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National Magazine Exchange

National Magazine Exchange review: big scam! 120

J
Author of the review
12:00 am EDT
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I recently entered a 2 Million dollar sweepstakes by telephone from Clearwater FL [protected]. They stated that they would send me some magazines to preview with 90 days to cancel and if I did not cancel I would be charged 67.00 every 4 months. Within 2 days they charged my card 67.08, then another 67.08 within a month.

They also sent me a Value Plus letter for $40.00 in gas with a non existent website to claim the 40.00. Value Plus charged me $1.00. I called National Magazine Exchange and they we VERY rude! I kept telling her that I wanted to be credited and cancel these magazines, which I never received in the first place. She said I signed up for FOUR Years! What a joke. I kept telling her to cancel this and credit me my $134.00 - and her response was how much trouble it was to get the magazines & make the labels.

Finally after about 30 minutes she said she will refund my money, 'good luck on the sweepstakes', then slammed down the phone. I doubt if this will be this easy to get my money back--so beware of this scam.

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120 comments
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Rd61
Hollywood, US
May 22, 2010 9:50 am EDT

This an out rage how can the people of the state allow for this shamble to continue to it American citizen. One can only think of the vulnerable people that are looking for some luck in their life.

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my opion
Dade City, US
May 01, 2010 6:02 pm EDT

i don't know about you john doe but i work there too and have been there for a while i get vacation pay sick time, dental insurence, health insurence, and and alot more benifits so i don't what you mean by you don't get benifits somethings i agree with some i don't but to me its a ok company to work for and do bussiness with to those who felt like they were screwed sorry but i talk to alot of people everyday and they only listen to certain words (selective hearing) when we talk to them and want to hurry things along which i don't blame them but make sure if you pick the magazine and get transfer to a supervisor give the supervisor your full attention so you don't miss a word that why you know what you ar getting yourself into this is not to offend anyone but this just my opion

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BCAS
Bennington, US
Apr 06, 2010 5:35 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

DO NOT CALL THEM! They will not stop badgering for you to choose a magazine. Very un professional. I told them I did not want any magazines and I sure hope they do not send me any. I finally had to hang up on them.

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Stephanieinfl
Lake City, US
Mar 25, 2010 11:52 am EDT

I received something from national magazine exchange a few days ago and called out of curiosity. The lady I spoke with was very nice and tried to get me to buy the magazines and I just told her I wasn't interested, she didn't try to badger me. She tried with another offer and I again refused, she still maintained her kindness. Once she finished with that last offer she wished me luck and ended the conversation! I'm sorry for those of you who've had a poor experience with this company, but I had an enjoyable one.

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edboogie2004
Greensboro, US
Mar 09, 2010 6:35 am EST

Thanks John Doze. I understand you want to remain anonymous because you never know who could be reading this. I feel that company is full of sociopaths and feel they too deserve to be shut down and sued. That's why if you scroll through the comments, I have so many of them is because I don't like getting scammed and then nothing happens to the company in return. When that happens it becomes personal with me. Your comment was very insightful and I too hope for your sake you can get fired and get away from these terrible people. Thanks again.

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John Doze
St. Pete, US
Mar 08, 2010 1:06 pm EST

I am a current employee of this company and can tell you they are terrible people. No Vacations or vacation pay. Benefits are a joke, must work required hours every week or they will steal hundreds of dollars from you (sales "you" made)for missing just 1 minute of it. Also they will say they wont charge your card for 30-60 days, then as soon as you hang up its processed immediatly. I must take 70 calls a day and 10 of them are people saying ..."why did you overdraft my card"? They tell you that you can have 3 magazines for 1.29 a week then when its time to choose they say pick 2? wtf is that about! This company is banned from doing business in many states, regulated hard in others. How they stay in business is beyond me. I want out...but cant quit, I am hoping they fire me so I can get unemployment. Do not order anything from this company. They are dirty and hopefully will be shutdown soon.

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sara_smith
dallas, US
Jan 05, 2010 12:42 pm EST

I received a letter in the mail from NME today. I believe it is a scam. They just wouldn't quit with the magazines and wanting my credit card number. I finally hung up on them.

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trapperwv1
Kearneysville, US
Dec 11, 2009 1:23 pm EST

I have talked to scammers for up to an hour before telling them I wasn't interested and hung up, I have had the time to do this because I am recovering from surgery. I figure that if I take up their time they won't be taking up someone elses. Of course I can only do one caller at a time. If we as citizens were able to mass spam these groups with the spam they produce they would charge us with a crime. Maybe we need to clean out all our politicians and elect some that would work in favor of the citizens and reign in some of these unscrupulus businesses. I do realize that if it weren't for legitimate business our country would not exist as it does.

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lorilamarre
Pawtucket, US
Nov 23, 2009 1:59 pm EST

this company is a complete fast talker one cannot get a wrd in as they are trying to get your card number and info i just tried to cancel and got hung up on so called back then got told yes i see you are cancelled i had already emailed them i will be checking my card to see believe me but from all this horrible feedback i doubt it

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super duper
Richmond, US
Nov 05, 2009 5:19 pm EST

I recently called the number and entered the sweepstakes. They asked me if I had a major credit or debit card, but never asked me for any actual bank account or credit card information. They were rather pushy with asking me to buy different magazines, but I kept refusing. Finally, the lady that was reading the sales script said I was entered into the contest and would then be transfered over to another department because I was given a free cruise. I then had to speak with a guy, at which time he did ask for a credit card number to reserve tickets. As i was not going to give him anything of the sort, he gave me a 1-800 number and his employer ID and said to call back when I was ready to do anything.

