Menu

The good, the bad, and the ugly - discover what customers are saying about Family Readers Club

Welcome to our customer reviews and complaints page for Family Readers 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 Family Readers Club.

On this page, you'll find a comprehensive collection of reviews and complaints from real customers who have used Family Readers 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 Family Readers 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 Family Readers Club. Your feedback is an important part of our community and will help others make informed decisions.

ComplaintsBoard
S
12:02 am EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Family Readers Club SCAM!!!

I received a letter in the mail on June 12th saying that because i ordered teeth whitening(which i didn't!) they were sending me free magazines and would start charging me May 24th if i didn't respond! I never even gave anyone my credit card number and didn't even know what the hell this company was! I don't even read magazines! I had to cancel my credit card (which they had already charged $24.95!) who knows how they got it!

Read full review of Family Readers Club
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
ComplaintsBoard
D
5:29 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Family Readers Club too many magazines

i have told family readers club to cancel my subscription and they will not do it.they keep calling me on the work phone when they should be calling me at home.they say i am a good customer but i am not interested in getting any more magazines from them.i wish there was a way to stop them from calling me and sending me a lot of magazines through the mail

Read full review of Family Readers Club and 3 comments
Update by david hockett
Dec 13, 2011 2:28 am EST

great that's the way to do it.frc will have no choice but to cancel your service once the better business bureau gets through with them.i hope frc gets there act together or they need to be shut down because if more people come foward with complaints about frc and their practices they are going to be shut out of business.they stopped sending me magazines once i threatenend to take legal action against them and i told them i could not afford those magazines.they will stop sending them to you i hope they do it.

Update by david hockett
Dec 08, 2011 1:20 am EST

family readers club is nothing but a scam.it is time to take legal action against themby contacting the better business bureau and maybe talking to an attorney and consider a lawsuit if you have to.i used to receive magazines from them but i wrote them a letter telling them that i could not afford to pay for those magazines anymore and they stopped sending them i even wrote them and told them i would take legal action against them.i hope that the people who work at family readers club gets exactly what they derserve if they ever get exposed and i hope they are shut out of business too.they will call you on your job knowing it could get you fired and i have even threatened to get nasty with them by writing letters with profanity(good thing i did not do that) and telling to go to hell hoping they will stop calling.frc needs to get their act together or they should be shut out of business.

Update by david hockett
Feb 23, 2011 6:24 pm EST

i don't know how they got it.i may have gave it to them but i don't remember.

Hide full review
3 comments
Add a comment
S
S
ShawnDdd
Rosamond, US
Dec 12, 2011 8:47 pm EST

I have submitted a formal complaint to the BBB about this company and there practices.

S
S
ShawnDd
Rosamond, US
Dec 07, 2011 5:23 pm EST

I did sign up for the magazine service. Later, financially things took a nose dive with what little disposable money I had. After re-prioritizing my money going out, I decided I would have to drop my magazine service. I called [protected] and spoke to a representative of FRC. She told me I can not cancel my service, even if I no longer have a need for it. She told me they have already paid in full the magazine companies that service my account. If I refuse to pay they will send my info to a collection office and continue to send me magazines I no longer have a need for. How can you not be able to cancel an account if you no longer want or have the ability to pay for the service?

C
C
carol cheek
Vienna, US
Apr 14, 2011 7:15 pm EDT

I did not order any of these magazines that i do not get so please tell me with millions of other people how the hell i get you to quite calling me and billing me ? I have contacted my States attorny in my town to help me so hope you understand and quit calling me thank you

ComplaintsBoard
D
5:24 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Family Readers Club Scam/ BIG TIME

OK, here we go! July 2009 a magazine service by the name of United Readers Service had contacted me, and I ordered 5 magazines. 21 magazines later, I attemped to cancel-they refused. I contacted the United States Federal Trade Commission, State of Ohio General Attorney, and the BBB of Greater Ohio. Well United Readers Service did cancel my subscription services, but you know that stupid little verbal agreement tape that they record... they passed it along to Family Readers Club and Family Readers Club doctored the tape to make it seem that I had verbally agreed to magazine services through them. I have tried to cancel services through this organization, but they will not let me go. They tried to use my credit card, and also tried to withdraw from my checking account. That has been handeled. NOBODY gets my money without my authorizing it. So now I have to deal with the ### that I had to deal with when I dealt with United Readers Service. Here is a suggestion, because peopel it will happen over and over again... one magazine service passes vital information including your credit card/debit atm card to the next magazine service (and trust me there are around 200 magazine services that are fradulent).

WE NEED A GOOD ATTORNEY THAT CAN REPRESENT ALL OF US FOR A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT, AND WE NEED TO SUE THE @%## OUT OF EVERY SINGLE MAGAZINE SERVICE. Does anybody know of any such attorneys, that are GOOD AT WHAT THEY DO? Hit me up at bodyreshapingforever.com, and let's get this ### rolling!

