Complain about a product or service

Reader's Digest

By Lucille Huffman
ConsumerAffairs.com

June 16, 2006
Reader's Digest is that little magazine you used to see on your grandmother's coffee table or read in your friendly, neighborhood dentist office. A lot of people, including your grandmother, are now upset with the magazine we all loved and trusted.

Reader's Digest Assoc Inc 1 Readers Digest Road Pleasantville, NY 10570-7001 Phone: (914) 238-1000 www.readersdigest.com Customer Service (800) 304-2807 Monday through Friday 8am to 11pm Saturday 8am to 8pm EST. rd.custhelp.com

Based on complaints sent to ConsumerAffairs.com, people are receiving invoices for Reader's Digest subscriptions they never ordered. These invoices simply arrive out of the blue and getting any information about the invoice or cancellation policy is proving very difficult.

Linda of Stow, OH writes, "I received a bill today for $9.98 when I never ordered anything". She said she looked for a phone number to call, but couldn't find one. She also went to the Reader's Digest website but the only option was to subscribe.

Ben of O'fallon, MO tells us that he received a bill for Reader's Digest and went on to say, "I have never read nor do I ever intend to read their magazine."

Some people just get a bill, but others get the magazine and then the bill arrives later. Thomas of Boise, ID wrote in to say, "A Readers Digest was delivered one day that I didn't order. A few days later a bill showed up." Thomas also mentioned how hard it was to cancel.

Readers Digest invoices sometime arrive in the form of a renewal.

Judy of Lucasville, OH said, "I have been receiving a bill from Readers Digest for a renewal." She said, "I have been receiving this [invoice] for a couple of months and tried to find a phone number to contact them, but one is not to be found anywhere on the statement. I have never subscribed to Readers Digest," she wrote in her complaint. She went on to say, "It states I have a 12-issue subscription but I have yet to receive a book."

And finally, Michael of Evergreen, CO actually ordered a subscription but wrote to tell us, "I ordered a Reader's Digest subscription at the advertised price of $10 per year in February of '06. I wrote a check on March 3, 2006. My April bank statement shows my check was cashed by Reader's Digest. I have been receiving my magazines monthly but have also received monthly Past Due notices saying I haven't paid for my subscription. These past due notices are irritating because there is neither a phone number nor an e-mail address where I can reach Reader's Digest's accounting department."

ConsumerAffairs.com received only one complaint about Readers Digest in 2005, however these new complaints started slowly in January 2006 and have multiplied over the last few months.

Obviously, based on the number of complaints to our mailbag this week, many people are asking the same question as Linda of Stow, OH, "Do you think this is how they have made their millions, from cheating good people?"

S of Corona CA (10/04/08)
I started getting Reader's Digest sometimes ago. I discovered my neighbor ordered them as a holiday gift. I have never discussed with my neighbor why, or questioned them. Just made a remark thank you I discovered that your gift order the subcription. The problem I discovered with Reader's Digest was that the company tried to bill me upon renewal. I contacted them and told them over a year ago that I don't want their magazine and never initiated the order. I recently received a box on my door step for a gift and now a bill. I have never opened the box just like most of the magazines that are still in plastic that they keep sending.

I am sure that Reader's Digest have probably added to my credit a negative report; whereas I never initiated their product or services.

Cori of Snohomish WA (09/30/08)
received a check from them for 3988.98. claiming it was unclaimed prize money for readers digest. iv called and called and no answer or return call. just wondering if this is some kinda fraud thing.

Jennifer of Amarillo TX (09/25/08)
Paid for the Readers Digest several months ago and have continued to be billed monthly even after sending them a copy of the check clearing my bank. I have not renewed and they are billing once again!~ I have excellent credit and do not want this to be sent to collections as the bill was already paid and there were no renewals. What can I do to get this stopped?

Gino of Rio Vista CA (09/24/08)
My Dad has been trying to get his subscription canceled. He has returned bills marked CANCEl and written letters. They do not seem to understand he does not want their magazine. The last renewal (bill) he got said final rememinder and written in under subscription status was Delinquent and written in under previous attempts to collect was Ignored by Gino Baroni.

As I said he has not ignored this and has wanted it taken care of months ago. When I read about all the problems it makes me wonder. At this rate they are going to loose all their customers.

Tracy of Vancouver WA (09/19/08)
Help us with Reader's Digest: My Husband's Grandfather gave us a subscription 10 years ago. We never read it. In 2003 when our grandfather passed away, we knew we would never renew our subscription. Recently we received two letters stating we owe for products ordered and overdue subscription dues and they were sending us to collection. It totals $37.24. We immediately wrote them letters and asked for evidence we ordered any products or renewed our subscription. There is no response. I have to imagine that this is not the end. ALSO, can you imagine all the Senior Citizen's that could be confused by these invoices and just pay?

 In my research on the internet, I found hundreds of the same stories and I also found an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance or Discontinuance from Feb of 2001 where Reader's Digest was the respondent. We are unfamiliar with legal terms, but from what we can tell, Reader's Digest has a history of scamming people and their key demographic is Seniors!

If they send us to collection, it will impact our credit. We should not have to pay what we do not owe just because we are threatened!

Diana of Bronx NY (09/17/08)
Blue Heaven $27.64 I did not order. I got this book in the mail without an invoice. At the time I had a death in my family and did not pay attention. Now I get a bill for $27.64, which I am not paying I will galdly return the book. When did I order this book?

Sharon of Graton CA (09/13/08)
I was billed for a book that I had not received and had not ordered..When I sent a return note stating the the above, I was sent the book! AND a bill. I still don't want the book and I'm not paying for it. I have received three billing statements demanding I pay or be sent to a collections dept. I do not feel like I am obligated to pay for something I did not order.

Sharon of Graton CA (09/13/08)
I was billed for a book that I had not received and had not ordered. When I sent a return note stating the the above, I was sent the book! AND a bill. I still don't want the book and I'm not paying for it. I have received three billing statements demanding I pay or be sent to a collections dept. I do not feel like I am obligated to pay for something I did not order.

Katherine of Pooler GA (09/11/08)
I have been receiving bills from Reader's Digest ever since my one year subscription expired telling me that I owe them for my renewal. I never subscribed to be automatically renewed. They did not leave me anyway other than a website that would not take care of my issue to let them know that I did not want to pay to renew. Today I received a notice that I was gravely overdue on my account.

I finally searched the internet and came up with a phone numer to call and cancel any future relationship with them. I was told that I was subscribed to their automatic renewal plan and I informed them that I did not agree to that. Supposedly the charges are going to be dropped but I am wondering after seeing the numerous complaints if they will continue to hound me with their bill.

I am not aware of any resulting damage but thought it was important to help warn others.

Linda of Harrah OK (09/10/08)
I was sent a book I did not order, I opened it, saw what it was, resealed it, sent it back at my expense, now am being billed for it and they're getting nasty about it to boot.

I am being threatened with a collection agency for something I didn't order and returned without ever looking inside the darn thing.I even sent back thier so-called free gifts. I didn't keep anything.

Richard of Sioux City IA (09/05/08)
I began receiving books that I did not order, with a tiny plastic gift RR car. These were returned with a letter stating that it was not ordered and that my name should be taken off of all customer lists. Now I receive a bill for another book that I refused, if I ever got it---I cannot remember. I am very concerned about this scam/injustice. I am on a fixed income.

I have spent time and effort with my wife doing the checking, mailing and searching what to do. It feels like a big worry to me.

Ashwini of Mountain View CA (09/03/08)
We took an Readers Digest Offer which said pay $10 for subscription. I sent them a check for the same thinking that it was a one-years Subscription but looks like i was cheated , i got a letter for Renewal of Subscription even before i received my first Months Readers Digest Magazine. I was not happy and canceled my subscription immediately. And that started a chain of letters and gifts that i didn't need. I got 4 copies of a RD Book called The GHOST even though i didn't need it. And then came the letters asking me to pay $27.56 for it.

I have mailed numerous mails to the RD customer service and they still have to act upon the same. I am fed up of all this pressure tactics they use. Their letters have something bold on them saying Immediate Action Required .

