877-298-0066
RR
RR
2014-06-21 12:03:54
Telemarketer
This whole thing is so bizarre and outrageous.

My case is same as everybody else here. Bizarre claim that I have a verbal recorded subscription agreement for a magazine (which is totally not true). I called the company and I talked to very rude and threatening sales guys. They wont provide the proof. They wont play so called "verbal agreement".

Then I get a letter from 'Elley Law Office' demanding payment of some $118 otherwise they will advise their "client" to take legal actions.

The most bizarre thing about this is that Elley Law office is a legitimate law firm in AZ. Why would they be involved in this is anybody's guess.

BTW, this company is either same or an affiliated company of "Magazine Publishers Service" which has been involved in a lot of these kind of things in the past (Do Google).

How these kind of things just keeps appearing most technologically advanced country like USA is another mystery
Ann
Ann
2014-06-20 16:17:51
Debt Collector
We have had the same harassing phone calls and the letter from the Elly Law Firm. The only variation is the magazine (Time) and our state (Indiana). Phone calls with similar tactics began nearly a year ago, initially from "Associated Publishers Network" in Hendersonville, NV.  We filed a BBB complaint against APN; the company claims no connection to "Magazines". Are they part of the same scheme, or is it just a coincidence that they use the same line about "a legally binding verbal agreement"  to scare customers into paying them?
Carin N.
Carin N.
2014-06-16 04:17:14
Unknown
I received the same response to my complaint, via the San Jose branch of the Better Business Bureau.  This was my reply:  "How magnanimous of you!"  I submitted written complaints to the North Dakota Attorney General, the Arizona Attorney General, the California Attorney General, the Arizona Bar Association, and the Federal Trade Commission.  I received acknowledgements from the BBB and the California AG.  I spent some time searching on Craigslist for the adverts, but they seem to have mysteriously vanished.
Not scammed in NJ
Not scammed in NJ
2014-06-14 22:38:08
Telemarketer
Received a call from "Magazines" on June 10th. Same strong arm tactics as everyone has already mentioned. I asked to cancel and was told that I could not because they needed to collect that day. Subscription was for American Journal of Nursing.  I called the AJN and they confirmed we do not have an account with them and they didn't authorize "Magazines" to make cold calls on their behalf. We asked for proof of the supposed order slip or online order they claim we may have made on accident. They couldn't provide proof. We received a letter for payment post marked from AZ with return address to the Wilshire address in Los Angeles CA.  The two pieces of paper clearly came from a home printer and have many discrepancies.  I plan to file complaints with the Attorney General in CA,  AZ,  NJ, and with my post master regarding mail fraud.
Anonymous
Anonymous
2014-06-14 18:40:03
Unknown
Thanks for the information. I will be following your lead first thing on Monday morning. We all should be doing the same! Can't imagine how much money these guys have collected! Does anyone know how long they have been perpetuating this scam and have they used other "business" names?
Fed Up
Fed Up
2014-06-14 02:17:41
Telemarketer
I have filed a complaint with the Arizona Bar concerning the Richard Elly Law firm. They have started an investigation of  Mr Elly. The person handling this investigation is Daniel Sandweiss. He can be reached via his secretary Donna Stephens. Her email address is Donna.Stephens@staff.azbar.org . I strongly urge anyone who has received a letter from Mr. Elly to contact the Arizona Bar as I did. The more voices that can be added to this complaint the better.

WLC
WLC
2014-06-12 16:19:35
Unknown
Just for giggles, here is 'Magazines' response to my BBB complaint:

"Our company prides itself on great customer service. We have thousands of satisfied customers. From time to time we receive complaints and strive to do our best to remedy the situation. After reviewing the complaint we have decided to completely waive the charges. While we do not necessarily agree with the claims, in the interest of continued quality customer service, we will not pursue this matter further."