Let's face it, these magazine services representatives are trained to stall people and bill people to get money, that is why they will not cancel anyone. It is a TACTICS GAME! Do any of these magazine services sound familiar: United Readers Service, AGORA MARKETING, INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE SERVICE, AGORA NATIONAL PUBLISHERS EXCHANGE, MAGAZINE SERVICE BUREAU, FAMILY READERS CLUB, BUDGET... and the list goes on.
I am very serious, these magazine services need to be put out of service-each and every single one of them. Let's do something. The complaints are out there. Peace.

Read full review of Family Readers Club and 1 comment
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
1 comment
Add a comment
S
S
sunflour03
, US
Jun 04, 2018 3:11 pm EDT

I just received a phone call from Family Readers Club. (6/4/18) They said I owed them 1100.00 dollars. I asked why wasn't the money taken which is what we confirmed. I was told my card expired. I asked why didn't someone call me and tell me. I was told it is my responsibility. They told me I have to pay it off right now. I told the gentlemen that I don't have that kind of money. I am living on disability. I said I was willing to pay it but it has to be a payment plan. He said I had to pay at least 400.
The person I was speaking to was nasty rude, and he wouldn't allow me to talk. I was told I am going to get a summons to appear in court. Then he hung up on me. I tried to call back the number from my caller ID. It rang and rang and rang then I got a busy signal. I tried a few times and the same thing happened.

Wendy Bock

ComplaintsBoard
J
3:18 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Family Readers Club Rip Off

I called Family Readers Club to cancel an account that I did not want in the first place. After a aweek of calling them a man named ryan finally called me back. He was rude and obnoxious and would not let me speak at all. I told him i wanted to cancel my account. He said I would recieve a letter in the mail to sign and return. After a aweek of not recieving it I called back, only to get an answering machine. He called me back 5 days later and told me it was too late to cancel my account and I owe them $1200. I told them repeatedly I did not want the account. They will not let me cancel it. I had to change my bank account to get them to stop taking my money. My husband and I are going to speak to a lawyer to get our money back and make them cancel our account. Ryan has the worst customer service skills of anyone I have ever met and he really should not be allowed to deal with the public.

Read full review of Family Readers Club and 3 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
3 comments
Add a comment
J
J
JoeCoolioness
, CH
Jan 25, 2013 2:05 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

My Mom got suckered into this somehow and finally called me today to ask me to call them as they are hounding her for payment. I called and spoke to Cory and he basically told me my Mom signed up for it and owes the money. I explained that she is not going to pay them a single penny as she was not aware that she signed up for anything. He told me that he is just going to call her every day until she pays. I told him to go ahead as her home phone is going away anyway since she now has a cell. I am not afraid of them getting any lawyer involved, I doubt they would waste the time and money that they could be using to scam other people. Besides, she is on Social Security and has no other assets so I told him good luck in suing her. I asked him how he sleeps at night knowing that he is taking advantage of people by tricking them into signing up for "free" magazines that end up costing $30 a month. He said he enjoyed his job! I then filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau for bad sales tactics, so perhaps when they answer that they will agree to stop bothering her.

T
T
thejensays
Fairfax, US
Nov 10, 2010 10:40 pm EST

It's funny ryan called me today and said he has a recording of what I agreed to and was really rude. He kept telling me that I shouldn't be interrupting him even when I was trying to ask questions. Also, he told me I would be taken to small claims court for this account.
Is that possible?

D
D
Dusty3
, US
Jun 10, 2010 12:50 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Don't worry about talking to a lawyer. I've been dealing with them for several months and all they do is make empty threats. I monitor my credit very closely and nothing has popped up. First they send you threatening bills. Next they call and harass you until you call them back. JUST IGNORE THE CALLS. If you change your number you will never hear from them again. They are a company based in Canada and have mail drop addresses in New York and Ohio. They are not a legit company and have been reported to the FTC and BBB MULTIPLE times.

Magazine companies are so desparate to sell subscriptions that the'll sell them to any 'distributor'. These distributors end up being bully companies whose threats carry no legal weight.

I've been ignoring them since August 2009 and the've gone from calling me 3 times a day to about once or twice a week. If you answer the phone/call them and argue you're letting them know that they're getting to you. If you ignore them or change your number(s) they will eventually stop calling. They will also stop mailing you letters and bills because that costs money and a phone call is next to free. Don't worry. You're not in any financial trouble. Any questions you can email me at swervin309@gmail.com

ComplaintsBoard
A
3:46 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Family Readers Club Fradulent Transactions

I spoke with a representative of the company on August 28, 2009 about making a payment of 39.95 on August 31st. When I checked my online banking account, I saw I had been charged for an additional 39.95 and another payment of 139.00. I have talked with people from this company since the beginning of the month. The main person I have spoken with is a man named H.W. and today I spoke with a woman named Kim. She told me I had spoken to three people on three seperate occasions giving authorization for all three transactions, which is a bold face lie. I only spoke with two people and only one was given permission to take money from my account. Now they refuse to give me back my money despite the fact I never authorized the last two payments.