I guess it just depends on who answers the phone at this company, because they definitely did not get any kind of payment info out of me.

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M O Newman
Chase City, US
Oct 27, 2009 1:20 pm EDT

smoker51.com also started charging my checking account BEFORE the 30 day trial which costs $9.95. When I called their number [protected], all I got was a recording. But I am working with someone at my bank to stop the 2 unauthorize payments of $89.95 and $29.95. I am also reporting them to Better Business Bureau in Florida and Virginia.

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Colin Cameron-Tough
Fort Lauderdale, US
Oct 05, 2009 5:35 pm EDT

I concur with you. The same thing just happened to me. I hate scam artists... makes you puke as it takes forever to get your money back. I thought Publishers Clearing House was a scam too. It is.

If you want a magazine, read it on-line for free, or buy it at Barnes and Noble or direct from the publisher at a much cheaper rate, just the same as the NYT or WSJ.

I have an on-line magazine too: http://web.me.com/captcct/Site/Welcome.html

It is free, although I am asking people to purchase an exclusive T-Shirt, etc., to help others. Mine is a registered non-profit company and no scam here.

I am going to add a story to my website about these nasty outfits. My website/s has/have already had over 275, 000 visitors (from the original which i had to put on hold due to health reasons, and over 35, 000 from the new site that I recently launched several weeks ago. If you want confirmation about my integrity I can provide positive proof. I praise good, and I parody the bad - all in good faith I may add.

I hope you get your money back from this disgusting and rude company!? I know I will - eventually! come hell or high water.

Yours,

Capt. Colin Cameron-Tough
captcct@me.com
http://web.me.com/captcct/Site/Welcome.html

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malocup1977
Jacksonville, US
Sep 12, 2009 2:05 pm EDT

I think all these people one here stating that the company is legit and how it really it a contest and blah blah blah must be working for the company. Cause really I think that in the end its chaper to look online at the actual magazines website and pay less for it then through this scam of a company.

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edboogie2004
Greensboro, US
Sep 04, 2009 7:07 am EDT

Kitschbiotch, You may enjoy your job now but don't expect that to be for long. Especially considering that NME has a 400% turnover rate. There's a reason for that. And by the way, those magazines are not cheap! My first bill was $67.08. And those magazines that they were charging me for were ###! Blender magazine...never heard of it. Vibe magazine...no offense to black people, but I have no interest in that magazine once so ever. US News & World Report...What?! I can just watch CNN! There were others by the way but you get the point. $67 for a bunch of magazines I didn't even want is a ripoff. Not only did they give me magazines I didn't want, but they signed me up for multi-year contracts with most of those magazines as well which I did NOT agree to. And for the record, where are my gold watches at? They said I would get a men's and women's gold watch which I never received. So they may be able to fool you with their lies for now, but they are not fooling me! I stand by what I've been saying for months. This company needs to be shut down! Period.

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ollieman
New Port Richey, US
Sep 03, 2009 11:59 pm EDT

Laura -- if you revisit this site, could you be specifc about how the company "pushes out" employees rather than firing them? Examples? Thanks so much. I feel that's happening to me now -- and I'm a good employee! :( Feel like my sales are being given to someone else. Am I being paranoid? Thanks if you can answer.

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kitschbiotch
, US
Aug 28, 2009 10:24 pm EDT

I've been working for the company since March, and have been for the most part very happy, and the part I haven't been happy about is my own fault -- slow-tracked due to some spotty attendance, etc. The phrase I like to think of in relation to the company sometimes is, "You're in the Army now, " because it is run with a steely cold efficiency that is breathtaking to behold. Actually, one might say one is in the ultra-Army, because the Army seems to be a pretty disorganized place in some ways, at least in comparison to this one, where everything can be accessed and tracked with the touch of a computer key and has simple, beautiful logic.

I have searched my soul a little bit over the issue of what the pink letter says, and, yes, it is somewhat misleading; that is, it is possible to think by reading it that that you have won something, only to be disappointed when you call in. But, for the most part, people who call seem to understand that there is no way they would have won $2.1 million out of the blue, but rather that this is a free sweepstakes entry.

I would not worry nearly so much about an elderly parent communicating with NME as with a certain publishers' clearinghouse, and sweepstakes that charge to enter. My darling mother gets a letter almost daily from Publishers Clearinghouse, and, unfortunately, in her attempts to put the stamp in the right place to send her entry back in, has inadvertently ended up ordering something. I don't mean to be catty, but that one or one like it is where she paid $25 for three dish towels. They're nice dish towels. But, like most dish towels, they shrink in the wash.

She also has to put a stamp on the entry, which adds up to about $2.50 a week if she were to do so every day, which would be $125 a year. That's about twice what we charge for I don't know how many magazines! (I work on the order-taking side, but I believe you can get many more than three magazines, depending on how long you sign up for.) Thank goodness she doesn't get those notices asking for $19.95 to enter a sweepstakes, or $1, 400 to supposedly get a check for $1 million! I get people asking me if I think those contests are legit. Again, I don't wish to be catty. But, uh, I think no.