Yeah, right. I will wait to see if the calls and mailings indeed stop (I'm still getting quite a few hang-ups from toll free numbers on my machine) and will assume from here on out that everybody who calls me might be a scammer.
Anonymous
Anonymous
2014-06-10 01:32:36
Telemarketer
Sounds like Elley "Law" Firm sent out a mass mailing to All of us who are ignoring their harassing phone calls and their poor imitation of a bill. Same experience as everyone else. Plan to contact the Aizona Bar Association to see if there is really a legitimate Elley Law Firm confirmed at the given address. I also contacted the magazine in question and was informed that no one (including "Magazines") has done anything on my behalf. How can they ask for money for services that were never rendered. The real magazine is providing me with a copy of my account so I have proof to send to the law firm if I choose to respond to them . Will be contacting the BBB of Los Angeles, Attorney General in California, and the Attorney General in my state. Lets try to stop these guys! Report them, report them, report them!!!!!
Carin N.
Carin N.
2014-06-06 03:36:23
Unknown
Here's an update on the scam...Yesterday I spoke to a staffer in the Consumer Protection Division of the North Dakota Attorney General's office.  Very helpful.  I'll be forwarding a written complaint to their office, and she has asked me to attach copies of any letters I've written and/or received.  I've filed a complaint with the California Attorney General, the Better Business Bureau of Los Angeles, and the Federal Trade Commission.  I'll also be filing a complaint with the Arizona Attorney General's office.  I've written a letter to the Elley law office and the above named entities will be cc'd in that letter.   Our local police department will also be notified.
meb
meb
2014-06-05 21:33:11
Unknown
I have had the exactly same thing happen to me with the same figures, tactics, magazine and letter from this law firm.  I thought it was a scam and now know it is.  I, like the person who posted, contacted Shutterbug Magazine and they confirmed everything was fine with my subscription and never owed them anything.  I also contacted the BBB in my state.  One thing not mentioned in your note that  indicates the quality of these people to think I might be enticed to pay by a free gift from Starbucks by simply presenting them with an enclosed piece of colored paper with that printed on it.  Wow -

Thanks for your complaining.  My next move is to contact the agency that deals with harassing phone calls.
CC
CC
2014-06-05 12:28:01
Telemarketer
Kilowatt in Oregon above has identified the scammers - a boiler room operating out of the Phoenix area near ASU, from the semi-literate Craiglist ad posted by a Dylan Gold and Ben Hunter. Maybe recruiting some ASU students? Law firm 'Elley Law Office' -- Richard Elley -- is a two-person operation in Gilbert, AZ, not far away.
As with most of the posters here, we did not order or receive a subscription to the Atlantic through these people. The 'verbal recording' they claim to have in the letter Elley sent us would be illegal in our state under wiretapping law and in any case doesn't exist. Based on the reports here, only one of several tactics they use to shake people down.
I plan to file complaints with the Attorneys General, etc, and maybe make a few calls out to Maricopa county to see who else might be interested. It would be good if others followed suit -- sounds like these people have been busy boys.
CWG40
CWG40
2014-06-05 04:50:24
Unknown
Unlikely that an AZ attorney would attempt a lawsuit against  somebody living in North Dakota.  And for only a grand.  They are trying to scare you but I'd write back to that law firm tell them that you are making official complaints about this company.  Send 'em copies of the complaints.
CWG40
CWG40
2014-06-05 04:45:12
Unknown
Seems doubtful that any out-of-state attorney would actually take on a case like this for such a small amount of money.  If they went to court, then the identities of the people behind this company would be exposed.  Which is the last thing thing they want.   Nobody knows who exactly is behind this company or where these guys actually live.   My suspicion is that they're basically kitchen table scammers working out of a residence nearby.
CWG40
CWG40
2014-06-05 04:35:59
Unknown
Yes, I haven't actually driven out there to look at it closely, but it appears to be nothing more than some kind of  rent-a-mailbox place.  Just a mail drop.  Grungy by Wilshire Blvd. standards.  Typical maildrop for low-life scammers.   Where they are physically located is anybody's guess.
TV
TV
2014-06-05 04:30:00
Unknown
I guess these guys are very busy right now.  I too received a letter from this Elley Law Firm in Arizona today.  I called Magazines last week and asked them to play back the recording of me ordering this magazine subscription and the guy got really nasty with me.  He refused to let me talk to a supervisor who could play the recording unless I agreed to pay some of the costs.  Now I have this letter and it sounds exactly like yours.  I filed with Attorney General in California and my own state already.  They have sent letters to Magazines.  I also took a photo and sent them a copy of the letter today.  Both AGs were very clear that they would try to mediate but could not represent me legally in any dispute.  I have some free legal counsel with my job and I intend to consult with them ASAP.  Not sure how this will come out.  I know legal rep. on my part will cost a lot more than the 200$ they say I owe.  That is what they count on.  Who says if I pay this to get them off my back that they won't come back with something else.  This has to STOP!
John
John
2014-06-04 15:08:30
Unknown
If "Magazines" is calling your cell phone without your express consent, you can start a class action under the TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act).