Joann of San Luis Obispo CA (09/02/08)
My mother keeps getting the reader's digests and send them back. She should not get billed!

Frustrated; she does not owe $

Penny of Shallotte NC (08/29/08)
I have written and explained I did not order this book nor do I have it I only order from Harlequin Reader services. and only historical romances. Something called Ghost would not even intrigue me, we have no children at home and hubby does not read noval or paper backs of any kind. The continue to badger with duns for paymen tof $27.00

Chromogene of Guilderland NY (08/27/08)
I keep receiving unsolicited BOOKS from Reader's Digest, even though I had called them on July 28, 2008 to have my name removed. I would like to see this abusive process stopped.

Evan of Charlottesville VA (08/26/08)
What happened to me was the same thing that has happened to countless others, I see after googling Reader's Digest phone. First thing that popped up was your page with, it was literally not worth counting, other complaints. I received a book of Select Editions, which appears to be a set of 4 short novels written by 4 authors I have never heard of. I never ordered this book, and I don't remember there being a bill with it, so I just assumed it was one of RD's gifts, like the ones they're always offering that I always ignore. Then I got a bill, with no phone number or email address to respond to. I ignored it, and got another one from their collections department, still with no contact information.

I went to RD's website, found a place to email, although I can't see their email address and email it from my own account so I can't have any record of having sent it. I sent to ATTN: Charles Dean, Manager, Collections Department explaining the situtation, and telling him that when I googled, I found that page, and I copied and pasted the entire page in the email. I then told him that I consider the matter to be closed and that if he had anything else to say about it, although, I wrote, I can't imagine what he could possibly have to say in RD's defense, that I would not read the first word unless I saw a phone number that I could dial to speak with someone.

I am self-employed and I charge a pretty good rate per hour, and have a lot to do in preparation when not on the clock. This has wasted at least $300 of my time. As of now, I'm sure their still going to keep harrassing me. I hope I'm wrong.

John of Gary IN (08/26/08)
On 8/22/08 I tried to order a subscription to Readers Digest. ( a two year subscription for $20.00) when I put in my debit card information and clicked the button once to proceed, the web site froze up so I closed the site and figured I would call later to subscribe. About twenty minutes later I recived six confirmation letters stating that I order six separate subscriptions for $15.00 per subscription.

This wasn't even what I tried to order so I contacted the company immediately. The company claims they have received no information on any order for me, but they charged my bank account for $90.00 to cover these subscriptions. They refuse to refund my money or cancel the subcriptions. I have also contacted Readers Digests corporate office and left voicemail messages but no one will return my calls.

Walter of Brooklyn NY (08/25/08)
I received today a dunning bill for a claimed amount by North Shore Agency on behalf of Readers Digest address above for 47.80 overdue for subscriptions..never a subscriber nor have received an issue..in reply to Lehigh Valley stated I would complain to att'y gen'l if dunning continued..

threats to credit in demand...

James of Darien IL (08/25/08)
Reader's Digest Keeps sending me a bill for the amount of $ 17.98 for the magazine after I refused to renew my subscription. Called the customer service office and was told that my service was canceled in may and I have no balance.

Company still sending bill threatening legal action if I do not pay bill.

Patricia of Borger, TX (08/22/08)
Reader's Digest is sending me a bill and I have NOT subscribed to the magazine. I will NOT pay it.

Gary of Charlotte NC (08/22/08)
I kept receiving invoices stating they had stopped sending magazines after the first three, and were demanding payment for my seriously overdue subscription. I was sure I had already paid it, but as there was no phone number listed and the paybill link was broken, I ignored the invoices until they threatened collection. Using the number this site provided, I contacted customer service only to learn that if I could provide them with the exact date and amount of my payment, they would honor it. Perhaps they had a database failure and didn't have a backup, so this is their way of recovering the lost data.

For whatever reason, it puts the burden of proof on the consumer, making it potentially more difficult for those older folks who always write checks. As these spurious bills don't show up until months later, it might be as simple as finding the right check register or possibly having to request a paper statement from the bank (for a fee, it goes without saying). Fortunately, I had renewed online, so I was able to pull up a statement from December, 2007 which showed the information needed, as well as the contact number for RD.

Without having the exact wording of mailed offer in hand, I couldn't counter the support person's assertion that the offer was for the gift subscriptions only and did not include renewing my personal one. When I asked why my subscription didn't simply lapse, he told me I was in the automatic renewal program, though I don't recall opting into it.

Claiming I must have misunderstood the intent of the offer I accepted, he did offer to reduce the price of the renewal. Perhaps feeling some pity when I informed him I had been displaced due to the recent financial hole Wachovia has dug itself into (another subject for a different forum), he finally agreed to cancel the debt but informed me I should expect a few more mailings before they would cease.

I usually get complaints from my wife for saving too many receipts and other paperwork. I never expected to have trouble from a reputable company such as Reader's Digest, but had I kept the mailing, I might have avoided some reader's indigestion. As a lesson learned, I would recommend everyone keep a copy of any offer accepted and write the payment info on it (date, transaction or check number), and store it with your important records.

Carol of Huntersville NC (08/21/08)
Ordered the Reader's Digest magazine at their introductory 1 year subscription price of $10. I began receiving the magazine in April or May of 2008. RD sent invoice which I paid. They cashed check. RD is still sending invoices and stating my account is past due. No contact telephone number, cant get in touch via internet either. Will have to write letter I suppose. I am receiving the monthly magazine.

I am concerned they might turn over to a collection agency which may potentially affect my credit rating.

Michelle of Cleveland OH (08/21/08)
I have recieved several bills for readers digest! something I DID NOT order. there is no contact number, until I saw your website. spoke to Cindy, who apologized and said I may still recieve bills and to diregard and that I may still get magazines. I informed her to abosolutely NOT send me any bills or magazines!

I demanded a verification number and her name, to cancel my supossed subscription. she said that I order a free copy and a subscription, back in June, I do beleive this was part of some survey garbage when I was doing a job search! I am outraged! Told her this better not affect my credit and that I was going to report them!

Thomas of Dagsboro DE (08/20/08)
I have had a subscription to Readers Digest since the 1950's or 1960's. Now I am receiving 2 copies of the digest since earlier this year, maybe even ito last year. This may be a result of early reordering of subscription requests. It may also be a case of two names or accounts present due to ordering from Pulisher's Clearing house. 

I have been looking in my magazines for someone to write about his since early this year, but cannot find anyone to write or call with a name, address, and/or phone # who can bne reached to correct the problem Please help!

I have been receiving 2 copies of the same issue. If I have 2 accounts, that's a waste of money.

Kim of Spring TX (08/17/08)
You are sending me a bill that I do not get!!! I NEVER ORDERED, NOR DO I RECIEVE any of your magazines.!!!!!!

Jenny of Santa Ana CA (08/14/08)
I received an invoice in the mail for a past due bill for some book that I never ordered. I've never even seen the book, let alone willfully have ordered it. No phone number, no way to get through to them. This is strange...is this what they do to get business?

I am being billed for $27.44 for something never rec'vd or ordered and I fear they might to damage to my intact credit report if I don't pay them. I think that's what they're banking on...

Saad of Glen Ellyn IL (08/12/08)
I had a subscription to Readers Digest which was running out. Readers Digest started sending me renewal bills which I ignored since I didn't want to renew it. Then they called my home and I refused to renew it. They called at some time I was not home and talked to my mother. They tried to talk her into buying something, but she said no. They offered her some sort of a membership but she didn't agree. She wasn't sure at the end whether or not she agreed to anything at all.

She tried calling them back and talked to at least 3 different departments who kept tossing them to and fro until she was told to go away. I received two books from them in the mail with a $30 bill. I never ordered any books or wanted them. They keep sending me bills and threatening emails. No idea how to get rid of these people. This is becoming harassment now and I am considering suing.

Janice of Chicago IL (08/08/08)
I did not order Special Edition Books. [They] sent me a bill for $29.19 I will send a check but [do not want them to] send me anything ever.