The point is that the company is pretty legit, and has all kinds of checks and balances in place to stay that way. (You get fined something like $12 out of your paycheck if you don't say "no purchase or payment required" if someone asks if they have to buy magazines, for instance.) I think people who call in to mess with us, or who complain too much, are sometimes just jealous. I mean, I would be, too, if I had wanted to be an entrepreneur. The concept is simple, and genius. We are the Microsoft of magazine sales.

Yes, if you're worried your mother is going to buy everything she is called about, monitor her credit card usage. But, remember, we don't call you, you call us. It says on the pink letter who we are, where we are -- as a consumer who posted here noted, that's a good sign. If your mother orders magazines, she actually gets something for her money, and you can always call back and change them or have them sent to your house if she doesn't need them. And the price is very fair -- my breath was again taken away when I interviewed and was told how much we would be charging.

I only recently discovered that my dear mother, again, is signed up with some magazine company that is charging her twice what she would pay for her art magazine if she were to order it directly from the magazine. You can't even get hold of these people to find out what else she's paying double for -- I'm going to have to write to them and hope they'll respond. They seem very legit, too, but, with us, all you have to do is call back to get a hold of us, and we charge far, far less than what the magazines go for on the newsstands, sometimes far, far less than what their in-house subscription rates are. Sometimes people are like fish jumping out of the water to snap up this offer, and even in a recession our reasonably-priced magazines can entertain and inform -- and expand minds.

I'm sure there could be all kinds of complaints about advertising in the magazines (there isn't any on cable, right?) and using paper (my city recycles them), and those are valid points. But until we're all walking around with book-sized phones that are also laptops at a reasonable price -- if you want to be mad at somebody, get mad at the lockhold the cell phone companies have us in pricewise -- magazines are probably here to stay. And if you call NME, you know you'll get fair value and pleasant customer service. At the end of the day, that's about all that can be expected out of any American company. And, oh, by the way, you're buying American ... and talking to Americans sitting in a call center in America who are feeding their families and staying off the dole. P.S. I don't sell to little old ladies who don't seem to have all their marbles. And I have only run into one of those so far. You would not believe the little old ladies and men I talk to every day who are in their 70's, 80's ... and 90's! ... who are still working and sharper than I am! Good reading to you.

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edboogie2004
Greensboro, US
Aug 24, 2009 10:29 pm EDT

Tgirlz, if you would've found this site sooner, you could've read my posts from the past and you could've avoided paying all together. I simply had my account connection with NME froze so that they couldn't take any more money from me. Then when the "collection" letters came, I ignored them because frankly I'm not even sure if they are a legitimate collection company. There's rumors on the web that they're not but I'm not completely certain either way. Regardless, I too got their offer to settle for half but there's not a chance in hell I'm going to pay. Eventually they just give up trying to collect. I think you should've just ignored them.

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Tgirlz
Sacramento, US
Aug 24, 2009 6:21 pm EDT

They are probably on the border of legit.

My complaint is that soon after I subscribed, I got a letter "SORRY! we can't get THAT Magazine" we are going to substitute ___ some crap I didn't want.

So, I stopped paying hoping the magazines would stop.. in 2 or 3 months I was out over $100 anyhow...

well.. I did just settle with their lawyer/collection agency for half...

Be warned... unless you want random magazines... leave this company, and their sweeps alone.

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edboogie2004
Greensboro, US
Jul 21, 2009 6:56 pm EDT

On behalf of everyone on here that got ripped off, shut the hell up and don't judge us. Unless you know every single person's circumstances AND you're perfect yourself, you have no right to be calling us 'stupid'. The important issue here is that this company needs to be shut down and I've been saying that for months. Good for you that you saw through their scam but that doesn't make you superior. And I don't appreciate you trying to call me stupid when I was 17 at the time that I fell for their scam and didn't know better.

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jaifromwi
Platteville, US
Jul 21, 2009 5:52 pm EDT

Wow, you people really are stupid (and I mean that in the nicest way possible considering). I'm 21 and I'm smart enough to know this whole letter is BS. I just got my letter in the mail today and decided to google it (because I've received similar and love hearing about how people actually bought into these scams). How on earth can you people be so dumb? First of all, 2.1MIL?! WHO THE HELL HAS THAT KIND OF MONEY TO JUST GIVE AWAY?!?! Second of all, it says on the bottom of the letter (at least on mine) that you will be offered a discount magazine package, which obviously means they're going to try and sell you something. Third of all, WHAT KIND OF SMART PERSON GIVES THEIR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION ON THE PHONE TO SOMEONE WHO THEY DON'T KNOW, ISN'T REPUTABLE, AND WHEN THEY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THE COMPANY?!?! Don't say you didn't consent to buying these magazines, because when you start rolling off those credit card numbers, that is giving consent. You obviously want to buy something if you're willing to give a complete stranger, over the phone and not validated, your personal information. THINK NEXT TIME, PLEASE!

I really feel sorry for your guys' losses, but you really did bring this on yourselves. Also, I sincerely doubt the sweepstakes actually exists. They just want to con you into buying some of their stupid, overpriced magazines so they can get paid at the end of the day.

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edboogie2004
Greensboro, US
Jul 20, 2009 10:37 am EDT

Wow, I didn't even get a sob story, they just hung up on me--twice.