Read full review of Family Readers Club
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
ComplaintsBoard
M
3:18 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Family Readers Club Fraudelant Charges

This magazine company called my 12 yr old sons pre-paid cell phone and offered him "pornographic"magazines for only $"49.95" for a 5 year subscription. He was then asked for the last 4 digits of a debit or credit card number. The company then went into my checking account and took the $49.95 without my consent, and my child certainly did not have permission to authorize this transaction!

Read full review of Family Readers Club
Update by Mrs.Brewer
Sep 14, 2009 3:26 pm EDT

they did what?!omg

Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
ComplaintsBoard
T
3:30 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Family Readers Club Fraud/Unauthorized Charges/Harassing Phone Calls

I am a college student, and being a college student I have no money, all the money I have goes toward paying the costs of college. I also don't make any money for I am a full time student about to graduate and enter Law School. The problems with Family Readers Club or FRC, began in May 2009.

On May 14, 2009 I recieved a telephone call from an FRC Representative saying they recieved my information from my credit card company and wanted to congradulate me on how I was always on time and never missed a payment. The FRC representative wanted to reward me by offering a free magazine subscription, 4 to be exact. They first needed me to confirm my credit card number and then asked me a series of questions. These questions included what type of magazines I liked, what I normally read, and what I do. After these questions the representative explained that she was going to ask the same questions, but this time record me. In the middle of the recording I go a bad vibe from the representative so I asked the women to stop the recording and told her I would ask my mother to see if this was in my best interests, then said I would call back, and hung up. I never did call back.

About 3 weeks later I started recieveing 3 to 4 phone calls a day, 7 days a week, some in the early morning and some late at night. The number that was calling me was listed as "Unknown Number" in my phone, so naturally I didn't pick up the call, until one day I was tired of the calls and decided to see who it was. When I answered the phone call the new representative said that my account has been paid yet and that it was being sent to collections. Now from what I know collections on anything don't usually start until after 3 months of delinquency. This was a red flag. I told the person no nad hung up. The representative wanted me to give a post-dated check over the phone. Are you serious?! If i didn't have the funds they could just cash it and a bad check would occur and I would go to jail. Throughout many phone calls they would never listen to what I had to say, so of course I would get mad and cuse and whatever, but they were threatening to ruin my credit and would force legal action against me.

On July 12, 2009, Corey Fisher called me. He was really nice, I was tired of getting the phone calls, so he told me he could reduce my payment to $29.95. In stupidity I agreed and did a check over the phone for $29.95. I even wrote done the check in my check book so I would have a receit. On July 15, 2009. I noticed my account had been over drafted by FRC but for $39.95! What a minute I only authorized $29.95. Corey Fisher had lied to me and took more money than I authorized. I called the company and they said that only the accounting department could fix it, the representative told me the offices were open and transfered me to the accounting department. When I was transfered, I got a voice box that said the accounting department was closed. Of course FRC doesn't want to deal with me, what a surprise.

I got wise over the past several weeks and recorded the conversation between FRC and Me so I would have a recorded copy. In calls since they took money out that wasn't their's, FRC representatives have been extremely combative, calling me a liar and a cheat. They would even chang up on me and not let me speak. They are on edge now and their stories are beginning to unravel, every representative has a different story now. They always say the have a recording of me but can never seem to produce it, instead the give me other numbers to call, and those departments seemed to be closed a lot.

It should also be noted that I have never recieved a notice, a bill, or even magazines from FRC. Also FRC has continually said they would give me to an outside company to take me to court, I have seen no action and they continue to make threats.

When the overwithdrawal occured I went to my back, closed the account, opened a new one, put a fraud alert on the company, and changed my credit card number. FRC called me again as I was writing this post and wondered why the payment had be suspended. I told Justin, the FRC representative that FRC took money I did not authorize. He told me they have a recording that I actually did authorize $39.95 and not $29.95, a factual lie. I told him the reasons I shut the accounts down, Justin then angrily told me that my bank and credit card company must be suing me for a breach of contract, and yes I have all of his antics and reverse stories recorded on my own personal voice recorder. He was so irate since I froze the payment, that he went on an angry tirade from about 5 minutes and then hung up. This is where it stands now. I have done extensive research online about this company and I am organinzing all the information into a file.

I would like to ask anyone who has had problems with this company to contact me with any information that will get everyone's money back and maybe even join in a class-action lawsuit.

email me at [protected]@student.gsu.edu, title the message with Fraud at FRC also you may contact me at [protected].

A few things to know about FRC:

1) They are not accedited by the BBB and have 141 complaints against them since last year alone.
2) If you google the address and look at the satellite image of it, the FRC business is nothing more than a small offcie or even a house out in rural Norfolk, New York
3) They are very hesitant to give you their last names when you ask for it
4) I have read only to posts about FRC claiming they are a good company. One even said the people who have had problems with FRC are deliquents because FRC has over 1, 000, 000 customers across the United States.
5) Now it should be noted that FRC began in 2006, so if it has 1, 000, 000 customers then they would have had to call at least 3, 000, 000 people asking them if they want service, so in three years around 2739.726 calls a day. I will give them the benefit fo the doubt and say they get 1 out of every 3 people they call to supposedly to sign up. But remember each conversation lasts between 10 and 20 minutes, and they run this type of telemarketing business out of a small building that is hard to see on google earth or any web map service.
6) They have a website that looks as if a high school drop-out put it together. The overwhelming majority of legitimate companies offer a pay-online service, FRC doesn't.
7) Frc doesn't list the CEOs of the so-called large company on the website, so apparently no one is responsible.