Condra of Harvest AL (08/08/08)
I have now received to special edition books from Reader's Digest as gifts for subscribing to the special edition book collection. I have not subscribed to anything from this company. This is the second time they have done this to me. The only way I could stop it before was to pay the bill and cancel the subscription. I don't want to go through this again.

Shirley of Washington DC (08/08/08)
I deal with Reader's Digest mostly concerning their contests. I recently ordered some all occasion cards from them and I sent in the full payment which I usually do. I am a retired Senior. I mailed some contests entries to them recently and they began first trying to send me some books that I did not want even the free ones and I would not accept the one they sent and now they are billing me for some Reader's Digest books that I did not order.

I refuse to pay for something I did not order and they are trying to make me pay for them. My credit is very good with everyone but I hate to have someone try to foist something on me that I don't want. I received a free gift from Reader's Digest today but I don't want a that either. I will not be dealing with them anymore because of what they are trying to do to me.

I am suffering from mental distress because of Reader's Digest trying to intimidate me and make me pay for something I don't want

Mary of Chadds Ford PA (08/07/08)
A month ago or so I received a package from Reader's Digest with a Select Editions volume. Inside was a Personal Sweepstakes Portfolio. The book nor the sweepstakes were solicited by me. A few days ago I received another volume, and an invoice for $27.03. I am extremely upset as I have never, ever ordered anything from Reader's Digest and I don't intend to begin now.

This is completely unsolicited material and of course, there is not a phone number on any of the paperwork to call and complain. I am sending the 2 volumes back to the Payment Processing Center in Arizona from whence the invoice came, and telling them in no uncertain terms that I have NO intention of paying for these books. Of course, I feel sure I will be getting a letter from a collection agency. However, I am glad to have found this site and that I am not alone in this situation.

Joann of Washington, DC (08/04/08)
I have been out of the country for some time and now returned home to find packages and invoices from Reader's Digest and I have not subscribed to them. I did not ask them to send me anything. I cannot seem to find a phone number for said company and the website only has offers for subscription and no contact number.

Please, please someone stop this company before they create havoc with people's credit.

Richard of San Diego CA (08/04/08)
I have received 2 select editions books,which I did not order and now Readers Digest is billing for them.  I haven't read them nor do I intend to.

I hope this doesn't ruin my credit score

Judy of Hebron, NE (08/04/08)
I started getting bills from Reader's Digest that indicated I owed $10.00. That's odd because I didn't subscribe to anything. So I ignored it. So I get a follow-up bill with the $10.00 amount highlighted in yellow and outlined in red. No phone number. No email.

So I finally called the Pleasantville office. Oh, the lady said, that's just an offer advertisement. Pretty realistic offer advertisement. Wonder how many people fell for it? Perhaps the people need to assess fines against Reader's Digest and each one get paid back their $10.00 plus scam trauma fees!?

Tabatha of Roanoke VA (07/25/08)
I received a bill for magazines from Reader's Digest that I never ordered.According to them I owe $10.00.

I don't want this to go on my credit report. Plus the time and aggravation dealing with blood suckers like this! I would take $10.00 and put it in my gas tank, not a stupid magazine.

Margie of Carrollton GA (07/24/08)
I am on disability and halfto watch my spending,on July 15/2008 I recieved a Bill stating I owed Readers Digest $43.43 they didn't say what it was for.Because I haven't recieved anything,And I didn't order anything.I havent ordered from RD in years and years.I always pay my bills But I know what they are .But I don't know what this is for.I don't know what to do I don't have the money to pay this,I can't get in touch with them to resolve this So what do I do? This is very stressful.please help me.

I have C.O.P.D and am on meds and Oxygen for that and blood presure med.when I got the Bill my heart starded racing,my blood pressure went up and I started breathing harder it tore my nerves up.It is very stressful.I can't sleep for worring about this.

Narcisses of Toledo OH (07/23/08)
I've been trying to cancel a subscription to their magazine. I submitted cancel request at least four months before the new subscription period began. I written letters, notes, wrote cancel across the renewal bills and mailed it back to them with no result. This month I received a call from their customer service department and explained the situation to the rep and hoped it was over. Since then I've received two more bills. I'm going to write the attorney general in their state next and if that doesn't work I guess I'll contact my lawyer.

The stress from the implied threats is a bit much. `No' should be accepted as that. I really don't want to waste anymore postage or time on this. I had planned to discontinue for a short time but now I'm simply tired of the whole business.

George of Knoxville TN (07/23/08)
Despite being notified by phone several times and mail to cancel any orders my elderly father keeps getting billed for things he did not order. He also gets shipments of things he did not order

Elizabeth of Macomb MI (07/22/08)
I was sent these two magazines and never ordered them. On top of that I keep receiving letters telling me I need to pay my bill. Well, I never ordered your masgazine and I am not paying for it. Stop sending it!!!!!!!

I am very irritated and in the future will never order or purchase privately your magazine if this doesn't stop. Also, I will warn my friends of the same scam!!

Christina of Williamsburg MI (07/22/08)
I have been recieving bills for $13.98 for a subscription I never ordered OR received. I was getting the subscription as a gift but I did not re-order it for myself when the year was up. This, latest bill, is threatening and rude. I have no way to contact them on any of their bills.

Mandy of Altamonte Springs FL (07/21/08)
Continued to send bill stating we owed money, when, in fact, we did not. We never ordered anything. No phone number anywhere, nothing. Scoured the internet for their number, couldn't find it for ages, and then found it. Went through customer service and got the run around. Finally chose to order subscription to get ahold of someone. Supposedly canceled bill, but we'll see.

May reflect badly on credit score for no reason.

Ms of Seminole FL (07/21/08)
I have received a statement from Reader's Digest that I owe them $26.98 which is gravely overdue. They say that I had renewed my magazine subscription and had already sent me 3 copies. I DID NOT renew my subscription!!! In the past few months I have received in the mail notices for me to renew my subscription I NEVER intended to do that because I am cutting back on expenses and had NO INTENTIONS to renew the magazine. I disreguarded these reminders.

According to the letter, it seems like there is a hidden threat. The sentence reads as follows: Payment now will stop further collection efforts I interpret that statement to mean that they will turn it over to a collection agency if I don't comply. Of course, I don't want that to happen. If I had renewed the subscription I would have enclosed a check with the renewal statement. So I am SURE I DID NOT ask for a renewal. I must admit that I have received several recent issues but I assumed that my old subscription was still in effect. These magazine companies always send out their renewal notices way ahead of the actual date of termination of the old policy.

No damage has been done yet. But the threat of sending my name into a collection agency worries me. I hope you can contact the magazine and resolve this matter for me.

Christi of Eureka MO (07/20/08)
I renewed, to the best of my knowledge, a one-year subscription to [their]magazine on December 13th via check. The magazines stopped coming but they are continuing to invoice me on a monthly basis with ever more intimidating statements (i.e. This account is gravely overdue or The facts are: 1. We dispatched three issues of your subscription to you; 2. Despite reminders, this account remains unpaid; etc. etc.) I did not request any further issues sent to me beyond my one-year subscription. I detached and saved for my records the bottom portion of my renewal slip on subscription renewal, and was advised that details regarding my apparent subscription renewal under Continuous Renewal Service, as described on reverse were listed. If there was, in fact, an indication of this service, it certainly is not clear either on the subscription renewal (I would never have agreed to a plan on a continuous renewal basis, never have with any magazine and never will) and certainly is not on the portion of the form that they advised I keep for my records.

As a former multiple year subscriber to this magazine, I will never from any point onward read this magazine again, purchase it off the shelf, or recommend it to anyone else. I am paying this $13.98 requested ONLY because I refuse to let a ridiculous matter such as this damage my extremely reputable credit score and if I did, in fact, overlook something in the renewal process then it is my own fault and I take responsibility for such.

