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2.6 22 Reviews

United Readers Service Complaints Summary

9 Resolved
13 Unresolved
Our verdict: Dealing with United Readers Service, which has an average resolution rate, requires some diligence. Research their service in depth and read a variety of customer reviews for a balanced view. Approach any customer service interactions with detailed and well-prepared queries to facilitate a better resolution process.
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United Readers Service reviews & complaints 22

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11:11 am EDT
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United Readers Service Scam "free trial" and horrible customer service

I was contacted at my office in May 2023. The representative (Tyler) told me he was emailing me a QR code for a free 10-day trial. I received the email with the QR code attached. I then received another call a few days later from another representative asking whether I had received the first email which I confirmed that I had.

Then, on July 27th I received a call from their senior account manager (Deidre), telling me I was behind on two months of payments, telling me I owed over $130.00, asking whether I would like to pay over the phone. When I questioned this and said there must be a mistake, she told me that it was not, and that I was signed up for a 12-month contract. A 12-month contract which I could also not get out of. I told Deidre that I should not have received a bill because I did not sign up for a monthly subscription and did not agree to any contract.

When I told her this, she became immediately aggressive and forceful, telling me that I had agreed to this over the phone and she would play me the phone call recording to "refresh my memory". I told her, yes, I would hold and wait to hear the recording. I was then on hold for a long time and was finally played the recording.

Listening to the recording, I heard the conversation I had with the representative that asked me if I had received the initial email with the QR code, to which I told her; yes, I had. She then went on to talk about all of the magazines they have in their online library and continued on to saying: "If you should accept this offer...", it will be $40 a month. No where in the conversation was I asked whether I would accept this offer, her exact words were "should you accept", so there was no verbal confirmation.

I did not sign up for a magazine service for my office, as I knew we would not use it. When I disputed the issue with Deidre, and told her that I had made no such agreement, which could be heard from the recording, she said that I was wrong, and that I had accepted the contract and that I was now locked in for the 12-months, which would cost me close to $600. Which, if not paid; would be sent to collections.

I told Deidre that I, and no one else at my office, ever used the initial QR code or services, and would not use them in the future. She replied that it does not matter or make a difference because we still owed the money. Money, as I explained numerous times to her, that I owed for something that I did not want and do not need. She told me that I should have received two other emails from them, which I did not, with a contract and monthly pricing.

After telling me I was locked in for 12-months, but she would make sure the "contract" did not auto renew. She then said I could pay 3-months and she would give a discount of 10%, which equaled to $129.28. She told me that this offer would only be good until 5:00pm that day and could only be made to her over the phone. Again, I told Deidre I was not prepared to pay for something that I did not agree to. This made her more defensive and rude.

When I asked to speak to someone else about the matter, she told me that she was the only person that I could speak with. When I questioned this, saying that, surely, there must be someone else? She told me that the only other person I could speak to would be the CEO and he would not talk to me, or ever want to talk to me.

When I have tried to call back in, with hopes of speaking to someone else, I am always directed back to her, receiving the same answers and same terrible attitude. Being told that I am, as she put it; "...changing the narrative to support my argument..." which is not true. She has told me, in no uncertain words, that I am lying and that she does not want to continue to argue with me. It has been, by far, the worst customer service and attitude I have ever received in my working career.

My issue has not been resolved, when I spoke to Deidre again today (Friday July 28, 2023) she told me the offer of paying $129.28 would only be extended until Monday July 31, 2023 and if I did not pay by credit card, I would be charged for the full 12-months.

I would advise everyone against working with this company. This business scams people out of money by offering a 10-day free trial, and the enters them into a contract that they can not get out of, even when they did not agree to it or want the services.

After reading the other testimonials, it looks like a running theme with this company, with many people being scammed out of money.

I will continue to call and post complaints until my issue has been resolved.

Desired outcome: I want to receive a response to this issue, along with a cancellation of said "contract".

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4:12 pm EDT
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United Readers Service Business practices

I sent them an email to cancel their 10 day free trial, with-in the 10 day period. They claim they 'never got' the email even though I have proof of it being sent from our email on that date. Because they 'didn't receive a notice of cancelation' they have been trying to bill me for a service that we have not used even a single time. They are very hostile over the phone and are trying very hard to force me to pay for something that I did not agree to. They had me listen to a recording of one of our phone conversations where you can hear me say that we didn't accepted this service and the other person kind of cuts me off and goes back to the 10 day trial and how they'll extend it for me. They specifies that we were speaking on March 23rd 2023 and that I would need to send an email with in 10 days to cancel. I have 2 email from March 23rd and March 27th attempting to cancel. They are sent to the email listed as the cancellation email and it almost sounded like they are trying to say that if replied to that email instead of typing a new email to that exact same address that it wouldn't go through? It really sounds like very predatory business practices.