I hope the information I have provided can all of whom has been defrauded and abused by Family Readers Club.

Thank You,

Thomas
Atlanta, GA

Read full review of Family Readers Club and 3 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
3 comments
Add a comment
H
H
hisgrace1
Fernley, US
Aug 18, 2010 8:51 pm EDT

I am taking care of all my mother-in-laws finances due to her being diagnosed with Alzheimer's. I have just checked her checking account and noticed a transaction had been made for $149.75. I immediately called her to see if she had bought something over the phone with her debit card. She is still able to stay alone without much difficulty. I live in a different town, so I come down and stay a few days a week. She stated the magazine company had called wanting to re-new her Guideposts for $29.95. This is got me in a uproar and I attempted to call the one number but it was disconnected.

A
A
Aaron Vasquez
, US
Sep 17, 2009 4:10 pm EDT

A guy by the name of Jeff Gea told me all I would have to pay is 30.00 dollars and I could have 5 mags a month for 40 months, he also told me I would get a bunch of gift certificates towards resturaunts like 1000.00 dollars worth. My dad passed away last month when I set this up, but I've had to miss a whole buch of work which means I am strapped for cash. They have been taking 30.00 dollars out of my account every month on the dot. I called spoke to a customer service rep she told me that I agreed in a contract to pay 30.00 every month for 40 f***ing months. She sd I could cancel by paying what I would owe in 1200.00 to cancel my service. I still have not recieved any gift certificates and it has been 2 months and I have only gotten 1 magazine.

C
C
chad man got scamed ;(
Bean Station, US
Aug 13, 2009 8:04 pm EDT

my grandmother was scamed by this company to for close to 2000$. thay keep asking us to pay the rest whitch is 800-1000$ thay signd us up for 2 accounts of the same thing we only get about 2 or 3 mags a month but thay say we get 10, 5 for each account it is crazy something must be done to stop this i am trying to get my money back with some info from the guy on this page i realy thank you from the bottom of my hart man i hope i get it back to every one who got scamed i know of one guy for sure that got his money back wish you all luck my email is chadx66@yahoo.com if any one wants to link up and try to take thim to court or wants any info on what the guy who got his cash back said to me thank you for posting all this it is a big help and we will fix it if we work together guys every one leave your emails so we can get in contact with each other this place is going down thay have no right to do this to people we draw disability and cant afford a box of ice cream much less 3000$ thay have no sole and are ###$ good luck every one email me and i will give my number so we can talk add family readers scam scam scam to the subject so i know what it is and dont miss it peace

ComplaintsBoard
A
7:35 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Family Readers Club Rude and Liars!

I recieved a call about two months ago. The gentelman was extremely nice, and told me if I suscribed to family readers club then I could recieve a booklet of coupons for various restraunts in the Charlotte area. I was actually at school and did not have alot of time, but I accepted the offer. I was told that I could cancel at anytime, so that is when I agreed. When I got the varification call I asked again, can I cancel at any time, and the women at this time said yes. She told me to just answer yes to the following questions, I didnt really listen to then just said yes and went about my business. I recieved my statement in the mail about a month later with the telephone number to call to cancel. I called this number repeatedly and could never get an answer or I was put on hold for such a long time, that I just hung up and tried again later. I finally got ahold of someone today. He was the rudest person I have ever spoke to in my life! As soon as I said I would like to cancel, he said okay u still owe a balance of 1000.00. I argued and said, no I was told I could cancel at any time. he then accused of of commiting fraud, and only agreeing to get the free gas card. I was never even offered a free gas card, niether did I ever recieve my coupon book. He told me I would be in colections and yelled and hung up on me. This is ridiculous and I am going to get to the bottom of this! I even told him my conversation was recorded and he could hear the lady tell me I could cancel t any time with no obligation. If anyone finds out how to get this resolved please let me know!
[protected]@aol.com
-Amanda
Charlotte, NC

Read full review of Family Readers Club and 1 comment
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
1 comment
Add a comment
I
I
IWASTRICKED
, US
Nov 06, 2009 1:02 pm EST

that's the same thing happen to me anyone out who can help us? or else i'll be stock for the next 20 more months of paying this FRC Co.

