Received Magazine Subscriptions That I Didn't Order

ComplaintsOtherKeystone Circulation Services

Complaint

0
PowerTaeDeb
Country: United States
All of a sudden, I started receiving several magazines (Weight Watchers, Architectural Digest, Glamour, Vanity Fair, to name a few) that I didn't order.  I called Glamour and they said Keystone Circulation Services ordered on my behalf and that I would have to call them at 1-800-967-3363.  Like others, I get a recording and left a message with no call back.  I am a senior citizen and this is wrong.

Comments

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  • 0
    Profile..
    fits a common "magazine subscription" scam.  There are sleazy magazine marketers who sign up "customers", and after several magazines have been sent, they start harassing the "customer" demanding payment.  They typically target people they think might be conned or be vulnerable to such fraud, such as unsophisticated young adults or seniors who are on sucker lists for having recently bought some cheesy product "advertised on TV".
  • 0
    If they send you a bill..
    or call you demanding payment, realize that this is a game of "chicken".  They'll make lots of threats to damage your credit, claim they have a "recording" of "your agreement", or whatever. They may attempt to turn this non-subscription into some "settlement" payment ($300-$400) for them to go away, or claim it was a "mistake" then offer what looks like a good deal, to then get an "agreement", that they will then twist into some "multi-year contract", piling BS on BS.
    Don't play their game.  File fraud complaints with FTC, your state Attorney General, and the US Postal Inspector. If they're playing this game, and they know you are filing fraud complaints, they know they can't safely push it.
  • 0
    Contact the publishers..
    and notify them that the "subscriptions" were fraudulently opened and cancel them.  You don't owe anyone anything.  Contact your state Attorney General for assistance if you have any problems.
  • 0
    Looks like they have other complaints..
    | 1 reply
    https://complaintwire.org/complaint/rmFXet9rxg0/keystone-circulation-services
    If you get the run-around from the publishers, notify them that you have found numerous fraud complaints against Keystone, and that you will be filing a mail fraud complaint against them (the publisher) for their involvement in a fraudulent billing scheme using the US Mail.
  • 0
    Ann
    This same scam is happening to me now. I just started receiving Vogue, Allure, and Bon Appetit out of the blue. I phoned all three companies and was told Keystone was to blame. They do NOT answer their phone or return messages. How is this allowed to continue? I have filed complaints with the local attorney general's office and the one in Pennsylvania where they are located. The attorney here stated that once enough complaints are received they will file a class action lawsuit. The customer service reps are also familiar with Keystone's fraudulent behavior and quickly cancelled the orders.
  • 0
    Jasmine
    | 1 reply
    For some reason I could tell keystone was baby had [***]. It's a supposed huge business but when you call, there's no hold music. Just rings. Like who would check the messages when there would be so many calling?
    • 0
      Why would they answer calls? replies to Jasmine
      They get "customers" by just making it up.
  • 0
    Anonymous
    State your case in a Google review, too. That might get their attention. They can ignore a voicemail, but not a rating attached to their name on a major search engine.
  • 0
    Mad as Hell
    They just started sending my 95 years old aunt Glamour magazines. What a scam. There is nothing worse than people that take advantage of elderly people. BAD KARMA
  • 0
    Karen Lyall
    I have had the experience of receiving several mags that I didn't personally subscribe to.  I was told upon calling Harper's Bazaar that the magazine was complimentary and that publishers do it to increase circulation.  I called Glamour and was given Keystone's contact info and I looked up their website and this is what I found:

    Who is Keystone Circulation Services?

    Keystone Circulation Services is dedicated to the publishing industry whether it’s helping the publishers find their target market or helping the consumer better understand the correspondence they are receiving regarding a magazine subscription.  We want to make your subscription experience a positive one! We know the process of receiving a subscription can be confusing so we have provided you with some answers to help with your questions. If we haven’t answered your questions after reviewing this page, please contact us directly via Email or Phone.

    Why are you sending me magazines?

    Keystone Circulation Services is a subscription clearinghouse for magazine publishers. We work directly with the publishers and our partners to process magazine subscriptions for consumers throughout the US. When we receive an order from a partner we transmit it to the publishers’ fulfillment centers. Keystone Circulation Services name is attached to this order, therefore when you inquire at the publishers’ fulfillment center about your order you are referred to us to answer any questions you may have. If we cannot answer your questions we will route you to the partner that initiated the order.