Desired outcome: I would like an apology and to not be charged for a service that we cancelled during the trial period.

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5:29 pm EST
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United Readers Service Magazine subscription

This business targeted me while mentally vulnerable and, by their words, I 'signed up for a 2 year long contract for 5 magazines a month for 40$ a month.' I do not recall making this purchase, nor can I get a copy of my contract anywhere. All attempts to call their help line end in them refusing to give me a copy of the contract or a voice recording of me agreeing to pay this, which have to have been falsified anyways. I have attempted this several times but they don't give me any information and laugh in my face. I firmly believe that this contract does not physically exist, but they keep billing me and I cannot stop them. They have threatened me legally and I can not afford to eat because of their insane charges. Please help.

Desired outcome: I just want this canceled.

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Is United Readers Service legit?

Our verdict: United Readers Service has achieved a rare feat of perfection in legitimacy, as per the rigorous analysis conducted by Complaints Board. This achievement underscores United Readers Service's position as a benchmark of trust and quality within its industry. Users and clients of United Readers Service can engage with its offerings, confident in the knowledge that they are dealing with a top-tier, fully legitimized company.

United Readers Service earns 96% level of Trustworthiness

Perfect Trust Endorsement: United Readers Service achives 96% ligitmacy per Complaints Board. Highly recommended, yet always stay vigilant.

Unitedreaders.com has a valid SSL certificate, which indicates that the website is secure and trustworthy. Look for the padlock icon in the browser and the "https" prefix in the URL to confirm that the website is using SSL.

Unitedreaders.com has been deemed safe to visit, as it is protected by a cloud-based cybersecurity solution that uses the Domain Name System (DNS) to help protect networks from online threats.

This website offers payment methods that provide the option for customers to get their money back, which could be a positive indicator of the company's commitment to customer satisfaction.

However ComplaintsBoard has detected that:

  • The website belonging to United Readers Service has a low number of visitors, which could be a red flag for users. However, it's important to conduct additional research to fully evaluate the website's legitimacy and trustworthiness.
  • We conducted a search on social media and found several negative reviews related to United Readers Service. These reviews may indicate issues with the company's products, services, or customer support. It is important to thoroughly research the company and its offerings before making any purchases to avoid any potential risks.
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6:07 pm EDT

United Readers Service offering of publications and refusing to cancel

My sister is a severely ill elder on a limited income who cannot even read anymore! She has the beginnings of dementia. She was unable to fully comprehend the cancellation policy at the time of offering, which I believe was in December 2017. I currently have financial Power of Attorney for her, which was given to me in May 2018, because she is unable to efficiently handle her finances. She provided her credit card number to United Readers' Service and it is being taken out, via her checking account, every month. They have refused to let her cancel. Other than changing her credit card (which she has had to do several times due to her mishandling of her funds), I am unsure what to do. I have reached out to them in an email requesting cancellation one more time. I will update this complaint if and when I hear from them.

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7:24 pm EDT

United Readers Service magazines

I have been trying to cancel my subscriptions from United Readers. I have no option to cancel or at least to make my year decrease. The lady that I talked to, said that I am locked in to two year contract and I have to pay the full amount which is $1,384.04. Wow! I was shocked! I can't really remember I agreed to this contract. I know I talked to someone before but I know for sure that I did not agree to pay that much. This is BS and I don't really know what to do with this magazines if I don't have my business anymore. Well, for those folks wanted to subscribe or if these people call and give you good options and talking about their product... Do not believe them! The company just want your money! Not really happy.

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1:00 am EST
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United Readers Service billing

It all started in the end of January 2017 that they started calling my house phone saying I owe them money and I need to pay $200 for cancellation. First I did not have any subscription to their company for any magazines and second they constantly spam calling Monday through Friday. Like the other complaints they somehow have your information so I ended up paying it because I was tired of the calls and was told that I am suppose to get a letter in mail for the cancellation WHICH I NEVER received. Matter of fact the charge was all the way from Canada but calls are from the U.S. Then they decide to call again in July 2017 asking for money again, this been going on for a long time and this needs to stop and I want my peace and money back!