ComplaintsBoard
C
4:13 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Family Readers Club They are scare of giving out names

I tried for a day and a half to fax to Harold at Family Readers Club at Harold'd direction. All I got was no answer or busy. I checked with the receptionist twice to make sure I had the right number. Finally, a female other than the receptionist told me to mail Harold.
I asked for Harold's last name to prepare a proper envelop and letter and was told that they did not give out last names for protect purposes. Why do they need protect unless they are doing something wrong? They are on the Canada/New York border which brings servral things to mind. But I am not inferring anything bad about the company except that they cannot get their act together.
They will not give me their full name but have my full name, address, telephone number, etc. and have threatened to come to Alabama of all places and drag me to court and have me placed in jail. Why can I not have the same legal right?
They are trying to hold an anvil over its customers and let the customers have no information at all. This is not what the Constitution is based on and what this country was fought for.
Why can they ignore the foundation of laws and Constitutional Rights that all people have and make this and anarchy?
This is highway robbery and they should be turned into the government for violating our legal and God given rights.

Read full review of Family Readers Club and 27 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
27 comments
Add a comment
T
T
TCM
Houston, US
Mar 17, 2009 10:44 am EDT

I too am caught up in the Family Reader Club's scam. They have been charging me $14.47 per month for 4 magazine & claim that I signed a contract (which I never did) so they will not let me out unless I pay the remaining balance of $180. When I called to request a copy of the so called contract I signed, they said they will mail it to me but so far I haven't received anything. They have called me several times offering me "specials" and "gifts" because I have been a great member and they can offer me even more magazines at an additional price but I never will fall for that again. I wonder how they ever got my information - I have read other reports saying from another company. When I have called to inquire, you do get the biggest run-a-round and never any answers. How can we get rid of this company?

P
P
Pissed in Richmond!!!!!!!!
Richmond, US
Jul 21, 2009 12:00 pm EDT

While requesting a loan online (WHICH I WILL NEVER DO AGAIN) these people somehow started attempting to take money from my account saying that I had become a memeber From their attempts at trying to get this money, I have had numerous returned check fees because of them trying to take this unauthorized amount of $49.95, they were finally able to get it. While they were trying to get the money I called the company to get them to stop and was given a cancellation number. I was also told I will get a refund check but only after the amount had been taken b/c at the time it was pending. My bank stated they could not refund fees until this transaction had cleared. Since the 29th of June when I started the process, I worked closely with my bank to have the account closed and fees refunded. Today I call them to see if my check is on the way and they tell me they show my account still active and they do not give out cancellation numbers. They only cancel by mail. After talking to a rep and getting no where, she refused to put me through to a supervisor (when just moments ago she had put me on hold to talk to them about my refund) and then upon my calling back a recording came on stating they were too busy to take calls and leave a message! Im so furious right now I can scream! I will get my money. Trust me.
**PEOPLE BEWARE OF THESE ONLINE SCAMMERS WHO TAKE YOUR ACCOUNT INFO MEANT FOR SOMETHING ELSE AND TAKE MONEY FROM YOUR ACCOUNT**

W
W
windjammermary
Nashville, US
Aug 15, 2009 5:58 pm EDT

I too am a victim of Family Readers Club and despite my numerous attempts to get rid of them, I have been unsuccessful. I asked them several times to please cancel their services- they told me they couldn't
so I instructed my credit card company to quit paying them the monthly fee hoping that they would get the message that way-didn't work. So as a last resort, I finally asked, " what would it cost me to get rid of you all once and for all to have you never call me again for a any payments to cancel the service whatever..." I was told $500.00. Of course I swallowed hard, and agreed to it with the understanding that I would never hear from these swindlers ever again...even got it in writing. And damned if they aren't still calling me and sending me statements in the mail! I've told them repeatedly that I'm not about to send them another red cent and they just keep calling. I've also told them that if their phone sessions are recorded as they claim that they are doing to go back and listen to the tape and they just keep asking when am I going to send the money... and so it goes... At this point I'm ready to to report them to the Federal Trade Commission. If anyone out there has any other ideas, I'm ready to hear them.

D
D
David Clarke
Huntsville, US
Sep 18, 2009 11:47 am EDT

The company called me repetitively for a week or so. I got phone calls from [protected], [protected], and [protected]. I was always missing their calls. When they finally got a hold of me, I fell for their scam. They lied to me and said that VISA and Bank of America had provided them with my information because I was such a good customer, but that is not the case. I do not know how they got my information.

I was told that I could get a subscription to 5 magazines for $49.95, but that I would only pay $4.95 for now. I was then told that on the 1st, $49.95 would come out and that it would continue to come out for the next 26 months. I thought this sounded like a good deal. Too good to be true is what I now know.

The company instantly took $49.95 out of my account. I called them back to report the "error" that they had made. I was told that I obviously was stupid and that I did not listen to them. I was also told that they had recorded the phone call and could prove that this is what I agreed to. First of all, I was called by three different people throughout the "subscription" process. I was called by the previous person's "supervisor." I have no idea which (if any) of the conversations were recorded. However, I never consented to them recording my conversations.

After trying to cancel and being told I could not, the person I spoke with told me to call [protected]. This is apparently the main line, but it is impossible to actually speak to a real person at this number. The automated system is a labyrinth of push this number and push that number until you reach a voice mail box that is always full.