However, I would advise that, in the future, their billing office notices contain a phone number to call with questions (not just a website on the bottom of the form), and that their documentation provides the subscriber with the information they need to know about their account on the information they KEEP, not the information they return in the mail with their check. This is extremely poor business practice. Reading the info on this website has certainly opened my eyes to the multiple complaints about this company in recent years

Laura of Midland TX (07/20/08)
I never subscrobed for this magazine. I was sent the magazine in the mail for no apparent reason and now I'm being billed for the subscription price. This is the 3rd notice but I have no phone number to even attempt to contact and dispute this bill. Can you advise me what to do next. I cant afford credit issues while I'm trying to build it. Thank you

Herme of Elgin IL (07/18/08)
got a bill for a subscription that I NEVER ORDER. I WANT THIS TO STOP. NO PHONE NUMBER TO REACH to complain. Now a days families are tighten thier belt to leave on a daily basis .This company are taking advantage to the economic situation of others.I want this scam to stop.

Jean of Satellite Beach FL (07/18/08)
One day in my mail I received a Readers Digest magazine out of blue which I never subscribe. I received bill sometime later from Reader's Digest stating I subscribed the magazine and I need to pay $10. There is no contact phone number anywhere to be found in the bill. I never subscribed anything. I suspect it is a fraud. I did internet search and found a lot of complains about Readers Digest and many other people encountered the same scenario.

I found the phone number from consumeraffairs.com and called Readers Digest. The lady said their database indicated I subscribed about three months ago. I explained that I did not subscribe anything and it must be a fraud. I went on and told her I saw a lot of similar complains at consumeraffairs.com and that is where I found their contact number. I request her to cancel my account. She finally agreed to cancel it and told me I did not owe them anything and they will not sending me the magazine.

Kari of Bluffdale UT (07/15/08)
Out of the blue one day, I received a package from Reader's digest which said free gift inside! on the outside of the package. Curious, I opened it to find a book I had never ordered with a cheap pen (My free gift.) As soon as I realized this was some sort of order, I searched for a phone number throughout the materials I had been sent. There was no phone number anywhere on the information sent with a book, and no way to cancel my order.

Through some searching on the internet I located a number for RD that I called. I spoke with a foreign gentleman who could barely speak English, much less help me with my problem. I explained again and again that I had not ordered this book, nor was I paying my own money to return it. If they wanted it back they would need to pay for it. We went over this several times (as he kept telling me I had to pay for it, or return it at my own expense).

He finally got a manager on the phone who agreed they would send me a return sticker which would pay for the shipping of the item. The only thing I have EVER received from RD (aside from the unordered book) are letters from their Collections department stating, You have now received prior PAST DUE NOTICES concerning the SELECT EDITIONS shipment which you ordered and yet we have not received any payment or communication from you regarding this matter. A statement I find extremely infuriating when they NEVER PUT THEIR PHONE NUMBER on any of their documents!!!!! I am furious!

They have sent me to the Collections department according to the document I received and naturally provided no way to contact them as a company directly by phone or email. If this shows up on my credit there will be hell to pay.

Emily of Cutlerbay FL (07/15/08)
To whom it may concern you have made a mistake you keep asking me for a bill of ten dollars for asubscription that you say i ordered i am so sorry sir or mam i didnt order this and i am writing you to tell you this although i think your magazaine is great i do not wish to subscribe please take me off your list i never received any magazines nor do i want to at this time so i do not think that i should have to pay for this since i have yet to recieve a magazine or even if i were still i did not order it please respond a.s.a.p.

Jen of Alexandria VA (07/11/08)
I ordered Readers Digest last year and apparently it expired in March, but they kept sending articles for the next 3 months and sent me several bills for subscription renewal for $13.98. There was no phone contact info on the bill, only a link to a website to pay for the renewal fee.

I called the number posted here for Readers Digest customer service and told her I was out of town and just saw the bills, I don't want to renew and I also didn't want the articles they sent me. She cancelled the bill and my subscription, told me I could keep the articles (didn't have to return them) and assured me it would not be submitted to a collection agency.

Tracy of Santa Rosa CA (07/09/08)
I keep getting a bill for a subscription i did not order. i have emailed them sent the bill back and told them of the mistake and they keep sending the bill.

Michael of Delmar IA (07/07/08)
With no previous communication with this company, I received a Reminder Bill that my subscription was overdue in the amount of $10.50. I have never read this magazine, do not intend to, and don't understand why I'm being billed. I've never ordered anything from them in my life.

My credit may be affected if they send this to collection.

Roy of South Jordan UT (07/07/08)
I quit the Readers' Digest over a year ago. I went through several hoops to so inform you at that time. Yet, I still am receiving the magazine and from time to time a bill which I don't intend to pay. Please straighten out your records and quit bugging me.

Charlene of Friendship WI (07/06/08)
I Have received 4 Reminder notices for my subscription due. I mailed on March 08, 2008 in the amount of $10.00 on check #2249, it was cashed on March 17, 2008. I have wasted 3 stamps telling them and are still receiving notices. They just ignore any written correspondence sent to them.

Dolly of Murrieta CA (07/02/08)
I have been a RD customer since 1949 and have rec'd the magazine both at home and sent it as gifts to kids and grandkids. Many years ago, I also ordered the condensed books but stopped ordering them when they became so expensive. Also, I can buy them at the library stores for a quarter each. So why would I order them and pay 27.00 for them???? Well, I wouldn't! More importantly, I didn't.

They have billed me for months for 27.44 for a book I never ordered and never rec'd. Then, last week I rec'd another book. I immediately returned it unopened and marked 'Never ordered, not accepted'. Now, I have rec'd another bill adding 30.94 to the bill which now totals $58.38! I will never pay them a dime! I do not owe this money.

I won't ever take any of their books but I will continue the monthly magazine. I do still enjoy that and only once did they double bill me but I was finally able to get that straightened out. I no longer order gift subscriptions however because they always mess those up!! I wonder who does their hiring these days. The don't seem to have competent people working for them!!! Can you help me get this straightened out? They are threatening my credit and I have always protected my credit. It is my honor. Many thanks

David of Clinton WA (06/25/08)
Bill sent from Reader's Digest,did not order a subscription,did not receive magazine.It comes over and over again.

Kathie of Cleveland OH (06/25/08)
UPDATE: Thanks to this forum, I was able to get a phone number so that I could complain to a person and hopefully turn OFF the books and bills coming to my house. They did have to transfer me, however. Thank you for your help! Hope they stop!

Tammy of Island KY (06/25/08)
I'm getting a bill that I didn't sign-up for an would like to get my name off your mailing list.

Carol of Bath PA (06/24/08)
I entered a contest that cleary stated no purchase necessary. Before I knew it CD's were being shipped to my home quickly followed by bill. All CD's were returned but the bills continued to come, for months. After visiting your web site my husband made a call to their customer service number listed on the site. We were told the account is now cleared. It will be interesting to see if the bills stop.

John of Richfield MN (06/23/08)
I was given a one-year gift subscription to Reader's Digest magazine for Christmas, 2006. I did not read the magazine as I don't like it. I let it expire when it ran out the end of 2007. They continued to send the magazine and billed me for it and I kept sending it back as return to sender.

Finally I sent them an invoice with a note that I didn't subscribe to the magazine and I didn't want it nor was I paying for it. The magazines stopped coming but they are continuing to invoice me on a monthly basis with ever more intimidating statements like This account is gravely overdue. The facts are: 1. We dispatched three issues of your subscription to you . 2. Despite reminders, this account remains unpaid. ETC. The subscription was for one year and I did not request the three issues they sent to me this year. I am not going to pay them anything. They make it impossible to contact them by phone or email.

So far they have not done anything to damage my credit but if they do, I would want to sue them for a substatntial amount of money.

S of New Kensington PA (06/21/08)
I thought I was just getting a free issue in the mail to advertize the magazine since I was a previous subscriber years ago. I thought they wanted me back. A few days after the magazine came...so did a bill. I went to check on the website they listed about what was going on. The website was a fake.

Right now, I justed started to contact them. I am also looking for a nw job and its taking my time from that.It has caused me stress because now I have to make sure my name is clear when I apply for some Security Jobs that require good clean records.