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4:38 pm EDT

United Readers Service All around bad

After being laid off from my job I was desperate for a job. So I came across united readers services and got a job with them. Upon starting there they made everything seem so legit and that it was just selling magazines. After about a week of working there I began to realize what a awful place it was. They would tell you that EVERYONE is sellable and really pushed us to sell at all cost. I felt awful working for a place that would scam people the way they do. It was morally wrong and didn't rub me the right way...
I wasn't any good at selling so the boss called me into her office and asked if I wanted to be there and because I needed the job I said of course, but when she told me to start selling or get out I packed up my desk and left.
Unlike the people who run this company, I have a soul and I don't think its right to scam people and take advantage of them... I am truly sorry for anyone who has had to deal with this company.

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8:27 pm EDT
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United Readers Service Misled and Fraud

I was called last August and the young lady got me to agree to a 2 year subscription with only 6 months of payments. When I got billed on month 7 I called and asked why they were still billing me. The lady said I agreed to pay for 2 years. I was furious and hung up on her. Several weeks later I got another call from them asking for payment. I told her I would have never agreed to pay $40 per month for 2 years for magazines. She proceeded to play the recorded portion of my original conversation. This was shocking because one of the questions I was asked during the original call was "How many months is my subscription for?" I answered 24. When I listened to the recording this time that questions was changed to "How many payments will you make?" the answer 24. That is absolutely ridiculous and I advise no one ever enter into any kind of agreement with this company. If you would like magazine subscriptions go directly to the publisher. They will give you a fair and honest deal. Even though I am appalled by their business practices I will most likely not pursue any actions as I already canceled my credit card and they do not have my SSN to effect my credit. Be very wary this is truly a SCAM!

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11:07 am EDT
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United Readers Service Have asked company to cancell my subscription before they began to send them.

I am Lariel Gerard and I was sent a Sweepstake package-Order Reference # AL-[protected] on September 1, 2012 for which Pentagon Federal Credit Card company has been helping me to cancel since September 4, 2012 but I got more magazines today in the mail even though I sent back all mail marked cancel I do not want this subscription. My home phone is [protected].This appears to be a scam.My PO Box is 7927 Sunny Isle, C'sted St. Croix USVI.My email is [protected]@yahoo.com I hope you can help me.

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1:54 am EDT
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United Readers Service Call saying I owed money and turn my over to a correct agency

I got mixed up with this company about three years ago it took my two years to pay them off. Now they are calling me and threatening to turn my over to a collect agency. I paid them off last years I have all my check stubs. I am really tired of all the phone call and being mean to me and my family on the phone.

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11:26 am EDT
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United Readers Service Taking Advantage of the Disabled

United Readers Service has taken advantage of my mother who is a stroke victim and has Alzheimer’s by continuously calling her and subscribing her to numerous magazines. When we tried to cancel the service, they denied by saying the fees were in collection status. They went as far as to call me, her daughter, and tried to enlist me in giving them her number which I had to change due to their harassment. When I asked them to not call me again, they told me that my MOTHER gave them permission to call me and that she gave them my phone number, etc. Personally, I don’t know how this could be true as my mother doesn’t even know my phone number. I believe they got my name from her credit report and looked me up. I asked them again to please not call me or I would report them to the Florida State Attorney’s office and the Florida Division of Consumer Services. They told me I “could not do that.”

These phone marketers are vampires seeking blood. They are trained to seek out the sick, elderly and special needs individuals and then take them to the cleaners. Please beware of these terrible people.

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4:13 pm EDT
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United Readers Service misrepresentation

I was contacted by United Readers by phone and was told that I could pick 6 magazines from their list. I would have to pay #39.90 for 2 years and would receive these magazines for 4 years. I moved to a new home after 1 year and continued to make the payments. United Readers called every few months to see if I was getting the magazines. After my move, the magazines followed except for 2 puzzles magazines. When they called, I told them I was getting all the magazines except for the 2 puzzle magazines. They assured me for a year and a half that they would put in the request for them. Yesterday a woman called and I told her this was redicules, that I haven't gotten the puzzles for 1 1/2 years. She said, oh, you only get those for 1 year. This company is a major rip off and I hope no one gets duped like I was. JM Mead

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1:15 pm EST
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United Readers Service THIS IS NOT A SCAM

My name is Mrs.Hope and I need to tell you that is not a scam. I went to the small claims court out in FL and they were right. I was just like you people, always getting those annoying phone calls and finally the letter came saying that I had to go to court. I went and they played the voice recording that they had of me and I had lost my case. Again people THIS IS NOT SCAM. Instead of paying the 499.89 settlement fee that was asked to close down the account, I ended up paying almost 6, 000$ in court fees.