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Rhonni
New Castle, US
Jul 17, 2009 4:59 am EDT

Oh Yes! The National Magazine Exchange is a Consumer Fraud, not only do they sign you up for a subscription, and tell you your entered in their two million dollars sweepstakes, but a month down the road, just when you think you paid your subscription their representatives are back calling your house trying to harass you into a second subscription. So you try and tell them your not interested but they don't take no for an answer, and when you tell them you already have a subscription with them and it's paid in full, you hear a click and down goes the phone until the next time. Don't fall in the trap of these money hungry grubs. Oh and if you try and cancel with them they put on some sob story, that the publishers made the order and they can't back out. What a scam!

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crystalshadow319
Inman, US
Jun 12, 2009 12:22 am EDT

I agree that it is a scam. If it wasnt, then why would one of the employees get on here just to insult ppl who have been complaining. Im sure your boss would not care, but I have a feeling that the BBB and FTC would LOVE to see proof of how you treat your customers. If I really cared enough, and I had been scammed, I would hire a lawyer and sue the hell out of those ppl. There is a news article on here that says they cannot even do business in Florida bc it has been shown to be a scam and the state will not tollerate them. If they do it there, they will lose their business lisence. Sound like it is a good company? I think not. I am going to report that comment by the employee and direct the state of SC to get rid of this. Gosh I just LOVE LOVE LOVE it when companies put their foot in their mouths!

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jjonescomplains
Highland, US
Jun 02, 2009 7:27 am EDT

My wife got her "Official Prize Listing" yesterday, I figured it had to be a scam, First I've never heard of this company before and Second they are big enough to offer $2, 100, 000.00? Common! Googled the name and nearly every site is screaming scam... People should really think if it's too good to be true it probably is... and if you've never heard of the company or organization check them out, just cause I say my name is Max doesn't mean it is... Check with your local postal inspector they are very interested in mail fraud and if you think ID theft is big you should REALLY speak with your postal inspector, also know the laws regarding lottery and prize givaways through the mail, there are laws, and they can be and are broken...

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edboogie2004
Greensboro, US
May 23, 2009 6:32 am EDT

Oh also address why there are so many nicknames for this company too. Thanks.

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edboogie2004
Greensboro, US
May 23, 2009 6:30 am EDT

What exactly do I need to put in the search? I tried "National Magazine Exchange compliments", "..awesome", "i love...", but I've had no success with any of those searches. I will say that I have seen some people say that they've had no problems with the company but those people are outnumbered I would guesstimate 4 to 1. "Thousands of compliments" seems like a bit of a stretch. I'm glad you had a nice experience working there and good luck with your paralegal career, but how do you explain such a high turnover rate, the C- from the BBB, the constant lawsuits, the $535, 000 fine from the FTC, and show me some legitimate "compliments" and/or awards/accolades that this company has won then I'll consider saying that this is a legitimate well respected company. Oh and also address the "buyers are liars" slogan too. Just put your sources in comment. Thanks.

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NO NAME
Tampa, US
May 22, 2009 8:37 pm EDT

LOOK HERE EDBOOGIE2004 I DID NOT CALL YOU OUT OF YOUR NAME SO PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL AND DO NOT CALL ME OUT OF MINE YOU STATED YOU OPION AND I STATED MINE I NEVER ADDRESSED YOU I JUST STATED WHAT I KNOW AND HOW I FEEL ABOUT THE COMPANY AND YOU ADDRESSED ME I AM NOT ARGUEING FOR ANYBODY I AM JUST STATING HOW I FEEL LIKE YOU STATED YOU FEEL AGAIN AND AS FAR AS MARIE GOES DID YOU SEE ME ATTACK HIM READ WHAT I SAID AND I ADDRESS HIM ONLY WHEN HE ADDRESS ME AND STILL THERE WAS NO NAME CALLING FROM ME SO LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU DEFINE OF ATTACKING IS. I DID NOT RESPONSE TO ANYONE COMMENT BECAUSE WHAT YOU SAY IS WHAT YOU SAY I CAN NOT CHANGE YOUR MIND OR HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THE COMPANY BUT I CAN VOICE MY OPION WHAT I SAY IS NOT SCRIPTED THANK YOU. OH YEAH AND ED BOOGIE2004 I AM A FORMER EMPLOYEE BECAUSE I HAVE A BETTER JOB MAKING MORE MONEY I WAS WORKING THERE WHILE I WAS IN COLLEGE AND NOW I AM A PARA LEGAL SO THATS YOUR ANSWER IF I WASN'T MAKING MORE MONEY I WOULD STILL BE THERE BECAUSE THAT WAS GOOD MONEY AS WHILE. JUST LIKE THERE ARE THOUSAND COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE COMPANY THERE ARE ALSO THOUSANDS OF COMPLIMENTS SO GOOGLE THAT.

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edboogie2004
Greensboro, US
May 21, 2009 5:16 pm EDT

Yeah and what's worse is that this person is a former employee. I'm a little curious to know why this person is no longer employed with this company but continues to defend them. Here are my sources for what I was referring to before about the AARP lawsuit, and 400% turnover rate.

http://edumacation.com/pub/Edumacation/NationalMagazineExchange/aarp_nme_lawsuit.htm
/URL removed/#270543 (under the heading: Why the huge employee and management turnover?)
*I can't find the Oregon bans NME source, but I saw it before.

Some of those employees (obvioulsy not all) are pathetic sociopaths: "Buyers are liars".. what kind of slogan is that!?

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marie
glenburn, US
May 21, 2009 1:52 pm EDT

Hi edboogie I think that it is pretty funny that no name is attacking you when he/she has no response to the questions I raised in my last post. These people are desperate to keep there jobs and will argue to the bitter end that this company is legit. No name respond to my last post or are your answers posted here scripted as well?