I'm being represented by the IHateTelemarketers attorneys right now in a similar case. They are awesome and can stop these annoying telemarketing practices:

http://ihatetelemarketers.com

Highly recommend speaking with them if you're willing to be a class rep.
ck07
ck07
2014-06-04 12:29:02
Unknown
Me too.  Will be employing the usual remedies.
Carin N.
Carin N.
2014-06-04 06:45:04
Unknown
This is EXACTLY what has happened to me recently, although in my case the magazine is "The Atlantic."  I also received a poorly written letter outlining my supposed "verbal consent" and threatening "further action" if I didn't pay $69.99.  I contacted subscriber services at the magazine to let them know that a fraud is being perpetrated (that's another story) and also filed a complaint with the North Dakota Attorney General.  Today I received a letter from the Elley Law Office, requesting payment of $89.99 AND threatening a lawsuit for damages, fees, and court costs that could exceed a cool grand.  Tomorrow I'll be contacting the Federal Trade Commission, the Better Business Bureau, and my local police department.  You just can't make this stuff up!
WLC
WLC
2014-06-03 00:49:06
Debt Collector
Same story and details as most of the above--they have a 'verbal recording' of my authorization to renew Shutterbug magazine, sent me unprofessional invoices, wanted credit card info, I haven't received any duplicate magazine mailings from them. I contacted Shutterbug directly, yes, it's a big scam (or as the customer service rep put it, "They're trying to scare old people."). Scary collection call advising to call 877-298-0066 with Saturday 5pm deadline came on 5/24/14, which I ignored, again at the advice of Shutterbug customer service. The latest twist is the letter I received today from Elley Law Firm in Gilbert, AZ, offering settlement on the subscription for $104.99, which, if I do not pay, may result in 'Magazines' "right to file a lawsuit for damages including attorneys' fees and court costs, which after judgment are expected to exceed $1,000.00."  Really?!? For a magazine subscription not delivered, offered by a firm fraudulently representing the publisher?? This appears to be a legitimate civil law firm; I'm surprised they'd want to be involved with scammers like 'Magazines'. Or maybe 'Magazines' has now fraudulently assumed Elley Law Firm's identity...who knows?
Anyway, I filed a BBB complaint with the state of CA and may look into filing more BBB complaints and contacting attorneys general, as well. These sharks must get what they want A LOT, because they're certainly ready to hunt you down!!
Annoyed in Michigan
Annoyed in Michigan
2014-05-28 20:34:03
Unknown
Same things...got a call implying they were from MotorTrend and said we needed to pay right then with a credit card.  Refused and asked for a paper bill and it is obviously a hoax.  Checked with MotorTrend and they show us paid for 2 years.  Now the scammers are calling and telling us to pay or they will ruin our credit and put a lean against our house.  Dream on... The paperwork came from California but the phone number is registered in Arizona.  Filled a complaint with the Attorney General in Michigan.  Wish they would lock them up for mail fraud, harassment, and for all the people who believe their b.s. and pay them.  I am not that ignorant, but a lot of elderly people I know would just pay it.  So wrong!!!
Anonymous
Anonymous
2014-05-28 03:47:50
Unknown
So do they have a post office box at the Wilshire Blvd address? Live in another state and dont know that area. It's the return address they use when trying to collect credit card information by mail.
CWG40
CWG40
2014-05-28 03:35:34
Unknown
Total scam.  Nobody can put a lien on your property for what amounts to a civil debt.  At least in California.  Liens are recorded as public records at the Country Recorder and no one would dare actually doing that since there are legal penalties for so doing.   This is a fairly common magazine subscription scam.  

5042 Wilshire includes  something Called Wilshire Mailbox  Google Street
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Wilshire+Mail+Box/@34.061741,-118.339219,2a,90y,90t/data=!3m5!1e2!3m3!1s-mPGHUx4rAhw%2FUqrHa5ZAVyI%2FAAAAAAAAXBU%2FAtDmFFsAUyQ!2e4!3e12!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0xc8ef7c6379b7adb8!6m1!1e1