I wish I had listened to the girl who had called me, because she was NOT lying.

Just pay the settlement fee instead of losing thousands of dollars.

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San Antonio, US
Jan 22, 2011 7:10 pm EST

If you would just look at the Better Business Bureau about this company, you would see that it is definitely a scam...here's a link...http://www.bbb.org/western-washington/business-reviews/magazine-sales/american-readers-services-corporation-in-bellingham-wa-27028133#ratingdetails

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10:12 am EST
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United Readers Service - USA Collections Scam

I received a call from Amera with USA Collection Agency regards United Readers Service. (URS). They said that I owed URS $1, 500 for not cancelling a contract from 3 years ago. I had no clue what they were talking about. Amera could not give me any information. She could not tell me what magazines, a number to URS, contract no. and that I should have...

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4:28 pm EDT
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United Readers Service Ripoff

I was told I would have 1 payment of $39.90 for a subsscription for 7 magazines for 4 years.
They had our conversation recorded. I was very careful to listen because I did not want to be misled.

They say I agreed to pay $ 39.90 for 24 months instead of just 1 payment. I know I did not agree to 24 payments. I believe they altered the phone recording.

They will not cancel the subscription.

This company is nothing but a SCAM!

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susanraisin8
, US
Jan 14, 2011 10:10 pm EST

This crappy, lying company has turned over my so-called debt to a collections agency. When I was first called by this crappy, lying company the man who called said I could choose 6 mags., including the TV Guide, which I would receive for four years. He said that I would receive all this for 3 payments of 39.00. I asked this man twice if my grand total was three payments of 39.90. I even said, 'so, I will be getting all this for around 140.00?' He said 'yes'. Then they transferred me to a fast talking operator, who took my debit card number (dumb me), said something about 24 or 48 payments, I remember thinking, 'boy, they sure break those payments down to small amounts!'(dumb me). Three months down the road, they continued to withdraw money from my checking account...I promptly got a new debit card. A month later the phone calls started. They played me a recording of when I was talking to the fast talking operator. I asked them, 'where is the recording of the lying salesman who called?' Naturally, there is no such recording. Now I have been turned over to a collection for 344.00. AND, by the way, all mag. subscriptions have expired now (one year), and TV Guide expires this spring
I doubt anyone will read this, but I sure feel better!

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United Readers Service Illegal Solicitation - FCC Communications Act of 1934

Please make sure you do a google search for "United Readers Service" as there have been many complaints. Check out the 2007 citation for breaking the Communications Act of 1934.

This company, under its many different pseudonyms, has been investigated by the Federal Trade Commission numerous times. (Notice it says “The order prohibits American Readers from giving future assistance to deceptive telemarketers and from other violations of the Telemarketing Sales Rules”. They share an address with American Readers. In fact, they are one and the same company. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1996/10/amer-mul.htm http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1997/10/multinet.htm

I was able to successfully cancel an order obtained through dubious means. They contacted me on my cell phone that was on the Do Not Call List of Wisconsin and I therefore thought they were legit. $39.90/month for 4 years of magazines? 1, 915.20 on magazines. Please.

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CNOpitz
Sandy Lake, US
Feb 01, 2010 2:50 pm EST

I have been dealing with URS for almost a year. They have been making harassing phone calls. From the first phone call I have asked them what they are charging me for. They have never told me what or when I supposedly ordered. I honestly don"t know what they are talking about. They have told me that it was over the phone that it was in 2004 and also 2006 and that I had made 2 payments on my credit card and then stopped. I looked back in my records and there is nothing on my credit statements and nothing in my checkbook. When I told them that I don"t do business over the phone and that we have been on the Do Not Call list they insisted th have my voice on tape. When I asked what magazines I supposedly ordered they could not tell me. I said thet I dont remember ever getting anything that I hadn"t paid for and why didn"t they send me anything in the mail. When I asked them to send me something in writing and that I would not give them any information over the phone because as far as I knew they were trying to scam me they hung ujp on me. Now they are threatening to take me to small claims court in Florida. I still am unsure of what they are talking about. can they actually take me to court without ever proving that I ever ordered from them? I think they waited this long thinking that I would not have my records. I tried telling them that I would never order from them because I fell for their scam in the "80 "s and that is why I never do business over the phone. They actually hung up on me that time too.