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edboogie2004
Greensboro, US
May 21, 2009 6:16 am EDT

Look mother ###er! As I said, they had me thinking it was actually a good deal on the phone and as I also said, I was naive at the time.. you know as in didn't know any better. It happened, I got ripped off, "it is what it is." Now move on. The only reason I even came on here was to find out if there was a class action suit against them, because I want to be first to sign up for that ###. And for you to continue to argue for this ### company as if they are legitimate just indicates to me that you are a piece of ###! There is so much evidence and so many thousands of complaints against this company, it's unbelievable. Just google it, it's everywhere. Now step the ### off mother ###er!

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no name
Tampa, US
May 20, 2009 10:00 pm EDT

HERES MY THING EDBOOGIE2004 LIKE I SAID BEFORE IF YOU DIDNT WANT TO BE RUDE AND HANG THAN YOU SHOULD HAVE KEPT SAYING NO NO NO WE ONLY TRY TO OFFER MAGAZINES SO MANY TIMES AND WHEN IT COME TO CREDIT CARDS OR BANK INFOMATION THATS YOUR MONEY YOU DONT LET KNOW ONE TELL YOU WHAT TO BUY WITH YOUR MONEY UNLESS YOU WANT WHATS OFFERED TO YOU.YOU SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE A GOOD DEAL SO THERE FOR YOU WANTED IT . IF YOU WANTED TO CANCEL AND THEY HUNG UP ON YOU YOU CONTINUE TO CALL UNTIL YOU CAN GET UP TO THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF MANAGEMENT OR THERE IS AN ADDRESS ON THE LETTER THAT YOU CAN WRITE TO AND SOMETHING DOES GET DONE ABOUT IT. ABOUT THE WATCH IF YOU DID NOT SEND THE LETTER THAT WE SENT YOU ASKING WHAT TYPE OF WATCHES YOU WANT A MEN OR LADIES MODEL BACK TO THE ADDRESS ASKED TO BE SENT TO THAN YOU WONT GET IT A MANAGER TELLS YOU THAT BEFORE YOU GET OFF LINE. WE DONT TARGET PEOPLE WE JUST SEND SWEEPSTAKES LETTERS ACROSS THE U.S ITS YOUR CHOICE IF YOU WANT TO CALL AND ENTER THE SWEEPSTAKE AND HEAR THE PITCH IF NOT THROW THE CARD AWAY AND DONT CALL AT ALL IF YOU THINK ITS A SCAM.

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edboogie2004
Greensboro, US
May 20, 2009 6:49 am EDT

Here's my thing, no name: When I received a letter in the mail a few years ago for a sweepstakes, I was calling NME to enter in my id number for that sweepstakes. I was not calling in to hear a sales pitch. The only reason I continued to stay on the phone with them is because I was naive at the time and didn't want to be rude. Plus by the way the sales rep was sounding, it sounded like a pretty good deal. I was told to pick two subscriptions at half price, they would throw in four more subscriptions for free and give me a men's and women's gold watch, okay. Instead I got signed up for nine subscriptions, most of which came with two year contracts or longer. On top of that, I was also told I could cancel at ANY time, but after receiving my first bill of $67.08, I tried calling to cancel and got hungup on--twice. And needless to say, I never did get those watches so don't tell me they're not a scam because they are. This company goes by many different nicknames, they fit the description on edumacation.com almost exactly, they are banned from the state of Oregon, they've been sued by AARP, and I think if I'm not mistaken they have a turnover ratio of 400% during a year's time. This company is targeting the elderly who just simply want some attention from anyone, the naive (which was me), and minorities who are struggling financially and just want a chance to make some money. They need to be shut down... or frankly worse.

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no name
Tampa, US
May 20, 2009 2:02 am EDT

I AM A FORMER EMPLOYEE OF NME FOR THE PEOPLE THAT SAY THEY ARE BEING SCAM WE ARE NOT SCAMING YOU GUYS PEOPLE DO WIN THE SWEEPSTAKES I SHOULD KNOW I BEEN THERE FOR A COUPLES OF THE WINNERS WHAT WE SAY ARE TRUE AND YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BUY THE MAGAZINES IF YOU DO NOT WANT MAGAZINES DONT PICK THEM OUT, DONT GIVE OUT YOUR CREDIT CARD NUMBER OR BANK NUMBER JUST KEEP SAYING NO OR EVEN BETTER YET HUNG UP YOU CANT BE CHARGE IF YOU DONT GIVE OUT YOUR CREDIT CARD NUMBER OR CHECKING INFO IF ARE NOT ON LINE THAN HOW CAN WE CHARGE YOU OR GET THE INFO FROM THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE DOING BEFORE YOU DO IT AND YOU WONT FEEL SCAM

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marie
glenburn, US
May 19, 2009 7:53 pm EDT

I got this off another website and thought this was interesting...let me give you my thoughts...

This was what was written by an employeem ofNME:

I work as a billing supervisor for the company in question. A few things...

1) The sweepstakes is fully legitimate.

my thoughts: (ummmm ok...)