    How did you get my name?

    Keystone Circulation Services receives your name and address from our partners who have initiated the orders. They provide us with your name/address and the magazine so we can process this data and send it to the publishers’ fulfillment centers. We do not maintain a list, telemarket, bill, or send invoices directly to the consumer.

    Can I cancel my order?

    Yes, of course you can cancel your order. You can simply fill out the contact form on this page  and indicate which magazine you are requesting to cancel. If you make contact with Keystone Circulation Services via Phone or Email we will gladly assist you in canceling your magazine subscription. It is our goal to answer all your concerns regarding your subscription. If you are emailing, or reach us after hours, please let us know your name, full address including zip code, and the magazine you are inquiring about… and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Why did I receive something that looks like a bill?

    Many times this is just a renewal notice. This could be coming directly from the publisher or the partner. If you prefer not to renew the magazine, simply discard the notice and the magazine will stop coming after the current subscription has expired. If you would like to renew the subscription then complete the notice appropriately. If you are still not certain about why you are receiving the subscription or need assistance with your correspondence, please contact us directly at service@keystonecirculation.com or call us at 1-800-660-0193.

    Contact Us

    Call us at 1-800-660-0193

    Contact Us
    Name*
  • 0
    karen Lyall
    I chatted with Glamour and was told I cannot cancel my subscription without contacting Keystone.  Of course, Keystone doesn't answer their phone and you have to fill out a form on their website which requires giving them more personal info than I want to type in on their form online.   Here is the result of my chat with Glamour, wherein the representative tries to absolve Glamour from any liability in peddling personal info:

    Time of Chat:    2017-03-10 17:30:08
    Length of Chat:    00:07:31
    Coordinator:    Kris A
    Chat with:    Karen Lyall
    Email address:    karenslyall@gmail.com
    2017-03-10 17:30:08    Karen Lyall    I received a subscription to Glamour and I want it cancelled. I didn't order it.
    2017-03-10 17:30:16    Kris A
    Thank you for contacting Glamour, I will be happy to assist you. May I have your last name and zip code to access your account?

    2017-03-10 17:30:27    Karen Lyall    Lyall 91977
    2017-03-10 17:31:00    Kris A
    Thank you. Can you please verify your address?

    2017-03-10 17:31:20    Karen Lyall    3510 Kenwood Dr Spring Valley CA 91977
    2017-03-10 17:31:24    Kris A
    Thank you.

    2017-03-10 17:31:44    Kris A
    Your order was placed through an independent sales agency and it will be necessary for you to contact them. The agency information is below:

    If you would like to contact Keystone Circulation Service directly, please call 800-967-3363.

    We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

    2017-03-10 17:32:22    Karen Lyall    How did Glamour agree to send me a subscription to my name and address without my permission? Who is Keystone?
    2017-03-10 17:33:17    Kris A
    You would have to contact the agency for further information.

    2017-03-10 17:34:11    Karen Lyall    I still don't understand why Glamour would send me a magazine when all you have is "Keystone" as a subscriber. Who pays for it?
    2017-03-10 17:35:26    Kris A
    I'm sorry, but we did not place the order. The agency did. So I don't have any information as to how it was ordered. Please contact them.

    2017-03-10 17:36:24    Karen Lyall    Yes, I understand that. But you did send it to me. So you must have received my personal information from them - though I cannot contact you directly you are saying...to cancel. There is something wrong here.
    2017-03-10 17:37:17    Karen Lyall    Please do not send me any "renewal" invoices either.
    2017-03-10 17:37:33    Kris A
    If you want all notices stopped including the magazine, please call the agency.

    2017-03-10 17:37:35    Kris A
    Thank you for contacting Glamour, have a great day!