Richard of Grove City PA (06/19/08)
I have a subscription to the Readers Digest magazine paid up to June of 2011. Sales people are constantly calling my house 2-3 times a week to get me to extend my subscription. The sales people have been asked time and time again to not call, but the request is not honored.

Susan of Manistee MI (06/18/08)
i ordered one cd and have been sent many more. I DO NOT WANT ANY MORE SENT TO ME. I have returned all but the elvis presley cd. Which i will be happy to pay for. The other cd boxes have been sent back return to sender

NOW THEY ARE SENDING ME A BILL FOR OVER 4 HUNDRED DOLLARS. And are wanting to send the bill to collection. I have been more than nice to send the items back with responses to please send no more. jUST BECAUSE I ORDER ONE THING DOES NOT MEAN I WANT THEM TO KEEP SENDING ME ANYTHING ELSE AND THEN TRYING TO GHARGE ME FOR IT. Of course there is no phone number to try and caLL THEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM. Iam not paying for something i do not order for to that i sent back return to sender when i got it.

I am also filing a complaint with the better business bureau. I will never recommend any one ever deal with readers digest again. I will however start telling every one of the horrible trouble i have with readers digest. I am so disappointed with this company, for the lack of communication as in no phone number to contact them.

Pat of Gilbert AZ (06/17/08)
I am all of a sudden getting an invoice for Reader's Digest. I believe I have already paid for the subscription, and when I got this invoice I attempted to call them to clarify this invoice. I cannot find a phone number for them. This is very irritating.

Katherine of Cleveland OH (06/15/08)
I, too, have received unsolicited books (2) before receiving a bill. nothing had a phone number on it, or any way to contact the organization. Just a place to make payment (once the second book arrived). This is ridiculous

Mary of Perrysburg NY (06/13/08)
They continue to send be delinqent bills saying I owe for a magazine I never ordered.I do not want my credit in shambles for something I never ordered. Please help. I'm tired of there harassing and scare tactics. I cannot even contact them for there's no number on these bills.

If they were a reputable magazine distributor you would think there would be a phone number. Apparently they don't want to talk to you-just scare you into paying for something you NEVER ORDERED. It's stressful for me to think that they could ruin my credit by putting this in a delinquent file after trying to rebuild my life.

Sue of Sarasota FL (06/12/08)
I have never requested Readers Digest. My home is in Canada and the US Post office does not forward magazines, ergo, I would never have ordered it.

John of Wset Seneca NY (06/12/08)
Sent me readers digest and invoice i did not order...i returned the book

may be put as past due on my credit rating

Bryan of Phoenix AZ (06/10/08)
RD sent a household items book and a seperate invoice for something I didn't order or even want. They probaly got my information from a internet sweepstakes ad to win a free car. I checked the account details that was on the invoice online and there was a second order for some other book also. Now I have to waste my time fixing the problem. They are trying to charge me 41.13USD. $17.60 first installment. I am going to throw away this book and the invoice.

Potential credit damagage from nonpayment. Any credit impact would have serious impact to my financial situation

Lisa of Philomath OR (06/10/08)
I am still getting bills for a book I sent back and also sent two checks to pay for. I have also sent numerous requests to be taken off thier mailing list and continue to get the mail. I don't know how to stop getting stuff. I absolutely REFUSE to send another payment for this.

Elverda of Kiowa CO (06/05/08)
I continually get bills for Reader's Digest. I sent a check on March 1, 2008 and my check was paid for by my bank on 3/17/2008. I will not pay for this magazine a second time. How do I stop the bills from coming?

Mariasophia of Los Alamitos CA (05/29/08)
I've requested several times for them to TAKE ME OFF THERE MAILING LIST since the 1st day, I returned their item to the post office in return the post office gave me a receipt of this action in which it cost more than the item. I've returned every envelope they send, stating return to sender and again requesting for them To take me off their mailing list and now there billing me with a past due bill of $10.00. The bill has no phone number so again I'm gonna have to write another letter stating I have'nt got there item and to take me off their MAILING LIST...HELP I'm not an ATM Machine to support their flaw so I can Protect my name. This has got to stop!

Their costing amounts money and stress I'm not excepting any items at all and I have been returned all and any envelopes to post office.

Vicki of Beardstown, IL (05/25/08)
Our magazine subscription ran out and we did not renew but the bills just keep right on coming. There is no phone number for us to call so we do not know where to call and cancel.

This has been going on for months and I am sick of it. We will never order Readers Digest again in our lifetime.

Rodney of Manteca CA (05/21/08)
they sent me a bill for $46.16 for a book i never ordered nor did i ever recieve. i spent a great deal of time and minutes on my cell phone to get their number which is not listed on their bill or website. after almost one hour of wasted minutes on my cell phone, i have to now wait for a return label, and since i live in an apartment, this package has to be picked up at my local post office which is all the way on the other side of town. then i was told that during a 30 day period following the return of the book, i have to keep contacting them until they recieve, locate, and process the return, to credit my account(which i never opened in the first place)and show a zero balance. what did i do to deserve this? I finally found their number on this site... go figure.

chargable minutes on my cell phone, time, gas to drive to post office, further wasted chargable minutes on cell phone due to follow up contacting.

Hendrik of Westwood, NJ (05/19/08)
I rec'd a free book in mail that I didn't order and now I'm getting bills for $41.68.

I did not order this and I don't want any more books or bills.

Judith of Bella Vista, AR (05/19/08)
I have been receiving a bill for a renewal to Reader's Digest. Having decided that I wasn't really reading it, I chose to le the subscription expire last September or October. So for 9 months I have been receiving increasingly nasty 'notices' that I have not paid this bill. Since I did not request the magazine and have not received it in this interum, I do not consider it any more than harrassment.

There is no phone # to call to try to resolve this.

Ann of Bend OR (05/17/08)
I have received Reader's Digest for years, but the last couple of years have been a nightmare. I get a yearly subscription and always pay in Dec. or Jan. for the year. But just like clockwork I get at least two more bills attached to the book saying I'm past due on my bill! I took a copy of the check they cashed, and sent a copy of the statement.

That's not all! Now they have sent out a past due bill for a subscription for Mind Stretchers Blue (a crossword book) that they said I ordered! They are demanding I pay by May 27, 2008 I DID NOT ORDER! Something needs to be done with this outfit! There was a e-mail address on the bill but no phone number! So I sent them my opinion of what I thought and told them to cancel my account and contact me as soon as possible - we'll see.

Victor of Stillman Valley IL (05/13/08)
I had been a customer of Readers Digest for over 50 years, purchasing Condensed Books since their inception along with occasional music and the magazine. In 2007 I decided to cancel the condensed books because of the cost and the realization that they have no value and in December of 2007 when the magazine was due for renewal I also canceled because of the cost and both ceased arriving. After a few letters from Readers Digest requesting me to renew, the notices were discarded in the wastebasket. Today I received a notice that I opened and discovered a past due invoice stating previous attempts to collect were ignored and showing an amount owed of $29.98, overdue by 8 months and immediate payment by May 24, 2008. I assumed, since I was no longer receiving the books or the magazine that no further action should be required on my part. I wonder what part of no these people don't understand?

I just don't appreciate receiving an overdue bill for something I never received or desired. I like to keep my credit rating in good shape, and I consider this very poor business practice, and I think it borders on harrassment.

Linda of Nokomis IL (05/12/08)
I am constantly billed for a subscription to Reader's Digest that I did not sign up for. They call it automatic renewal. I read RD for years, but will never subscribe again due to this practice. They do not provide a phone number to call. How can I rectify this situation?

Linda of Crane TX (05/10/08)
I read your complaints about individuals receiving bills for Readers Digest that they did not order. I received one this Friday May 9,08 and I never did order. I called them today Saturday and I just wanted you to know that they say they did cancel. So we will see.

Mary of Bossier City LA (05/09/08)
On 5/9/08 I recieved a BILL from Reader's Digest. I have never asked for a subscription. When I called customer service all the person wanted to do was ask me questions. Very frustrated I gave my name, address and told him I never asked for the magazine and to cancel the subscription.