2) It's 'Buyers are liars.' We ask specific questions in the call. People don't listen, and so when asked later, they give a contrary answer. For instance, if you don't have a credit card, you won't be transferred to a billing supervisor. However, lots of people say they a credit card, and then when they get a supervisor, 'I didn't tell them I have a credit card!'

my thoughts: (If you are asked if you have a credit card the normal response if you do would be "yes" and since when is you saying you have a credit card agreeing to order? this comment in itself shows just how rude and how quickly these people point the finger)

3) Payments CANNOT be processed unless YOU give your account information. BEFORE you are every ASKED for your billing info, you are informed SEVERAL times that you are PURCHASING a magazine package.

my thoughts: (If the person is kept on the phone for a half hr which I have read is about the average, obveously they might give in just to shut the person up especially if they are sent to a billing supervisor who will make it sound like you already agreed to purchase and send you your "free" trial anyways only to make it neer imposable to cancel)

4) Every sale is RECORDED and AUDITED. If you do NOT provied your EXPLICIT consent, the sale is cancelled, and you are NOT billed. We have a list of specific, acceptable 'yes' words which MUST be given in response to certain question during billin confirmation. Everything is explained to each potential buyer a MINIMUM of two times during confirmation.

my thoughts: (ok then WHAT ARE THE SPECIFIC words that can be used against us if they wernt so underhanded this would be disclosed and the info is given a minimum of two times? or more as they try to get you to say one of these words on ther "list")

5) We are only required to attempt a sell THREE TIMES, NOT FIVE. If you don't like being sold to, try hanging up the phone. If you can't figure out that someone giving away a million dollars may try to SELL you something, you're a disgrace to American common sense.

my thoughts: (again just another example of there RUDE nature...if the unknowing consumer was already sent to a pushy billing supervisor claiming that they agreed to place the order because they said a word on ther "list" than hanging up doesnt seem like it is going to save you)
6) There is no 'left out' information. I am familiar with all of the various billing scripts in use. The only 'difference' is that the verifiers and billing supervisors tell them the total cost of the package and the payment plans. However, they tell them this BEFORE they request any billing information!

my thoughts: ( a glorified version that really does not give a whole picture of the purchase)

7) Depending on which way you pay, you end up getting, essentially, either 5 or 7 magazines for the price of ONE.

my thoughts: (this one made me laugh because what other way is there to pay besides having them bill you after you might of "placed your order")

Now, where's the scam?

my thoughts: (I would say all over this employees letter)

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MAD AS HELL
Detroit, US
May 18, 2009 8:22 pm EDT

HELLO, I HAVE A LETTER FROM NATIONAL LIEING ### MAGAZINE EXCHANGE TO AND
THEY ARE ASKING ME TO SEEN IN 19.99 THAT MY IDENTIFICATION AWARD PAYMANT DATA RELEASE HAS BEEN FINALIZED AND APPROVED.THAT I HAVE A CHECK IS IN THERE OFFICE FOR ME, THIS IS NOT RIGHT I DONOT HAVE ANY MONEY TO BE GEVING AWAY.BUT MY ### DID SEEN IN THE MONEY, NO ONE HAVE CALL OR ANY THING, THIS NEEDS TO STOP WE ALL SHOULD GET TOGETHER A DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS EMIAL ME IF YOU FEEL LIKE ME.
THOMASCATHERINE@YAHOO.COM
THAT IS (F)UP

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edboogie2004
Greensboro, US
May 13, 2009 9:08 pm EDT

If this is such a legitimate company, why is there turnover rate so high? This company really needs to be shut down! And once again, I'd still like to know if anyone knows anything about a class action suit of any kind.

Check out these two websites to find more information on these sociopaths:

/URL removed/
http://edumacation.com/MagazineSalesScams

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Cathy
Portsmouth, US
May 04, 2009 8:17 pm EDT

I`m glad to have been able to read these complaints as to I have similar problems with this company. They called to enter me in a sweepstakes contest. I told them I wasn`t interested in any magazines at that time. They were very persistent and pushy. They asked me what magazine I perferred if I did wish to order. I told them the type of magazines I liked and all of a sudden I have a collection agency calling me and wanting money. They were very rude also.I did not wish to order. The collection agency told me I could cancel the subscriptions but had to pay the bill of 150.00! I`m not paying it. I`m going to get a hold of the B.B. B. and report them, I hope this will help.

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oprlvr
, US
Apr 21, 2009 12:54 pm EDT

In these tough economic times, we all have to be smart AND be on our guard. Most of us have email accounts today, and are constantly 'slammed' with this bogus junk everyday. If you have decent email, then hopefully you never even have to deal with deleting this endless garbage --- it is automatically moved to your Junk/Bulk folder.

But for those of you who don't, NEVER FALL for these "instant riches" or other "sweeps" or bogus money-making schemes. Everyone is prey to these scammers. They are just too savvy; creating a convicing 'website' with flashy graphics, etc. in order to lure you in. The old bait-n-hook technique. Many of these websites contain misinformation, or missing 'links', sometimes misspellings, or tiny-print info at the bottom that doesn't really make sense. And quite often you are frequently forwarded to a web page that may be filled with phony "testimonials", and ask immediately for your personal info. One dead giveaways to be educated on; "we've been trying to contact you". That's a no-brainer (no offense!).

And obviously, e-mail does not always work, so the scammers will send you something in the mail, stating the same claimer, "trying to contact you regarding your sweeps entry". Obviously, if you haven't entered any sweepstakes recently - then ---- you didn't. I even had one try contacting me from a phony 800 number, attempting to disguise themself as a home service! After the opening garbly-[censored], I realized just what their "call" intended and I stated 'not interested' and simply hung up. Moments later, these crooks called me back! (no, I let the machine take it).