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frustratedconsumer1
Cicero, US
Sep 11, 2009 12:22 pm EDT

I have been abused by United Reader Service as well. My economic situation did change and I explained that to URS. They were very rude on the phone and said I still had to pay...I am not able to pay. I explained that we had some unforeseen medical bills. I had filed complaints with them over the past year because I did not get all of my magazines I had paid for...very hard to deal with on any issue. I just asked for a manager name and phone number. Mindy Busick was the service person harrassing me and then she told me to call Stacy Conners at [protected] extension 418 it was a generic person answering the pone and they would not identify what company I was calling. Very strange procedure to me! Do not buy from United Reader Service. They do not provide magazines as ordered and they do not cancel subscriptions when you ask them to due to economic hardship. I agree with prior remark that we as consumerd do have the right to cancel what we do not want or cannot afford. I wish I would have read this complaint board before I ever did business with United Reader Service.

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Claudia Pullman
Freeman, US
Sep 10, 2009 10:36 am EDT

This is ssto address eprice1981's remark.
If you order something you should be able to cancel. If you don't pay they shouldn't send more magazines. If they send after you cancel it's their fault. You shouldn't have to pay for something you don't want. And besides, all of the complaintants said they never signed an agreement or contract with them. You should have the right to cancel what youdon't want and can't afford. Situations change especially with this Economy. People have a hard time putting food on their tables or keep their homes. I really don't think Magazines are on their priority lists right now. Simple solution, Stop paying, they'll stop sending. There are too many loop holes for companies like this one to get away with braking the law. Someone should do something about this kind of business practice. DO NOT CALL means DO NOT CALL. How do they gat away with this?

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eprice1981
indpls, US
Aug 02, 2009 4:54 pm EDT

I've had a service with this company for many years. I have never had a problem receiving my magazines, and I have only been charged EXACTLY what I agreed to pay. People with buyers remorse suck! They try to bad mouth a good company because they don't want to fulfill their agreements with a company so they bad mouth them. Why do people order things and think they don't have pay for them?

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ihatefraud
Springville, US
Jul 09, 2009 9:42 pm EDT

I also am in this same boat where they refuse to cancel my order, and I would like to know the UT laws on this! Fraudulent people SUCK!

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nikkola
Brentwood [Contra Costa County], US
Jun 19, 2009 3:12 pm EDT

I'm dealing with this company also and i canceled on time and there still trying to collect money and they said they never recieved a cancelation they convently recieved it later than the 10 day, and only 10 days to cancel, WHAT it took them 2 week to send me my mags. I would like to know the CA. laws on this?

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squeezebox
, US
Apr 27, 2009 9:40 pm EDT
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This company says they are legit, but they are far, far, far from that! I sent them an email threatening them I'd file complaints all over the world if I have to and demanded they refund my money.
I received an email from them (quite surprisingly) they would refund my $39.90 and cancel.
I've closed my bank account, saved the email and am waiting 3-5 days. If no refund, I have it in writing, I'll take em down!

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United Readers Service - Cancellation

I read several other peoples stories and it all sounds the same. These people are scamming you! I never signed a contract with them and never entered any so called drawing. They say I was entered in because I was preferred. BS to that! I went to get a car and my credit was very limited, so how the heck am I preferred when I have a very small limit on my...

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5:23 pm EST

United Readers Service FRAUD

after receiving 8 calls in a hour for their magazines, I noticed 2 unauthorized charges on my account. I had to cancel my bank account and get a new one. They hung up on me 3 times when I told them not to call me anymore and that i was on to their scam. Iguess the only way to get rid of them is to have them call blocked

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nylei
, US
Mar 12, 2010 4:25 am EST

The same thing happened to me 2 yrs ago. It was during christmas time. The lady who I spoke with talked fast about some sweepstakes, that I would get a free watch, and a subcription of the favorite magazines that I choose for 30+ dollars a month for a 2 yr contract. that 30+ dollars a month got a little too much so I had called to see if I could cancell, they said I couldn't since I guess I made an agreement to pay and finish my 2yr contract...but they offered to lower it to 19.99 a month but that I would get less magazines subcription...so I was fine with it.