Rundown storefront mailbox.   Typical scammers hideout. Where they are actually located is anybody's guess.
Anonymous
Anonymous
2014-05-28 03:11:02
Unknown
I also received a phone message that this company was sending our "account" to a collection agency although I have never had any contact with them until they started leaving harassing phone messages.
They seem to be very interested in getting a credit card number and signatures, but don't want checks. I also received a very unprofessional bill from them complete with misspellings and grammatical errors asking for credit card information.
We really need to file complaints as often as possible!! What a pain !!
Linda
Linda
2014-05-28 02:49:16
Unknown
I was told that I was having a lien placed against my property by this company "Magazines" at this phone number.  They were insisting, harassing, threatening if I didn't pay $89.90 for a 2 year subscription to Ladies Home Journal .  Address is 5042 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles.  
Anonymous
Anonymous
2014-05-28 02:37:36
Telemarketer
There are rules and regulations for telemarketers . Might be a good idea to check state and national consumer protection laws and start reporting this company to as many agencies as possible. Government agencies can only help if they know about the problem. You can file complaints to the FTC, National Do Not Call Registry, the Better Business Bureau, California attorney general, your state attorney general, and there may be many others that I don't know about yet. The FCC  recently won $7.5 million in a Do Not Call settlement so there may be a way to "turn the table" on this ccompany or at least get them to stop. Make sure you give the address and phone number of this company when you file a report. Everyone probably knows all this but I was under the impression that complaints were probably ignored.....maybe not. Anyone have other suggestions?
Lauren
Lauren
2014-05-27 23:36:37
Unknown
Yes - received a call from these scammers as well and am enraged by this because I assume other people are falling for this.  I feel so sad for people who are actually sending money to these disgusting people.  They were yelling and trying to intimidate into paying $367 for something that i never agreed to and something i don't receive.  
me too
me too
2014-05-26 18:07:50
Unknown
I got the same message.  I do not ever remember agreeing to anything about a subscription on the phone,and I would not have.  I contacted Atlantic Magazine last October when I first started receiving the phone calls.  I have now been threatened with collections.  I intend to contact the Arizona attorney general. Needless to say, they would not produce the tape of my agreement.
frustrated and irritated
frustrated and irritated
2014-05-23 20:28:05
Unknown
I just got a call from 800-264-6682 (says 800 Service on phone) and they tell me that I have a binding and verbal agreement to renew magazine subscription. They told me that I need to call 877-298-0066.  I checked a similar call from "Atlantic Magazine" and the real magazine told me that is was a scam.  The scammers also sent me a form to sign but there was nothing about Atlantic Magazine--just a place to provide credit card which fortunately I never returned.  Now they are upping the ante and saying if I do not respond by tomorrow night, I will go into collections and it will effect my mortgage and ability to buy a car. It is very interesting because I have refused to do anything along the way. Once I caught on that they were frauds, I just didn't answer any calls so now they have become more aggressive.  I wonder what they will do when SAT ay 5:00 comes. If you get call, beware!
ffeaston
ffeaston
2014-05-06 01:04:40
Debt Collector
We were contacted by male caller claiming to be an agent for Time Magazine.  The caller asserted that we had not yet paid for a subscription we requested and requested credit card payment information over the telephone.  My spouse refused but said she would investigate the agent's claim.  A few days later a bill for a 5 year subscription to Time arrived from a firm called Magazine,  listing an address on Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles.  I called them to ask for an explanation and was told they have a tape of the conversation requesting the subscription.  After I requested to hear the recording for myself, I was placed on hold and eventually disconnected.  I reported the details of the incident to our state's consumer fraud unit, and will probably file one with the CA Attorney General's office as well.  

Incidentally, we do have a paid up subscription to this magazine.  It probably wouldn't have been too much trouble for "Magazine's" minions to fish a discarded issue out of our recycling bin and obtain enough information about the subscription to sound legit.  
Joel
Joel
2014-04-18 02:19:52
Unknown
I had an extremely harrassing phone call with a man from the same place just like everyone is talking about on here (Magazines, 5042 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 24866, Los Angeles, CA)...He said I didn't pay the 89.99 for a  Motor Trend subscription that I ordered. I told him that I never ordered such a subscription and wanted it canceled.He told me it couldn't be canceled and he demanded I pay it or face further action. When I wanted to talk to his supervisor, he refused to put a supervisor on. I again refused to pay and then he became beligerant to me, and extremely sarcastic. I responded with the same beligerance and got in an argument on the phone, telling him how unprofessional this was and how if they had me recorded on tape, I wanted to hear it. They couldn't produce the recorded call or a supervisor, he continued to argue with me. What a scam!!! Beware. Glad I didn't give them any info. Need to report them to the Attorney General's office here in Pennsylvania.
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