Doyle of Weatherford OK (05/08/08)
I paid for a book, The Scarlet Pimpernel in January 2008, $29.56, they cashed the check in February. Now I keep getting bills and nasty letters about the bill. I have written several times, have sent front and back copies of the check, but to no avail. They act like they are not to be questioned, yet they won't even publish a phone number.

None, yet. I threatened them with legal action concerning harassment and today I got a letter from one Charles, who claims to be the Manager, Collections Department, but again, no phone number. I need help on this one. I even cancelled all my dealings with them, I wonder if they will acknowledge that.

Clarence of Beecher, IL (05/08/08)
I recieved my mail today, only to find a bill from EVERYDAY WITH RACHEAL RAY which is from reader's digest.

I did notorder this nor intend to pay for it. I am disabled and live on a very limited budget. I hate it when the BIG GUYS pray on the little guy.

Sue of Raleigh, NC (05/07/08)
I have to say that I liked reading their magazine(past tense). However, I just received a lovely FINAL REMINDER for payment on an account of which I had supposedly agreed to (and is now 3 months delinquent...and those past billings had been IGNORED by me).

I always pay my bills!!!!!

Michelle of Louisville, KY (05/07/08)
got a bill in my e-mail and at my house for 10.00 for subscription i have never purchased or recieved want this to stop

Barbara of Elmira NY (04/29/08)
I recieved a check in the mail worth 2,950.00 stating I had won the lottery; I called the number on the letter and this man told me to cash the check, and 1,900 would go toward taxes, to call him and he would tell me where to send the money for taxes. I know this is fraud, what should I do? Should I hold on to the check and send it to you or wha? Things like this should stop, how do we stop this?

No damage done yet, because I had done the right thing and contacted you.

Delores of Matteson IL (04/28/08)
On April 28, 2008, I received a bill for $10.00 from Readers Digest for a 12 issue subscription. I have never ordered or subscribed to Readers Digest Magazine. There is no telephone number on the statement, just the PO Box number to send a payment. I looked online for a telephone number. I called the number several times and received a message about high call volumns and to try later, then a automatic disconnect. Any help would be appreciated. Obviously, this is some sort of scam to con good people out of money.

I do not plan on paying this bill, however; I do not want my credit to get screwed up either.

Earline of Bryant AR (04/25/08)
Amount due &19.98 I did not renew this time and cannot seem to get this bill to be stopped. I would appreciate your assistance.

Steve of Orange CA (04/23/08)
I have received renewal notices of which I declined to renew. My subscription ran out last December 07, which was a gift in the first place. This past Monday, I received a Final Reminder and notice of Delinquent and previous attempts to collect were ignored by me? I did not sign an agreement for continuous renewal service and have not been told I needed to tell them to stop the subscription of the magazine?

They tell me I am three months late and the amount is $13.98. In December, to renew, the whole year was $10.00? I have tried to contact them, but to no avail and I have very good credit, but don't want this to blemish my credit rating? RD also indicates I have received advanced copies on my new term, but only two issues showed up and but now have stopped. There is some real serious problems with this outfit Reader's Digest. I am afraid if I pay the amount due, they will restart the subscrption which I do not want? What will it take to get through to this outfit?

Lena of Birmingham AL (04/22/08)
we did not order any books yet we got a package with no bill telephone # or why they were sending us the books. well a week later we rec. a bill for $27 I was furious and saw this site. found a nymber to call and resolved it immediately.

Michael of Webster NY (04/22/08)
4/21/08 Received a bill of $27.16 payable by May 07, 2008 to Reader's Digest. Called the 800 spoke with Anna. She indicated that sometime in Feb 2008 they sent me a gift book and they never heard from me so they decided that I wanted to subscribe to their book club. Anna said that I would be pleased with the book Blood River and to send the $.

After a long conversation, once I get the book I have to refuse shipment and once they get the book back then they will cancel the bill. I too was given an account number and never initiated any contact with this company. Very frustrating scam. Now I have to hope that I do receive a non ordered book to send it back in hopes to cancel this bogus bill.

Prem of Bangalore OTHER (04/21/08)
Subcribed Reader Digiset for one year 2007. I am not recieve my subcription properly.. From Dec 2007 to April 2007. copies not received to my address.

Lori of Killen AL (04/16/08)
I just received in the mail today a BILL in the amount of $26.49 for something from RD called Select Editions...Volume2-08 Bad Blood. I'm sure it's some condensed book....yet one that I NEVER received! Since there's no phone number to call on the bill, I get online and am able to check my 'account'...odd since I know I certainly did not OPEN an account for this book club whatever it is.

My account online said that I had ordered one book and another one had recently been shipped. I have NO books to show for this bill and they say my account is PAST DUE! This is SO illegal! Those of us that have been scammed by RD should get together and file a major lawsuit with them! How can they do this legally? How can they sign you up for something without your consent, bill you for it, and you have received NOTHING???? This is a SCAM. I am currently receiving the RD magazine in the mail but you can bet your life that I'll never renew with them again!

Norma of Homosassa FL (04/15/08)
Readers digest sent a book we did not order .they did not put a bill in the packadge.we had not ordered so naturally we thought a free book had arrived ,that we had not ordered. about a week later a bill arrived. we are not paying this bill .if they want it back they will have to instruct us and pay for the return.

We are old and live on social security,we cannot afford to pay for this book we had not ordered in the first place.

Bradley of Astoria NY (04/09/08)
Reader's Digest (hereafter 'RD') sent me a book of short stories-unsolicited-in February of this year (2008). I imagined that it was a bonus or promotion that I received as part of the subscription my father bought for me as a Christmas gift. I discarded the book (as an educator I receive many books unsolicited which I generally donate to charity). Six weeks later, I was sent a bill in the amount of $27.61 for this book.

Most bizarre, this bill included an account number. I have never entered into any kind of contract, agreement or covenant with RD. I have never sent them an order form or letter. They never received a single piece of correspondence from me until I sent an email to their customer service department (linked to the main RD website) asking for the bill and the account to be cancelled. I am awaiting a response.

Betty of Seattle WA (04/06/08)
I ordere a subscription to Reader's Digest. I wrote a check for $10 on 12/3/07 (check #3299). According to my bank records, that check was cashed by Reader's Digest on 12/11/07. I started receiving my subscription. However, I also started receiving invoices claiming that I had not paid and that I still had a balance of $10. There is no way to contact the billing department and straighten things out. I am now getting threatened with Final Reminders.

So far they have not sent this to collections or damaged my credit, but I want to resolve this before that happens!

Daniel of Ogden UT (04/05/08)
I ordered a subscription for $10.00 and paid it. Kept sending me a past due notice. Now they sent me a book that said free gift, now I'm getting a bill for $27.12. I read the complaints about Readers Digest doing the same thing to others, so I'm reporting this before it gets out of hand.

Carla of Pacifica CA (04/03/08)
I have been getting books I never ordered and sending them back, though not able to find phone numbers, or a business name. Now, I received Everyday with Rachel Ray and in the fine print on the bill they sent me, it says Readers Digest. I never ordered from these people and I want this stopped. Of all the damn nerve...sending me a bill and THEN sending me the thing I never ordered.

I'm afraid of an unpaid bill getting reported to a credit bureau. This plain is not right and is criminal.

Teresa of Astoria NY (04/03/08)
My husband was sent an issue of Reader's Digest which we had never ordered before. Now we continue to receive bills telling us to pay for our subscription. It doesn't tell you how to cancel. There's no telephone or email address. Just the stub to send in to pay the bill.

Claudia of Manhattan IL (03/30/08)
I received an invitation from Readers Digest to subscribe for one year in August of 2007. I received a bill in Sept of 2007 for $10.00 and promptly paid it. As of now, the end of Mar 2008, Readers Digest has continued to bill me for the original $10.00. There is no phone number or e-mail address to contact their billing dept.. I'm dismayed that this company that has been in business for so long is operating as it is. Today I wrote them a note requesting them to cancel my account and to return my un-earned money to me.