I recently got laid off, and just today, someone called me from Uniteds readers saying that my automatic pmt did not go thru...I told them that I wanted to cancel since now I didn't have a job and I don't have enough money to pay them and that since my contract was already over 2 yrs. They said that I can't cancel, since they lowered my monthly pmts, I was then put into a 4 yr contract, I tried to explain to them I just lost my job and they gave me some excuse that that they prepay the magazine company and so I am obligated to pay.

I am thinking of just changing my bank acct so that they will not take money out of my acct but can they really put me for collections and scared that it will affect my credit?

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Nancy J Kline
Boyertown, US
Jan 11, 2010 4:08 pm EST

I had the manager of Reaqders promise me he wouldn't take the money out until the 1 of Feb. he must have taken it out as we were speaking and now my mortgage payment might bounce. He promised me he would fix my problems with Heartland Inc, also a magazine company, I believe they are working together to cause confusion. I totally feel raped by both of them.
I have NO idea how to stop this from happening again. I need help.
Heartland took 2 payments out at the same time, this is mean and I feel helpless to fix it. Readers Source promised they would stop Heartland from ever taking my money again!
Heartland sent me a sheet with the names of the magazines I wanted on it on that sheet it said I had 10 days to cancel with I did by sending it to them within the 10 days then they called me and said I could not cancel because that time period was only for the original offer.

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Fleur'sMom
, US
Dec 21, 2009 6:26 pm EST

I was also, unfortunately, contacted by the United Readers group regarding a sweepstakes. I spoke to Summer first, who told me of my great luck at being selected as a finalist. I agreed to the weekly issue, only to be entered to win either the $25, 000 or a brand new Chevrolet Silverado. Summer then told me that, since she was new to the company, her supervisor would be contacting me at a later time to ensure that she was courteous and professional. Approximately 2 minutes later, another lady telephoned and was equally excited to give me a watch, 6 free magazine subscriptions, and entry into a grand prize sweepstakes. It was during this call, and only after I asked explicitly, that I learned of the four year commitment to the weekly publication subscription at $19.99 per month. I was informed that all I had to do to get everything started was pay for my first month's subscription using my debit card and the remaining payments would be billed to me. When I told Ms. Supervisor that I was uncomfortable giving that information over the phone, I was told that the company was in good standing with the Better Business Bureau and given a website to view while we were in-call. Instead of visiting the website given, I looked up the company under scam websites. The supervisor asked me if I was on the website. I told her that I was on a different one and that the people were posting some unpleasant claims against her company. She immediately became defensive and told me that problems only arose when people agreed to the terms and then tried to cancel. I was told that if I intended to pay my bills, there wouldn't be a problem. I then asked if I could continue research on the company and be contacted a few days later. I was told, "thank you for your time, have a merry Christmas." Then she hung up on me. I immediately contacted my financial institution even though I hadn't given any account information over the phone. I hope all ends well.

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sweetlilangelfmn2009
Bemidji, US
Nov 02, 2009 10:26 pm EST

I have a complaint to is there something we can all do my son got talked into buying magazines he didnt want the guy kept at him and he gave in . I told him to hang up the phone . He gave them his bank card number i made him change it the next day . But they ripped him off took the money out of his checking not one magazine that was in May this is Nove mber 2, 2009 since that date my son told them no not interested they called about 15 times and they are trying to charge him another 49.98 then they said if he dont pay it by november 1 that for him to avoid Finance charges Please remit the amount due by 11/1/09 a payment of 1149.54 will pay your entire balance . They are scamming people is there any place to call to get help sue these con artists I My dad helped me write a letter to them telling them we will go to the attorneys generals office to get bring charges. I dont know if BBB can help i couldnt find a toll free number . I also did the do not call list several times . and it didnt work they call all times of the day in the morning sometimes and other times at night . The readers souce we are dealing the phone number here is [protected] we got a ton of phone numbers from Denver Lakewood colorado 80226

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madisonepstien
Gainesville, US
Jul 30, 2009 1:18 pm EDT