We all need to be wiser to the endless fraud sweeping around. Again, just be smart, and stay alert - online, where scammers are most prevalent. Don't become the next victim of fraud. Also, keep track of your banking activity. I was recently slammed by an online auction site I had never done any business with. Just how they got hold of my debit card number remained a mystery. Thankfully, my bank investigated and fully reimbursed the funds after detecting an online spammer. Again...be careful, and be SAFE!

oprlvr

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BOB12789
Las Vegas, US
Apr 13, 2009 6:52 pm EDT

I just got this scam in the mail what a joke, you could win 2, 100, 000.00 just call and register [protected]. This seemed like BS from the start dont call do some research and remember nothing in life is free.

S
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sweetberries
Ft myers, US
Apr 09, 2009 7:16 pm EDT

BBB Reliability Report for
National Magazine Exchange

BBB Rating C-

Ratings Explanation
BBB issues Reliability Reports on all businesses, whether or not they are BBB accredited. If a business is a BBB Accredited Business, it is stated in this report
BBB Definition:

report - A summary of activity reflected in a company's BBB file. Includes basic business background, BBB Accreditation information, and BBB complaint activity over the previous three years. Also reports may include any known government actions, advertising issues or other information that results from activity conducted by BBB.
.

Find out more about this business:
BBB Accreditation
BBB Rating
Business Contact and Profile
Products and Services
Business Management
Additional Locations and Phone Numbers
Licensing
Customer Complaint History
Government Actions
Advertising Review
BBB Copyright and Reporting Policy

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BBB Accreditation
This business is not a BBB Accredited Business.

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BBB Rating

Based on BBB files, this business has a BBB Rating of C-.
Reasons for this rating include:

* Number of complaints filed against business.
* Failure to respond to complaints filed against business.

Click here for an explanation of BBB Ratings

The company mails notices inviting people to call and enter the Million Dollar "Strike It Rich" Sweepstakes. There is no purchase necessary to enter the sweepstakes. The odds of winning are determined by the number of people who enter. The company estimates the odds at no more than 1 in 26 million. The sweepstakes promotion is used by the company to promote magazine subscriptions.

Our file experience shows that the company has received complaints alleging billing disputes, misinterpretation of the sweepstakes promotion, and misunderstanding the company's billing terms. The company has addressed most complaints brought to its attention by the BBB by cancelling the consumer's account or responding to questions regarding the sweepstakes promotion or its billing procedures.

In order to expedite handling of any questions, or if you have a complaint, the company requests that you call their customer service department at [protected] or email them at cs@nmemags.com.

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Business Contact and Profile
Name: National Magazine Exchange
Phone: [protected]
Fax: [protected]
Address: 16120 US Highway 19 N Ste 400
Clearwater, FL [protected]
Website: www.nmemags.com
www.specialdata.com
Original Business Start Date: August 1985
Principal: Mr. Scott Brady, CEO
Customer Contact: Mr. David Macey, Senior Manager of Customer Service
Entity: Corporation
Incorporated: August 1985, FL
TOB Classification: Magazine Sales, Product Sales - General, Soliciting Organizations
BBB Accreditation: This company is not a BBB Accredited business.
Additional DBA Names: Agora Marketing Solutions, Inc.
NME
National Publishers Exchange
National List Exchange
Clearinghouse Magazine
National Clearing Exchange
Million Dollar Sweepstakes
Strike It Rich 2 Sweepstakes
One Switch
N.M.E Magazine Services
NME Prize Disbursement
Fantasy Riches Sweepstakes
Agora Marketing Solutions

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Products and Services

This company offers magazine sales via phone and a telemarketing call center for
various companies and products.

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Business Management

Additional company management personnel include:

Mr. William H. Hood - CEO (previous)
Mrs. Suzanne Tortorice - General Counsel
Mr. Thomas N. Lord - Vice President/CIO
Mr. J. Michael Capito - Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Jeffrey Fix - Senior Vice President
Mr. Robert R. Moravek - Vice President of Operations
Mr. Rob Paolillo - Vice President of Finance
Pat Fung - Vice President of Software Development
Ms. Deborah Pitt

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Additional Locations and Phone Numbers
Additional Addresses
PO Box 9084
Clearwater, FL [protected]

1320 US 10 North
Clearwater, FL 33758

Additional Phone Numbers
Tel: [protected]
Tel: [protected]
Tel: [protected]
Tel: [protected]
Tel: [protected]
Tel: [protected]
Tel: [protected]
Tel: [protected]
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Tel: [protected]
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Tel: [protected]
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Tel: [protected]
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Tel: [protected]
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Tel: [protected]
Tel: [protected]
Tel: [protected]

Additional Web Addresses
www.specialdata.com

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Licensing

This company is in an industry that may require licensing, bonding or registration in order to lawfully do business. BBB encourages you to check with the appropriate agency to be certain any requirements are currently being met.

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Customer Complaint History

When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.

BBB processed a total of 544 complaints about this company in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period. Of the total of 544 complaints closed in 36 months, 147 were closed in the last year.
Advertising Issues
BBB Definition:

Advertising Issues - Claims alleging print or electronic media advertised claims or practices misrepresent the service or product offer.

Resolved
BBB Definition:

Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.