Just irritated

Cynthia of Charlotte NC (03/30/08)
I received a magazine from Reader's Digest and a few days later, received a bill. Have no idea where this comes from but, I'm not paying or nor am I interested in the subscription. This is absolutely ridciulous, once I read all the complaints with Reader's Digest and thought it was pretty good magazine, now I'm having to think twice. Good luck with getting someone else...not me and I hope that that someone else calls you out on this ridiculous behavior. I will be calling the 800 # first thing tomorrow morning.

And to think they put no contact information on the invoice...no wonder!

Donna of Quincy IL (03/26/08)
Last year I did not renew my subscription. I no longer wanted to receive the magazine. I received what looked like an overdue bill stating the following: The second issue of your Readers Digest subscription renewal has recently been sent to you. Our records show that your payment has not yet been received. But we feel certain that this is just an oversight on your part. Please settle your account today so that we can mark your account paid.

I thought maybe I renewed and just didn't remember. I have excellent credit which is very important to me so I went ahead and paid it. This year when I got a renewal order in the mail I DID NOT RENEW. Today 3/26/08 I received another Reminder Bill stating the same thing I quoted above. It appears to me a underhanded way to sell magazine subscriptions.

The only damage was a tiny amount of the renewal price. I don't think a company should be allowed to send out fake overdue bills to get people to buy something they don't want.

Carmen of Lansing MI (03/23/08)
I ordered a Christmas tape and that was all I wanted. They have sent other tapes and I have returned them and do not want them. Yet they keep sending me bills and I refuse to pay for something that I do not have. I am going to have my son file with the Attorney General Office of Consumers Affairs of Michigan. My daughter has returned the tapes by going to the Post Office, being shipped directly from there.

They have threaten to send this to a collection agency.

Harold of Manassas Park VA (03/23/08)
I am being billed for a reader's digest subscription which I did not order nor I have received any magazines. My subscription expired in the Fall of 2007. I am being threated with late payments request. I would appreciate if someone could stop this action.

At this point in time no damage unless they report it to the credit bureau for lack of payment.

Lucille of Wilmington NC (03/23/08)
They are using our Florida address, We are in Florida only Jan, Feb, and Mar. We have missed lots of months.

Ted of Stanfield OR (03/17/08)
I received a bill for 12 issues of reader's digest that was never ordered by my wife or myself. I wrote letters with copies (kept original) to the 2 addresses that I found on the billing. I asked for a reply as this took place on 03-17-08.

Timothy of Buckley WA (03/14/08)
Like everyone else I have recieved a magazine and 2 bills now. I have never ordered nor do I want to subscribe to this magazine.

Deb of Bronx NY (03/14/08)
I started receiving magazines, and then received the 10 dollar renewal bill like everyone else. I never signed up for a subscription as far as I know. They say I signed up online somehow. Very sneaky that RD. I called customer service and cancelled my subscription, I asked for a confirmation number and she said they don't have those. I would just have to trust her and know that it was being cancelled.

Bonnie of Hughesville MD (03/12/08)
My father who is 85 years old and lives with me showed me a bill that he says Reader's Digest keeps sending him. The bill shows the amount he owes for a subscription renewal. My dad told me that he did not renew it. I emailed Reader's Digest, and I was told that he did agree to these auto-renewal terms at some point. The email went on to explain all the benefits of this auto-renewal, but to me it just sounds like a Con Job diguised as a great service to our readers!

I would like to refer this incident to those nice employees at Reader's Digest who so politely pointed out that it is the consumer's responsibility to investigate everything thoroughly. Well, that sure sounds good, but hey, it ain't working. Sounds like someone at this company (maybe the overpaid CEO's) need to come up with a better plan, because this plan is not effective. It is not working!

So blame the customers, sure--takes the heat off all the dysfunctioning employees at Reader's Digest--the ones who designed this poor plan or should we say: the crafty hoodwinker's who came up with this clever idea to confuse customers into renewing a subscription they may not want. Well, I nor anyone in my family will EVER read Reader's Digest again!

John of Oakland CA (03/10/08)
First, I received a magazine in the mail from Reader's Digest. Then, I received a bill. I sent the bill back and wrote on it that I never ordered this magazine. Then I received a reminder bill!

Doris of Twin Falls ID (03/05/08)
I am receiving bills, but my present subscription is a gift. Please stop sending bills.

Readers of Williamsport PA (03/04/08)
I work for Readers Digest customer service, and quite frankly, this is all absurd. Customers don't realize what they are signing up for, but it is not our responsibility if they choose to not read the fine print. RD has very great customer service relations, and if people are complaining about not having a phone number, maybe they should check within the first 20 pages of the magazine. Also, when you call to complain to us, keep the cussing and the people threats to yourself, because it's annoying and disrespectful. They train us well to handle every situation, and the second the words "I did not order this" comes out of your mouth, we will either send you a postage paid return label, or clear the charge. Also, if you claim to pay and we don't credit the account, we simply ask for the date your bank account or credit card was charged and make an adjustment. If you said "I sent that back", we will clear the charge without requiring proof. You tell me another company that takes the word of the customer like we do! Readers Digest is doing nothing illegal, or we wouldn't still be in business!

Jerry of Dewitt MI (03/04/08)
I ordered Reader's Digest for one year, but after the year we kept getting the magazine and kept getting a bill. We tried to get a hold of them to cancel but could not. This happened two years in a row; by this time we were not even looking at the magazine anymore. The third year the same thing, then my wife investigated and found out we were getting bills stating we were overdue, and free gifts with early subscriptions. Got a bill stating we owed $17.98 because this was a continuous renewal, which we never saw before. They sent us 3 magazines, then stopped sending but continued to send the delinquent bill. We finally sent in a payment and told them to cancel our subscription. We never want to get their magazine or any product from them again. I am sure we have not heard the end of this. This is a bad organization!

Lorraine of Latrobe PA (03/03/08)
I have just received a bill for $10.00 from Readers Digest for a subscription that was not ordered. After reading a myriad of other complaints on your website, I was sure a scam is being unleashed on the consumer. I need a phone number since there is not one on the bill and the customer service department is not in the least bit helpful on-line. Please help stop this fraud and show RD for what it is.

I just sent the bill back saying I did not subscribe but am not sure that may work. Of course I am worried about credit rating.

John of York PA (02/27/08)
I got an invoice that said I agreed to continuous renewal. They invoice just about every month but never tell you when the subscription is ending. They claim the info is on the address label. They do not dispute that it is not on the invoice. They claim they will send me the documents showing my agreement to continuous renewal. We will see.

Mercedes of Nepean OTHER (02/27/08)
I previously worked for Reader's Digest. They send out bills for products that aren't ordered. How they get your name in the first place is when you play sweepstakes. They try and send you a free mag in order to capture your interest, then if you do not reply after a certain amount of time, you receive a bill. It's dumb how they've got it set up. If you receive products not ordered, call them and let them know. You are not required to return magazines, but books are required to be returned. You may call to cancel at any time. RD would usually do anything to avoid the loss of a customer. They are snakes, and I am happy that I no longer work for such a place. Don't play sweepstakes, don't even bother with them unless you actually want the magazine. If you want the magazine and you order it yourself, they will provide most excellent service. However, if you play their games but do not order anything...that will not be the case. Use your better judgment, and if they send you any documents make sure you read all of the fine print because that is where they get you. As a customer, it is your responsibility to know what you are getting yourself into.

I know the RD phone number is impossible to find, so here is the Reader's Digest Canada #: 1-800-465-0780

Toni of Santa Maria CA (02/26/08)
I paid my bill in January and am still getting dunned for it. Also at one point in time, the expiration date was Sept/10. Now it reads '09. When I called the number I got off my bill, I was told that they assume I'll renew and that was why it was '09. What happened to the other year? These people really need to be investigated. Can you imagine how many times that a confused person might pay the same bill!

Nothing but sheer frustration!! I'm sending them a copy of my cancelled check and hope this will get them off my back.

