTY: [protected]. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

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Heidi
Redmond, US
Dec 08, 2008 4:48 pm EST

After 12 phone calls to them all by general complaint, cutsomer service to all three major heads: Janae, Susie, and Chris. I got to speak to Susie. Susie told me about the company got the information, apologized for the phone call, gave me an immediate refund and stated that I owed nothing because the debit card # said it was pending. On pending if you call to get money back they are required to. After I also told her I filed with FDIC, my bank etc. she closed it down for good. She stated if I had given her the debit after she cleared the check, it would have required a dispute to get the money back, she sternly stated never to give out credit card or debit info, and how to prevent this again. She even removed my phone number and name from her computer. Chris then called and I told him about what happened with Susie. He apologized as well. I should get the refund by the end of 24-48 days.

I ended up lucky thanks to advice on this board- whatever you do never answer an anauthorized call, read all your rights, and register with gov. agencies for future protection. Also try to find the company's business ids online- all companies are required to by BBB and all the ones with complaints are marked on the BBB site in red with contact info. Also request a BBB report on the phone for free that was also how I got the steps to appeal.

Also always check internet creditentials- many of these contest ideas are fake and register you for this stuff. The ARC may not have a website but there is a promo called the Preferred Readers Network- most contests automatically enter you in there and obtain your credit info which was exactly what Chris said. The Preferred Readers Network is owned by ARC's parent company- so be careful! Even Susie warned me about that- fortuntately the ARC complied with me.

Never pay them and check to see if it is pending especially on debit cards. With credit cards- flag them to the company, provide contact info about them to the company, and dispute all charges. On pending they get no money so make sure t0 tell ARC about the rules you read here, mention that it was obtained without permission, and the steps you took. They'll be forced to comply and they rather give that money and your info back to you to avoid further action- a major sign that they are crooks, know exactly what they did was wrong, and the reports against them.

Also ask them to remove your number and never contact you again- when you mean business they'll comply!

Be sure to stay away!

Good luck to you.

I read all your info online and good thing I bugged them about how they got the info, the packet, the whole shebang the day they called- I was lucky and got it all back.
I'm sorry you had to work with crooks like that.

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Ratsnaggle
,
May 13, 2008 7:42 pm EDT

I used to work for this company and I can offer you an explanation as to why you are charged on your credit card when you weren't even solicited.

First off, they buy lists of people's names, address, telephone number, and also they obtain their credit card information! This is completely illegal if they keep the credit card information on site instead of having it secured at a third party location. They may tell people that they have access to only the last 4 digits of the card number for "verification purposes" when in reality they are staring at the WHOLE CARD NUMBER! WHOA! Big trouble! And what if the peron looking at the card is a thief and wants to order something offline? Whoa! More trouble! The whole company is totally crooked and they seriously need to be in major investigation by the FBI. If there is any attorney generals or people who want to get together to file a class action lawsuit contact me at ratsnaggle@yahoo.com and I will testify in court!

ComplaintsBoard
V
12:00 am EST

American Reading Club Unauthorized use of credit card and sending magazines not ordered!

Continue to send magazines not ordered and charge to my credit card that they are no authorized to use! This is awful scam!

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tabz
,
Oct 16, 2008 7:38 pm EDT

this company is ridiculous. I got the same call in one day. They called me in the morning and I called to cancel in the afternoon. The lady was like it will be taken care of and will call back as soon as possible. I called again after 10 to 20 minutes from that phone call and a different lady picked up and said it was sent to the manager. The person I was talking to said they will review and will call me back. I asked how long would that take and she said five to ten minutes...and they haven't called me back. When I called again about 2 hours ago, a guy calls me to say that i have "won" this sweepstakes or whatever and I let him finish what he had to say. After he was done I said "I think this exact same phone call this morning, which by the way woke me up." He was silent for good 10 seconds. Afterwards, I told him that I called on the exact to cancel and he asked me why...Well it's because I DON'T READ DARN MAGAZINES. He said I made a verbal commitment and they said that there is no cancellation. There was nothing of the sort about not being able to cancel. Then he gets his manager and she goes "I'm sorry there is a glitch in the system." So she gave me the customer service number. I check online to see if they have charged my credit card and they have. I will call again tomorrow to see what ### they will say.

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Georgann
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Oct 13, 2008 12:00 pm EDT

I am beyond upset over what this company has done. They called my daughter's cell phone and convinced her to give them her debit card number. They said she said she was 18 yrs. of age which she wasn't. I could get nowhere with the people I spoke to. Rude people. They would not allow me to cancel and charged my daughter 49.00. From the advice from other people leaving complaints I will call and call and cancel my daughters debit card. I will ask to hear the recording for their call. Someone says that works. I am so upset over companies like this, I will report them to the Better Business people and to our bank for fraud.

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Ratsnaggle
,
May 13, 2008 7:41 pm EDT

I used to work for this company and I can offer you an explanation as to why you are charged on your credit card when you weren't even solicited.