13 - Company resolved
BBB Definition:

resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to BBB.
28 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Administratively Closed
BBB Definition:

Administratively Closed - BBB determined that the complaint could not be satisfactorily settled using standard methods of voluntary dispute resolution

1 - BBB determined that despite the company's reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.

Contract Issues
BBB Definition:

Contract Issues - Claim of alleged failure to honor contract or agreement, work performed without authorization, or invalid contract.

Resolved
BBB Definition:

Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.

13 - Company resolved
BBB Definition:

resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to BBB.
14 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.

Resolved
BBB Definition:

Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.

1 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.

Billing or Collection Issues
BBB Definition:

Billing or Collection Issues - Claim alleging billing errors, unauthorized charges, or questionable collection practices.

Resolved
BBB Definition:

Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.

59 - Company resolved
BBB Definition:

resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to BBB.
1 - Company offered a partial (less than 100%) settlement which the consumer accepted.
80 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Administratively Closed
BBB Definition:

Administratively Closed - BBB determined that the complaint could not be satisfactorily settled using standard methods of voluntary dispute resolution

4 - BBB determined that despite the company's reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.

Sales Practice Issues
BBB Definition:

Sales Practice Issues - Claims of alleged sales presentations made in person or by telephone that contain misrepresentations of the product or service, high pressure sales practices, failure to disclose key conditions of the offer, and verbal representations not consistent with written contractual terms or agreements.

Resolved
BBB Definition:

Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.

53 - Company resolved
BBB Definition:

resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to BBB.
77 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Unresolved
BBB Definition:

Unresolved - The company failed to resolve the complaint issues.

1 - Company failed to resolve the complaint issues through BBB voluntary and self-regulatory process.
Administratively Closed
BBB Definition:

Administratively Closed - BBB determined that the complaint could not be satisfactorily settled using standard methods of voluntary dispute resolution

7 - BBB determined that despite the company's reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
1 - The parties could not provide sufficient information to support their positions nor were they agreeable to make reasonable efforts toward resolving the issues of the dispute.
No Response
BBB Definition:

No Response - The company failed to respond to the complaint.

1 - Company failed to respond to BBB to resolve or address the complaint issues.

Delivery Issues
BBB Definition:

Delivery Issues - Claims alleging delayed delivery of ordered merchandise.

Resolved
BBB Definition:

Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.

11 - Company resolved
BBB Definition:

resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to BBB.
12 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Administratively Closed
BBB Definition:

Administratively Closed - BBB determined that the complaint could not be satisfactorily settled using standard methods of voluntary dispute resolution

1 - BBB determined the company provided proper verification that indicated there was no obligation to resolve the issues of the complaint.

Service Issues
BBB Definition:

Service Issues - Claims of alleged delay in completing service, failure to provide promised service, inferior quality of provided service, or damaged merchandise as a result of delivery service.

Resolved
BBB Definition:

Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.

14 - Company resolved
BBB Definition:

resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to BBB.
26 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Administratively Closed
BBB Definition:

Administratively Closed - BBB determined that the complaint could not be satisfactorily settled using standard methods of voluntary dispute resolution

1 - BBB determined that despite the company's reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.

Customer Service Issues
BBB Definition:

Service Issues - Claims of alleged delay in completing service, failure to provide promised service, inferior quality of provided service, or damaged merchandise as a result of delivery service.
BBB Definition:

Customer Service Issues - Claims alleging unsatisfactory customer service, including personnel's failure to provide assistance in a timely manner, failure to address or respond to customer dissatisfaction, unavailability for customer support, and/or inappropriate behavior or attitude exhibited by company staff.

Resolved
BBB Definition:

Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.

15 - Company resolved
BBB Definition:

resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to BBB.
25 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
Administratively Closed
BBB Definition:

Administratively Closed - BBB determined that the complaint could not be satisfactorily settled using standard methods of voluntary dispute resolution

3 - BBB determined that despite the company's reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.

Guarantee or Warranty Issues
BBB Definition:

Guarantee or Warranty Issues - Claims alleging failure to honor the terms regarding guarantees or warranties.

Resolved
BBB Definition:

Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.

1 - Company resolved
BBB Definition:

resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to BBB.
1 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.

Product Issues
BBB Definition:

Product Issues - Claim alleging a product does not meet the expectations of the complainant, including defective merchandise.

Resolved
BBB Definition:

Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.

3 - Company resolved
BBB Definition:

resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to BBB.
6 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.

Refund or Exchange Issues
BBB Definition:

Refund or Exchange Issues - Claim of alleged failure to honor company policy or verbal commitment to provide refunds, exchanges, or credit for products or services.

Resolved
BBB Definition:

Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.

38 - Company resolved
BBB Definition:

resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to BBB.
33 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.

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Government Actions

BBB has no information regarding government actions at this time.

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Advertising Review

BBB has no information regarding advertising review at this time.

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BBB Copyright and Reporting Policy

As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business.

BBB Reliability Reports are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. Information in this BBB Reliability Report is believed reliable, but not guaranteed as to accuracy.

BBB Reliability Reports generally cover a three-year reporting period. BBB Reliability Reports are subject to change at any time.

If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Reliability Report
BBB Definition:

Report - A summary of activity reflected in a company's BBB file. Includes basic business background, BBB Accreditation information, and BBB complaint activity over the previous three years. Also reports may include any known government actions, advertising issues or other information that results from activity conducted by BBB.
.

ID: 10292
Report as of April 9, 2009 18:10
Copyright© 2009 Better Business Bureau