IM SORRY PEOPLE
I was doped into working for a this company through a temp service in Georgia I got paid 6.55 per hour to call you all and sell magazines... here is the catch when we call we say our name and where were calling from so fast most people miss it and then we slow down for the sweepstakes info so people here what they will never win (computers, trips, cars, tv’s and the grand prize of $25, 000 in cash
then go on and say just so you know how you got here each year the major credit card companies V MC DISC and AMEX choose people and we say congratz a lot so people thing they are winning some thing... then next we ask for our survey of the 4 major credit cards which on gives you the best service and when you say I like my visa... we know you have a visa... so we go on and ask for our survey may i ask are you married if you say no then we ask your age cause they only sell to people born between [protected] any older they might die before the company gets its money or younger and the kid will never pay... then we ask what you do for a living and most people tell us... so now we have that you are married or single you have a major cc or debit card and you have a job so you can pay...
next we told them congratz just for participation get that PARTICIPATION you will receive a 3 day 2 night vacation congraz again we will send you a list tomorrow morning of 80 different places to choose from
Next paragraph we go fast again about magazines first 2 are free next one is a weekly of 4 to choose from JET, ESPN, ROLLING STONE or TV GUIDE... and then we throw in 2 of the sellers choice for a total of 5 mags...
we explain they get the VACATION -- 4 complementary magazines and the only one there paying for in the weekly magazine for just 3.99 per week and then say we will send them a list of over 400-500 magazines incase they want to switch them ever...
We were told to go so fast in the telling YOU the price that you didn’t have time to hear what we were saying
And we also asked you to grab a pen
And here is what I was told to tell you

Now Jane do you have a pen and paper there because I have some real important info about the drawing... ok the drawing will be held on a day say like jan1st 2010 and we are giveing away 2000 prizes so do you have and alternate number so when you win we can call you and YOU give us your cell number or your work number or your mom's home phone number ( think we got all these numbers and are now selling your number to other companys) then we say...
I’m a little new here so my awards supervisor is going to cal you back in a few minutes to make sure I was nice and if you could put in a good word for me I get brownie points on the board OKAY and most people were like sure bill ill do that for you and then we give you an order number 5555 any number and our name again bill so then the awards supervisor calls back but all they really are is a capper to CAP the sale

I hope some of this helps the company I worked for was

UNITED READERS SERVICE in flowery branch GA.

phone number there is
[protected]

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Bolitochrome
, US
Jul 17, 2009 1:23 pm EDT

I am going through the same nightmare. This company called me and told me they were actually another company, Interstate Readers League of Atlanta, and that they needed to confirm my account information. I was a complete ### and went along with it. It wasn't until now, MONTHS LATER, that I realized that I am getting billed for "magazines" from Readers Source. They even claim they are sending me the same magazines my original subscription with IRL. I have reported this business to the Federal Trade Commission, reported it as fraud to my bank, changed my bank account information, and am trying to contact them to see what they want me to do to cancel my account with them. If the want more money, I may just go through with a lawsuit. Someone needs to teach these guys a lesson.

Also interesting: Their two "home bases" are in Lakewood, CO and Lakewood, OH. I confirmed that these towns exist, but it seems like too much of a coincidence.

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Melissa Astorga
Aventura, US
Jun 17, 2009 7:52 pm EDT

I received a call on February 2009 from Barbie offering a magazine service. She told me I would have to pay $34.20 every two months for 7 mangazines. I chose the magazines and gave her my credit card to charge it ONLY FOR THE FIRT TIME. Barbie told me I would receive the magazines and the welcome package wihtin two weeks, that did't happen. I called on the third week, and I was told that it would take two more weeks. Eight weeks passed and no magazines or welcome package. I called again and talked to Stacy and she told me to wait one more month! I tried to cancel the contract but I could't since it is supose to be a two year contract and it was not their fault the magazines did not arrive. Aren't they supose to make sure they arrive on time? Not only that, United Readers made TWO fraudulent charges to my credit card, since I did not authorized them to charge it for future monthly payments. I receive one magazine every once in a while and an issue late. I will take legal accions again them for thiefs. BE CAREFUL! Any body want to join me agains them?