First off, they buy lists of people's names, address, telephone number, and also they obtain their credit card information! This is completely illegal if they keep the credit card information on site instead of having it secured at a third party location. They may tell people that they have access to only the last 4 digits of the card number for "verification purposes" when in reality they are staring at the WHOLE CARD NUMBER! WHOA! Big trouble! And what if the peron looking at the card is a thief and wants to order something offline? Whoa! More trouble! The whole company is totally crooked and they seriously need to be in major investigation by the FBI. If there is any attorney generals or people who want to get together to file a class action lawsuit contact me at ratsnaggle@yahoo.com and I will testify in court!

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American Reading Club Poor service!

I wanna complain about this company called AMERICAN READING CLUB about their misleading sales tactics as well as cancellation policy. I somehow got into this fraud company and now i am unable to cancel my membership. I have been paying them for long time. I even called them many times to cancel my membership but they would not allowed me to cancel. Once they told me that my membership was finally going to be over. I was quite glad to hear that coz i was tired of paying them. Since it was going to be over they offered me a gift package, which i accepted. I never got the gift but instead they opened a new account for which i have to pay 758. I don't wanna pay them anymore. I even stopped picking up their calls. Now they have threatened me to take strict steps against to collect their amount.

Beware!

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Ratsnaggle
,
May 13, 2008 7:46 pm EDT

I used to work for this company and I can offer you an explanation as to why you are charged on your credit card when you weren't even solicited.

First off, they buy lists of people's names, address, telephone number, and also they obtain their credit card information! This is completely illegal if they keep the credit card information on site instead of having it secured at a third party location. They may tell people that they have access to only the last 4 digits of the card number for "verification purposes" when in reality they are staring at the WHOLE CARD NUMBER! WHOA! Big trouble! And what if the peron looking at the card is a thief and wants to order something offline? Whoa! More trouble! The whole company is totally crooked and they seriously need to be in major investigation by the FBI. If there is any attorney generals or people who want to get together to file a class action lawsuit contact me at ratsnaggle@yahoo.com and I will testify in court!

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Tina Kinney
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Nov 03, 2007 1:21 pm EDT

American Reading Club has been nothing but a headache to me to. I keep fighting with them and get No where. I was con into this club for reasons I'm not sure of, but that same day they called me back to set up Magazine Delivery and I told them to please Cancel. A few weeks later I get a mailing in the mail about my order and a magazine list. Called the day I received and they told me I never asked for it to be canceled and I could not cancel because they Prepay my magazines. Even told me if I paid on my credit card that it would not effect my Limit on my card. Well that was very untrue. I have now been doing everything I can to dig out of my new credit card debit no thanks to them. They call me all the time trying to offer me gifts and they do this in a way to make me sound like I'm getting a free gift at the same time signing me up for more. Wow that was close I didn't realize what I just did till the end. So last time they called I blew them out they told me I had only 2 payments left. What a relief. Hundreds of dollars I spent for Magazines. (Magazines that issue I will tell ya in a min) That was a couple of months ago. Last month 4... count them 4... 20.00 payments were put on my card again causing me to go over my limit. When is the madness going to stop! What can we all do? They need to be stopped.. really they do... Lastly let me tell you about the magazines.. I never got what I wanted... I'd call to change magazines and they would tell me that they would send me a new list to pick from. Over two years do you know when I finally got one... 2 months ago. Still not getting what I want... I get crap... Like Diving World.. (I'm not a diver) and Latino... No offense against Latino's and all... but Latino I am not. Haven't seen one of the magazines I first signed up in about 6 months. I just don't get it. They call me all the time... Non-stop... When I turn them down on there free offers sometimes even in the same day they call and try it again. I don't answer my phone anymore...

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12:00 am EST
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American Reading Club Tried to Rip Off my elderly Mother

Hi all! I want to WARN everyone about this company - A R C American Reading Club. They are nothing but a RIP off. If they contact you hang up. Rip up any mail from them. DO NOT give them any information at all. They sucked my elderly mother in told her she would get a package from them and a year later still nothing. They say to cancel you need this package or there is nothing you can do. They also give your info to other companies. Two other companies took money from my mothers account and A R C took no responsibility for it but they are the ones who gave the info to these companies. My mother got her money back with the threat of being taken to court. But do not do business with this company they are a RIP OFF

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Terrance V.T.
Beacon, US
Oct 16, 2009 9:07 pm EDT

All these magazine companies are thieves! They will promise not to share your information, lies, the minute you hang up they put your info. on a list to be sold to anyone who wants to pay a minimal fee. Then they send a couple of magazines from your list, then they never get it right. And if the payments are suppose to be paying for the subscriptions, for 5 years, WHY! are the companies sending bills. For example: we keep getting Maxim ( Not on my list) they sent me a bill. Also they are slick. they buy your info. from the original company ( now knowing) that you ordered, and you think you are talking to the original company. They want to confirm your
order.

Terrance

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Heidi
Redmond, US
Dec 09, 2008 2:36 pm EST

I got my money back but I had to make a lot of threats to them- fortunately I caught them before they tried something else and the lady on the other line kept her word. But if I hadn't had pressed I'd be screwed.

