• Ask for written information before you decide to subscribe.  Salespeople may describe the cost as “pennies a month” but may not explain the length of the subscription commitment or the total cost.  Legitimate companies will send you the details upfront and never insist that you act immediately.

• Be wary of “free prizes.”  They’re not free if you have to buy magazines to get them.

• Know the cancellation policy.  Some subscription services don’t allow cancellations once they have placed the orders with the publishers.

• Watch out for imposters.  Crooks may pretend to be calling on behalf of well-known magazine publishers and request payment to renew your subscriptions, when they have absolutely no connection with them at all and will simply pocket your money.

• Don’t give your credit card or bank account information unless you’re making payment.  There is no reason why the company would need that information for any other purpose.

• Check the prices.  It might be cheaper to buy the magazines directly from the publishers than through a subscription service.

• If you’re not interested, say no.  Tell the caller to put you on the company’s “Do Not Call” list.

For Media. About. More Resources for Consumers. Search. NCL. Privacy.