Now, they will not let me cancel my account with them. I am being told I must wait to receive paperwork in the mail, which could take 7 to 10 business days. I am currently working with my bank and the BBB to get my money back and cancel my "subscription" to their services.

A
A
aha
Edison, US
Mar 20, 2009 9:33 am EDT

Thic company is a complete scam. we got a letter saying we had a month to cancel magazine services. My wife called 8-10 times and was constantly told noone was avaialble to help her. They than called a month later after charging us 3 seperate times i nthe same month saying they had a reduced payment for us. Instead of that, they open up a sewcond account for that reduced rate.. thuis charging us for 2 accounts now. Whenever we call we get the run around and threats of the mcalling a collection agency. ive seen complaints on various sites about them.. How can business like this be allowed to exist?

B
B
burke3
Toms Brook, US
Mar 14, 2009 3:11 pm EDT

Today I received a phone call saying that my account was sent to collections due to nonpayment, but according to my bank account the money has been taken out every single month. I live pay check to pay check, only get paid once a month, have a family to support and this is the only income coming in. A couple of months ago, I had requested to cancel the order since I just throw them away. With me being a mail carrier I know how much of a pain that magazines are to deliver. They told me that if I cancelled, that I would still be responsible for paying the remainder off, so of course if I can't cancel I give them to someone that would rather read them, and of course they get them at my expense. I am really frustrated that this is sent to collections, since I am paying for them every month and have the proof. I would like to know what is going on with their bookkeeping, and someone should keep better track of things like this.

J
J
john
bbbbbbbb, US
May 07, 2009 11:36 pm EDT

What can i say about this company the man behind is old and greedy he loves [censored]s and well he rips people off. But he loves to hear from us trust me. [protected] or [protected] oh and carol ryan gets paid alot of money to do what he does so u did the right . Im surprised he didnt call you and said he was a lawyer and and they where coming with the police to take all my stuff. Well mr.bolf its time for the revolution of the family readers club victims to come and get our money back that you had no right to take in the first place thank you complaints board. Bye steve hope the american government finally gets you for what you did to us.

N
N
nikduer
Hastings, US
Jul 23, 2009 12:27 am EDT

They are a scam. They told me i had signed up for a 60 month deal but only had to pay for 25 months. 49.95 a month. I was supposed to get a notice ten days before they billed me. However, after calling the credit card company an hour later, they had already charged me. I googled the company and found noting but complaints. I immediately had the card account canceled. I am sure i will here from them. They are pretty convincing. The phone # they gave me is completely bogus. I can't get a hold of them to cancel. They said i could cancel any time. that is all Bull crap. it is all a scam. Don't fall for it

C
C
Celtdragon
Norwood, US
Mar 04, 2009 5:31 pm EST

A "local" teen came to my door selling magazine subscription to "help their seniors take a class trip". Having children of my own I know how hard it is for these kids and all the fundraisers the schools give them. I signed up for the magazines saying that I would only be billed about $30 a month for one year and I could cancel at any time. (That was over two years ago)
I am now being billed over $80 a month and have had collection agencies calling saying that we owe over $900 for these magazine. They have refused to send us anything in writing, and the last collection call from "Overseas Collections" (but caller ID says that they are SVM Technologies right here in MA) actually told my husband that they could not reveal the name of the company that they were calling for.
Family Readers Club has also called my house saying that we have not payed any bills to them (even though they charge my card TWICE a month) and when I ask them to cancel the subscriptions they refuse saying that I have to use the "chart codes" in the magazines. (There is no chart of codes--I've looked)
Someone really needs to take these people down. If they keep using kids in this manner, no schools will be able to fundraise.

E
E
EmanOn
North Platte, US
Sep 21, 2009 3:54 pm EDT

Have received multiple calls from them about my "subscriptions expiring" to a bulk magazine service. They have charged my account, yet I haven't received my magazines. When I tell them I want to cancel the subscription, they say it could only be cancelled within 3 days of the initial agreement. They said all the information should have been mailed to me about the "agreement" and also a list of magazines I could choose from. I have not received anything in the mail from them, INCLUDING the magazines.

ComplaintsBoard
C
1:09 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Family Readers Club Fraudulent Collection Practices

Called today, May 1, 2009, by Ryan, and was yelled at because my credit card company refused to pay the bill because the credit card company thought that the collector worked for a fradulent company. Was told that may name had been taken off the do not call list and that I was going to be taken to court. I tried to remain calm but Ryan was so obnoxious I finally hung up on him. I do not take threats well. expecially when there had been a previous caller whom I told to catch up the account and resume taking the monthly payments. The credit card number had been changed because of identity theft. Ryan called back and told me I was a liar, a d I had stolen the money from his company. He was rude and uncontrollable. I remained calm even though when I tried to explain, he cut me off and did not let me explain. He was very rude and obnoxious when I did not tell the credit card company to not pay his company.

Read full review of Family Readers Club and 2 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
2 comments
Add a comment
G
G
gribxxx
, US
Nov 29, 2011 10:03 pm EST

Same has happened to me by same guy ryan. What did u do about them threatening taking court action?