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Heidi
Redmond, US
Dec 08, 2008 4:51 pm EST

After 12 phone calls to them all by general complaint, cutsomer service to all three major heads: Janae, Susie, and Chris. I got to speak to Susie. Susie told me about the company got the information, apologized for the phone call, gave me an immediate refund and stated that I owed nothing because the debit card # said it was pending. On pending if you call to get money back they are required to. After I also told her I filed with FDIC, my bank etc. she closed it down for good. She stated if I had given her the debit after she cleared the check, it would have required a dispute to get the money back, she sternly stated never to give out credit card or debit info, and how to prevent this again. She even removed my phone number and name from her computer. Chris then called and I told him about what happened with Susie. He apologized as well. I should get the refund by the end of 24-48 days.

I ended up lucky thanks to advice on this board- whatever you do never answer an anauthorized call, read all your rights, and register with gov. agencies for future protection. Also try to find the company's business ids online- all companies are required to by BBB and all the ones with complaints are marked on the BBB site in red with contact info. Also request a BBB report on the phone for free that was also how I got the steps to appeal.

Also always check internet creditentials- many of these contest ideas are fake and register you for this stuff. The ARC may not have a website but there is a promo called the Preferred Readers Network- most contests automatically enter you in there and obtain your credit info which was exactly what Chris said. The Preferred Readers Network is owned by ARC's parent company- so be careful! Even Susie warned me about that- fortuntately the ARC complied with me.

Never pay them and check to see if it is pending especially on debit cards. With credit cards- flag them to the company, provide contact info about them to the company, and dispute all charges. On pending they get no money so make sure t0 tell ARC about the rules you read here, mention that it was obtained without permission, and the steps you took. They'll be forced to comply and they rather give that money and your info back to you to avoid further action- a major sign that they are crooks, know exactly what they did was wrong, and the reports against them.

Also ask them to remove your number and never contact you again- when you mean business they'll comply!

Be sure to stay away!

Good luck to you.

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Angie
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Jun 23, 2008 2:53 pm EDT

1st of all, if you had READ what you signed it would state that you authorize to have your info shared.
2nd of all, EVERY company keeps the COMPLETE credit card number. How else do they charge or credit purchases. It is a federal law to only allow the last four digits to be shared.
I'm sorry you have endured so much financial stress over this but it truely is your naivety that helped lead to your strain.
Lesson: Dont sign anything you haven't read first.

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Ratsnaggle
,
May 13, 2008 7:36 pm EDT

I used to work for this company and I can offer you an explanation as to why you are charged on your credit card when you weren't even solicited.

First off, they buy lists of people's names, address, telephone number, and also they obtain their credit card information! This is completely illegal if they keep the credit card information on site instead of having it secured at a third party location. They may tell people that they have access to only the last 4 digits of the card number for "verification purposes" when in reality they are staring at the WHOLE CARD NUMBER! WHOA! Big trouble! And what if the peron looking at the card is a thief and wants to order something offline? Whoa! More trouble! The whole company is totally crooked and they seriously need to be in major investigation by the FBI.

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Rebekah Holston
,
Feb 06, 2008 8:45 am EST

I think I know how these people got my debit card number and it was by fraudulent means. I have called them at least four times over the last two years to have my money refunded and have requested that they stop sending me magazines every time. I am tired of having my bank account go into overdraft due to these people. I was just charged $119.91 (that was my electric bill money for the month, which I now cannot pay without incurring overdraft fees) and had to get downright rude in order to have my money begrudgingly refunded (hopefully! I haven't seen it back yet). I purchased a cd two years ago and was asked by the sales clerk at Sam Goody's in Starkville, Mississippi if I wanted some free magazines. She handed me a card and I checked a couple of magazines that were supposed to be free. At no point in time did I put my debit card information on that "free" magazine card. However, because I purchased the cd with my debit card, my debit card number was "miraculously" attached to the card I filled out. This has been an ongoing nightmare for over two years now and I am furious. I filed a complaint with the FTC (which I strongly suggest anyone else do) and am in the process of contacting my Consumer Protection Agency. I have to go to the bank and change my debit card number now. I can only hope that some charges to my account have not slipped through undetected. I am also told, every time that I call, that the person with whom I am speaking is a "supervisor" and they refuse to transfer me to anyone higher up the chain of command. Moral of the story, DONT' FILL OUT ANY "FREE MAGAZINE" CARDS, EVER! I am now receiving "Men's Fitness" and "Latina" magazines. I am a 33 year old caucasion woman and am not even slightly interested in these subscriptions, but I have been assured by American Reading Club that I requested the magazines. GIVE ME A BREAK!

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Mike R
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Feb 21, 2007 11:08 pm EST

Wish me luck, I don't know how these people got my credit card number. I called my credit card company to contest the charge. Time will tell what mess we are in. I do not plan to pay one cent!

We have been slammed with unsolicited magazine subscriptions. I get tired of cancelling them.

Good luck to others.

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American Reading Club in Cumming GA is such a scam. I've tried to cancel my account before and even got a confirmation number but they just recently billed me again. They call me at least once a week telling me that my subscrption is up and I will not be getting anymore phone calls or getting billed but they keep calling. I swear does anyone have any advice on how to deal with these people

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