    2017-03-10 17:37:39    Kris A    Session was closed by:Kris A
  • 0
    Lowa
    | 1 reply
    I just got off the phone with Allure who gave me the same story. I called Keystone and immediately informed the agent that the conversation was being recorded. She froze a second  then asked how she could help. I told her to remove me from any and all list they are sending me stuff from. She then tried to ONLY cancel the subscription to allure. I had to correct her again. Once she said she was done, and it was canceled, I asked her for a confirmation # for the cancellation, and she got snotty. Said they don't have one and it's canceled and that's just gotta be that. I don't particularly trust this but we shall see. They sign you up for 12-24 month subscriptions for "free" and when that time line runs out they keep sending it to you. That's when you get the surprise bill!! It's a scam. Stay far away. Call and have yourself taken off the list asap... and announce you're recording the conversation. A noticeable tone in voice will change  :)
    • 0
      Barrios replies to Lowa
      Hey kisha did they cancel your order im having the same problem
  • 0
    Kisha
    | 1 reply
    Over the past few months I have received 5 different magazine subscriptions and contacted all vendors who all blame this Keystone Circulation Services Inc. they company is based out of NJ. There are several numbers listed for this company and I have called them all only to get a voicemail recording. I did speak to a representative on one occasion who sounded as if she was in her home in the kitchen taking a phone call. She was very short and quickly cut me off by saying I was part of a promotion and I am receiving magazines free of charge as a 12 month free trial. I asked her to cancel the subscription because I did not sign up for this and would like to know how they got my info I also asked if she would remove my info from the company’s database and she responded the magazines would stop after a year and she told me to hold on then hung up. I have reported this to the BBB and will be contacting the US postal service to file a complaint as well. I have moved twice and the company has been able to get my home address.
    • 0
      michelle replies to Kisha
      It's the postal service that sells your information.  These magazines began showing up right after I completed a change of address/ mail forwarding request on the USPS website.  Originally they were being issued/ sent to my old address and fowarded to my new one.  Once the forwarding request expired, they started showing up at my new address, unforwarded.  They show up in my maiden name which was associated with the old address and USPS request.  The only way they could have gotten my new address would be because USPS provided it, otherwise they would still be going to the old address.
  • 0
    Misty
    Out of nowhere I started receiving Galmour magazine to my address under my grandmothers named that passed away about a year and a half ago.  She did live with me at this address.  I called Glamour her directed me to Keystone where I left a message.  I doubt I’ll get a call back.  Not sure what to do from here.
  • 0
    Bubblegumsnaps
    Same story as everyone else, I was receiving about 5 subscriptions. I called 18009673363 and spoke to someone, called twice and she asked my last name, address, pulled up my information and acknowledged I had several publications being sent. I asked to cancel the subscriptions and she said sure. She said I was not being charged and they didn’t have any bank information. She said I may get one or two more issues, but if continued to receive after January to call back. The lady was very nice. We’ll see what happens.
  • 0
    Kui
    *** Very rude customer service ***

    This is the email I just sent this business:-

    "I am writing to complain about your customer service lady who answered the phone on Saturday 8/24/19 at 9 am CST.  I called 1-800-967-3363 to cancel a subscription for Vogue magazine.  I have been receiving Vogue and I never subscribed for it.  When I told her this, she started rambling on and on about something which I did not understand.  When I asked her who added my name to the subscription, she got very rude.  These were her exact words:- "if you had paid attention and listened to me you would have heard …"  I told her to stop being rude and I asked her name.  She would not tell me her name and she hang up on me.  When I called again and asked for the manager, she told me she is the manager.  When I asked for her name, she hang up on me.  I then went to Google to find another number 1-800-660-0193 and she was still the same person answering.

    I do not appreciate my contact information being used to send me things I am not interested in.  And I certainly do not appreciate some random person being rude to me when I call to cancel a subscription that I did not initiate and when I enquire as to who put my name for it.

    I look forward to hearing back from your organization regarding my grievances as soon as possible.

    Thank you"
  • 0
    Ally
    Same story I’ve been receiving unwanted magazines from vogue too any name you could think of for months now .I called vogue they told me it was a third party keystone circulation. And I called them a women answered told her I didn’t want magazines sent to camel it she said it’s a free and you don’t have to pay, but that she’ll cancel anyway so I asked for an email confirmation she said they don’t do that and I hung up. Now I’ll guess I’ll wait too see if it’s actually canceled even though I have a feeling it’s not.
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