S
S
Shannon Holley
Junction City, US
Dec 21, 2010 12:08 am EST

I have asked several times for them to give me a hard copy of the contract I made with them. They keep telling me that they have sent one. I have not recieve one with my signature on it. I had to change accounts cause they were taking money twice a month. Right now they have sent me a letter saying that I am violation of an agreement they won't tell me about. And tell me this is a legitimate bill. I am currently writing them a letter to cancel any agreement we had and I no longer want whatever they are selling. This is getting pathetic. This is the second company doing this to me.

ComplaintsBoard
V
7:19 am EST
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Family Readers Club Fraud and cheating

Well the other day I received a call, I was told that I had won a $250 online shopping spree. This should have been my first sign that this was a scam, I hadn't signed up for anything. But I continued to talk to them. They started to talk about the shopping spree for awhile, giving essentially the same information over and over.

Eventually they got to a point where they said something about me having the opportunity to participate in a special magazine offer. At that point I was already worn out with all the talk of a some free money, and the wear and tear of the day. So I went along.

They did this process where they suckered me into giving them my credit card number. They also did this thing were an automated voice ask you questions and you answer. They said it was procedure. After that was done they said they were gonna charge my credit card $49.95 for the first month, and that they would charge me the first day of each month for 29 months.

Like I said before I was exhausted, I just went along with it, already thinking of using the shopping spree money to get myself an iPod Touch (god what a lame product placement. I hope Apple reads this. I did it for them. Maybe I'll finally get my new iPod.)

Then about a week later I receive a letter telling me all that I had 'agreed' to. I had agreed to pay nearly $1, 200 to them for magazines. On top of that my of $250 shopping spree became a $250 gas card. They said that I would have send in a form with my signature to activate the gas card.

Good thing for me I was in my right state of mind. It was obvious they were trying to make me sign a contract obligating me to pay the entire so-called 'agreement'. The first thing I did was block my credit card from receiving any more charges. Then I called the Family Readers Club number they gave me. Of course, that number ended up going to the voicemail of some girl named Kimberly. So I called the number they used to contact me from my Caller ID. I spoke to them and they gave this crap that I had agreed. So I spoke to the supervisor and she told me that whenever I received the magazines to return them, and I would receive a refund.

I agreed and hanged up. But I know I will not be receiving any refund or any packages anytime soon. That's a $49.95 I will never see again. But if I learned anything it's that I should never believe anything that says I'll receive a shopping spree, if I buy some magazines.

Read full review of Family Readers Club and 2 comments
Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Hide full review
2 comments
Add a comment
J
J
j00ciiex
Vienna, US
Mar 16, 2009 11:11 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

same with me but they offered me a 1000 shopping spree card. i never recieved it. i continued to have magazines for 5 months but i got tired of the payments but they told me i was not allowed to cancel, so i also closed my credt and checkings card, now they call everyday. I've never had to deal with such annoyance till now.

G
G
graywlfz
Caldwell, US
Feb 20, 2009 8:55 am EST

I tried to cancel the day after I got letter. It was already to late at that point according to them. They have been charging me for a while now. I shut down my old account and started a new one. Now they're calling me saying I owe them money. The only difference in my storied beginning is that I NEVER signed anything. Now I'm trying to get them to provide me a copy of the alleged contract and only get a voicemail of some unnamed girl.

ComplaintsBoard
D
3:15 pm EST
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

I was offered a FREE X-Box with the subscription to Family Readers Club. I was told this account could be cancelled at any time. I have NEVER received the free game system promised or any magazines, but my bank account has been debited everymonth, regardless to funds availability. I have contacted Family Readers Club by phone numberous times to cancel the...

Read full review of Family Readers Club and 44 comments
ComplaintsBoard
J
7:35 pm EST

Family Readers Club Taking money out of bank acct. when not autherized

Took money out in September I called Told them To put it back they did. But not the $26.00 over draft fee. I also told them don"t take any more to cancel. A month goes by I think everything is ok. Then again they take $49.95 out of my bank acct. This time they tell me i have been paying every month since July we are now in November. I have never sent them any money, nothing show on my bank acct. Only the $49.95 the took In September And put back and then again in November

Read full review of Family Readers Club and 8 comments
Hide full review
8 comments
Add a comment
B
B
BrittanyM24
Ridgecrest, US
Aug 24, 2010 2:18 pm EDT

Family readers club is a scam ! They have been calling and harassing me for 2 years ! I've called and talked to people there and they tell me that my accnt is cancelled but here we are 2 years later and I'm still getting called . They are very rude and have no right to treat people this way . This morning I was contacted by Ryan from the company he was out of control . After talking in circles and not letting me explain the situation plus telling me I was a liar and threatening legal action on me I told him to f*** off ! He's rediculous . I spoke with an attorney friend and called Ryan to have him email me my any documents that he had justifying his actions and he refused, he also had the nerve to say that my phone call was harassment . Then what are theres I ask ? I recorded these calls and am willing to fight these guys to the end . This is a scam and there's no way they're getting any of my hard earned money . Feel free to call Ryan with the family readers club and enjoy how pleasant he is . This company and Ryan should be ashamed of themselves . [protected]

L
L
Leslie
Stuart, US
Apr 30, 2009 4:47 pm EDT

Family Readers Club is a scam! They called my 22 yr old son and promised him all kinds of prizes if he ordered magazines. He signed up then called a couple days later to cancel was assured that his acct would be canceled. It was not, he finally had to close his bank acct. because they kept making unauthorized debits to his check card. This all started in Oct 2008, he is still dealing with past due notices from them. He never received one item from this company! Don’t do business with them!