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mandy828
, US
May 20, 2009 2:31 pm EDT

I got a phone call in April from a girl who said using my Visa entered me in a sweepsstakes, and that I was a finalist. They already had my phone number and address, and the last 4 numbers of my card. She told me she was new to the company and wanted to go through the information & have me repeat everything to make sure I understood. At first, she told me about some free magazines I could sign up for. Then she said I had the option to get 5 subscriptions at a locked in discounted rate for 2 years. She also told me about a diamond watch that I could get for free if I signed up. I told her I did not want to pay for anything and I did not want any magazines. Then she told me her supervisor wanted to talk to me and make sure that she had done a good job, was corteous, etc. I talked to this woman, who went through everything again. Then I told them again that I did not want any magazines. They thanked me for my time and said they would contact me after the drawing if I was a winner in the Visa sweepstakes.
After that phone call, I called my bank and they told me that Visa had no sweepstakes. I cancelled that card immediately. I never got any magazines, so I assumed everything was fine. Last week, I received a bill in the mail for $34.20 from United Readers. I called the customer service number to cancel, and the woman told me I was locked in for the 2-yr plan, and that if I didnt pay it would go to collections. I got a phone number off of this site [protected]) and told the woman what happened. She said she would check into it and call me back. She also told me that $34.20 was not one of their billing options and she didn't know why I had the bill for that amount. I got a call back about an hour later from a supervisor named Stacy who said that United Readers hires outside companies to call and get new customers. She said she cancelled my account and would find out what company was making those calls. She also said she would credit my Visa $34.20. The number Stacy called me back on was [protected], which is an Ohio area code.
I hope this helps you guys.

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AbbysMommy
Prescott, US
Apr 22, 2009 1:05 pm EDT

Another thought that I just had was... I think they are heartland! They have to be. The same tricks, the same calls. I think they probably change their number and name. I bet that this is how they are never listed as being a "bad" company with the BBB!

Anyone else think the same thing?

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AbbysMommy
Prescott, US
Apr 22, 2009 12:53 pm EDT

They sound like Heartland. Heartland acted like I was taking a survey about my favorite magazines and all of a sudden I owed them several hundred dollars for 5 magazines for 60 months. I had to contact BBB to finally get them to stop calling me 5+ times a day because I wouldn't pay the bill I supposedly owed. I got the call from Readers source and was like... Sounds like another scam! They said that I had 5 magazines that I subscribed to from their companyand I told the guy, that impossible, I paid for the magazines that I do get up front and don't owe anyone anything for magazines. He said that he would have to check what was going on and call me back. This was 4 days ago. He hasn't called back yet.
The number that showed up on my caller ID is [protected]

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United Readers Service - fraud

I was given fraudulent information regarding a sweepstakes to be drawn on 10/2/08. I only subscribed to this offer beacause of that information. Since then I have been called by a Readers Source and tricked ( by them giving me a lot of my information, asking for verification on certain things). I called the number on my paperwork for Readers Service...

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United Readers Service USA Collections/United Reader Services

I recieved a rather rud phone call from USA Collections on behalf of United Reader Services. The collections person "John Stinton" stated that they are calling to collect on an account I supposedly opend with United Reader Services on July of 2006 for magazines on a credit card of min. I try exmplaining to him that I did not open such an account and that there has never been a charge on this card of mine for this alleged account. Of coarse he starts telling me I am reasponsible and getting rude. I explain that I have statements showing no such charges on this account. Of coarse I request his phone number so that I can gather all of my statements for that year proving I did not open an account. The number he gave me is of coarse not to his company. He did threaten that if I don't pay he will have to report it affecting my credit score. I was hoping that if anyone has dealt with this company if they could provide me with any insight that they may have on how they may have resolved their problem. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

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Save Ranger
Los Angeles, US
Dec 15, 2009 4:07 pm EST

I have been getting phone calls from USA Collection Agency for about 3 weeks. They told me that I owe United Reader Services $1500 for unpaid magazine subscriptions from 2006. They told me they were willing to settle for $499. I told them that I could not pay because i was unemployed, I then asked if they could send me a bill or invoice and I will try to see if I could scrounge up the cash. They said I could only pay over the phone. I said no. They told me that the next thing I would be receiving in the mail would be a subpoena to appear in small claims court.

I hung up and looked up United Reader Services. I called the customer service [protected]). They told me they had no record of me or any of my home phone numbers. I told them about USA Collection Agency and they said they have gotten several other complaints about that company. They also said that they have no relationship with that company and that I should ignore those phone calls.

I have gone to ftccomplaintassistant.gov and filed a complaint against USA Collection Agency, unfortunately I did not get any of their info like address or phone number.

If you get a call from USA Collection Agency you should definitely file a complaint to the FTC and your State Attorney General. But first try to get their company info like address and phone number.

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