R
R
Robin Goodwin
Valdosta, US
Apr 07, 2009 9:29 am EDT

Unfortunatly i am a victim of these people also. They are taking money out of my account that i didn't authorize. If anyone has a phone number or address for them please send it to me. I would like to try everything i can before changing my account number.

M
M
mr. hubert
anahiem, US
Mar 19, 2009 8:36 pm EDT

There making me pay 200 dollars they said that they where going to take it thru collection i fell really stupid given them my credit card number but they said i may cancell this at any point i called they answered acted stupid sending me form on place to another two months after a lady calls me saying i owe money what should i do? i dont want bad credit.

G
G
graywlfz
Caldwell, US
Feb 20, 2009 8:49 am EST

I agree, they are crooks. I'm currently still looking for a way out. If anyone has some pointers I'd appreciate it.

A
A
armour56
, CA
Dec 05, 2008 10:50 am EST

i actually worked for these guys and they had a specific script that had the direct goal to decieve people into thinking they were getting a reduced monthly payment. The script went as follows:

Hi there, this is ___ calling from Family Readers Club you magazine company. I'm calling to let you know you've been selected as a preferred customer due to how you've handled your account and you're going to be put into a monthly draw to win a 52" Hi Def. TV. Do you have a pen and paper to take down the draw number? Great, It'll be your area code and phone number plus the last two digits of your birth year. If you see this draw number anywhere on your monthly statement just call us and claim your TV. Now the other reasong I'm calling is that since you're a preferred customer you'll also be getting the same service you have now but at the reduced rate of $39.95 compared to the 49.95 you're currently paying us. How does that sound? Great!

I would then go on to set up an automated system that asked them a few questions like last four digits of account full name ect. After getting off the phone They would now have a completely seperate account set up instead of what they obviously believed to be a reduced monthly payment. What bothers me is that for one, it didn't matter how their account was treated, be it delinquent or in good standing. They'd be called regardless. For two, it also didn't matter what their monthly payment was. It was always reduced by $10. I cought on to this rediculous scam on the first day and left the company. They're crooks and should be treated as such.

R
R
RAY W BONNER
,
Nov 17, 2008 6:27 pm EST

THEY HAVE TAKEN 49.50 IN WHICH I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO CONTACT, BUY NEVER GET TO TALK EO A REAL PERSON ONLY A RECORDING. FOR THE PASS TWO WEEKS JUST A RECORDING, NOW IT HAS GOTTEN SO BAD THE RECORDING SHUTS DOWN AND ALL YU GET IS A DIAL TONE...THERE IS SOMTHING WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE.ALL I WANT IS A REFUND AN FOR THEM TO CANCEL THE PROGRAM WHICH WAS MADE BY MISTAKE, 11/17/08 LOOKING FOR HELP...

E
E
Estella
,
Nov 17, 2008 6:14 pm EST

The fact that they gave you money back says that they have no right to keep it, and therefore they have no case. They did the same thing to me, only my account was set up under false pretenses, because I thought it was the company I'm already with calling about requests I had made previously. Call them and ask to speak to a manager, tell them your story and threaten to complain to the Federal Business Bureau or the Attorney General if they don't adhere to their promise to cancel your account. It would also be beneficial if you know the names of those you spoke with before.

Elevating the Voice of the Consumer

Empowering Real Complaints

At ComplaintsBoard, we understand the impact of genuine consumer grievances. Our platform is a dedicated space for authentic voices, where complaints, both positive and negative, are shared with honesty and transparency.

Dedicated to Validating Complaints

We are committed to ensuring the authenticity of every complaint. Our team uses rigorous verification methods to confirm that each complaint stems from a real customer experience, maintaining the integrity of our platform.

Encouraging Detailed Complaint Narratives

We value complaints accompanied by concrete evidence. Be it a photo, a detailed narrative, or additional documentation, such substantiation lends credibility to your complaint, aiding others in making informed decisions.

Balanced and Constructive Dialogue

ComplaintsBoard is more than a platform for airing grievances; it's a community where balanced dialogue is encouraged. We welcome complaints that not only point out issues but also recognize any positive interactions, promoting a fair and comprehensive perspective.

A Free and Impartial Platform for Complaints

Our unwavering commitment is to provide a free and unbiased platform for all complaints. Every complaint is given equal importance, ensuring your concerns are heard and respected, irrespective of their nature.