Janine of Anchorage AK (02/25/08)
I subscribed for 2 years, and chose not to respond to their bi-monthly renewal OFFERS, and offers of FREE gift subscriptions for friends and family. I think they use the people we list for a free year subscription, and then send them bills and harass them instead. Gee, THANKS A LOT. After about 4 months of throwing away renewal offers, I received threatening bills stating that I had subscribed to a continual renewal (so why would they send so many OFFERS of renewal then?) So they say my account is delinquent and ignored by my family. What a joke. I hope someone does something about this. I am going to proceed with a written complaint, and refusal to pay, and perhaps send them a copy of this list of complaints, which is more like a book.

Robert of Bristol CT (02/23/08)
I am writing concerning the same issues on your website regarding Readers Digest. Someone needs to look into their billing practices. There is no number to get a hold of them. I found the numbers on your site, and the customer care was awful. I feel sorry for the elderly who get confused easily.

Lynda of Dothan AL (02/22/08)
I have not ordered Readers Digest but keep getting bills.

Kim of Salem MA (02/22/08)
I, too, have started receiving Readers Digest that I NEVER ordered. I received a bill but no phone number is included on the bill. I tried to Google the phone number, and there is no phone number on the internet either. I wrote them to stop sending me the magazine, and instead they send me an email stating what a valued customer I am! Again, there is no phone number, and I could not respond to the email.

This will affect my credit. I will not pay a bill for something I never ordered.

Charles of Mokena IL (02/22/08)
I did not renew my subscription with Readers Digest. They have sent three issues I have not asked for.

They are threatening to turn this matter over to a collection agency if I don't pay now.

Larry of Florham Park NJ (02/22/08)
I took advantage of an offer in November to extend my subscription for one year and get four free. Now I get a bill to renew March '08 and am told offer was for one gift subscription--NOT my own. They are unable to fax me the ad so I can see the fine print. Ad was misleading, deceptive and so far beneath Reader's Digest's former reputation for integrity that it's hard for me to believe it.

Paid $17.98 for a year extension as Preferred Subscriber that I am not getting.

Elaine of Eastonj PA (02/21/08)
I received a copy of Reader's Digest Condensed Books and paid for this issue. A 2nd copy came, and I returned it and canceled my subscription. Then a 3rd copy came, and I returned it and again notified them that I was canceling the subscription. I have not received credit for the return and keep getting bills and notification that I will be charged an additional $1.75. The bill was to be paid two days before I received it. I sent an e-mail but got no response.

Terry of Bloomington IL (02/12/08)
I ordered one condensed book and paid for it. More came. I returned them unopened. When bills came, I returned them with canceled written across. I have also written asking to cancel. They are also sending the monthly/bimonthly magazine, which I never ordered. I keep sending them back and keep getting more. I just received another Notice of Delinquency with the threat that they will take additional steps to recover the debt. No phone number is available. The instructions on the back indicate to write to them. That doesn't do any good.

With my present job, any adverse action such as garnishments or liens must be reported to FINRA (formerly NASD). This has the potential for suspension of my producers licenses, which would therefore cause me to take a leave from work until it is resolved. This is unacceptable. I am tired of being the patsy for companies operating like this. I have always been so afraid of them taking the steps that I pay what they want. But it doesn't end there. I need this to stop. They need to acknowledge what I have sent back, what I have already paid, and that I do not want any of it.

Maria of Englewood FL (02/12/08)
I have been a subscriber to Reader's Digest for a few years. Last month (Jan/2008), I received a 'free' issue (which, as a subscriber, I already had). This free issue came with a Welcome to the family greeting, and also Thank you for your order accompanied, of course, by a bill. Like most of the people who tried to contact them on the net, I didn't find a way to write to their Customer Care service. Now it's February and I just received 2 issues: one for my actual subscription and the 'unwelcomed' extra issue.

Peggy of Raleigh NC (02/12/08)
I have received bill after bill for Reader's Digest - and I've written on the bill that I paid for my subscription on Sept.15,2007 with check #___ for $9.98. The bill is for $13.98. They ignore my reply and send another bill. I would like to cancel any order for Reader's Digest and ask them to stop bugging me. They haven't sent a magazine in months so I don't understand what they want me to pay for at this point.

Francine of Bonny Lake WA (02/11/08)
Readers Digest sent me a book which I didn't order for $29.95. Recently they have sent me another book in the mail, then a couple days ago they sent me two letters warning me about attacking my credit if I don't pay! I will never order anything from them again.

Francine of Bonny Lake WA (02/11/08)
Readers Digest sent me a book which I didn't order for $29.95. Recently they have sent me another book in the mail, then a couple days ago they sent me two letters warning me about attacking my credit if I don't pay! I will never order anything from them again.

Janet of Aptos CA (02/11/08)
Ordered a Reader's Digest subscription and paid for it online the minute I got the bill. Then I started getting bills for a gift subscription that I never ordered. I have now written 5 times with no response. Maybe a class action law suit is the next thing. I am furious that I keep receiving these bills.

Stress, time away from work to write letters, postal fees, etc.

William of Fredericksburg VA (02/09/08)
I have gotten repeated bills for something called, Worlds Most Beautiful Melodies. I did not order this and would appreciate if the bills would stop coming. I will probably never do business with them again. I have sent bills back with DID NOT ORDER written on them. They must ignore these.

Sherman, of South Ohio, Yarmouth Co. OTHER (02/08/08)
My mother recently moved into a Seniors home, and my brother has been given Power of Attorney to handle her affairs. The most outstanding and obvious was the incredibly large bill that had accrued with Readers Digest and Readers Select, an off shoot of their company. Harlequin books were also part of this. My complaint is this: Over the last year or two, mom lived alone and we thought handled her financial affairs in a timely manner. Well obviously that wasn't so. She had been having mini strokes, and enormous bills have been accumulating. I guess my point is, although she was making small payments whenever she had the awareness of mind to make them, many items weren't being paid for, and the bill was allowed to grow and grow. I know these companies want to sell, sell sell, but when an account for books reaches say $500.00, it's obvious that the account isn't being kept up to date. Why wouldn't they cut things off sooner? The enticement as well to accept free gifts with orders and to qualify for sweepstakes is simply wrong!

My mother isn't the only one who has gotten into this situation. I know of other elderly people who continue to receive these books and packages from Readers Digest. I believe they are being taken advantage of. They are being kept in business by the naivete of seniors--many living alone who love to receive mail, look forward to promises of this and that.. All many of them have is their Old Age Pension or Security and they're spending hundreds of dollars on books and merchandise they don't really need; and the companies are allowing it to escalate.

One other point: these companies do not communicate within, so you can end up talking with a dozen different people at different numbers, and addresses. Bills and threatening letters continue to come even after you've spoken with parties to resolve the matters. My mother has racked up bills for merchandise far beyond what she is capable of paying. She has no means with which to repay, and she is being threatened by collection.

David of Myrtle Beach SC (02/08/08)
They sent me a BILL for $10 for a subscription I never ordered! I can`t even find the phone number to call them and tell them I never ordered it.

What a terrible company! I was severely panicked that someone had stolen my ID and didn`t know what to do. I was in a panic and almost passed out! I finally found this website with a phone number but they`re closed, so I have to wait to call. I can`t sleep and it`s got me TERRIBLY upset!

Kay of Seattle WA (02/06/08)
I received an invoice from Readers Digest for a magazine that I never ordered. I have returned every invoice with a note on it saying I have never ordered this magazine and take me off your mailing list. I have received 3 invoices to date and each one was sent back with this note. I finally found a phone number to call and spoke to someone named Rob (no last name) and I told him to stop sending me these invoices. I hope this will stop them.

No damages expect stress about not having this affect my credit report

Stephanie of Peoria AZ (02/05/08)
My subscription ran out December of 2007. I never renewed it, however, in January of 2008 I received a magazine with a renewal bill. Since there was no phone number listed I wrote a letter telling them to get my name off the list. In February I received another bill. This time I searched for the phone number online and found this website. THANK YOU for the number and now that I know what others are going through I am mad! So I called and gave them my concerns and I was given a name, employee number and a cancellation number. However, I fully expect to receive another bill next month and I will not take this! If I have to I will seek out a tort lawyer.

Thuy of Wilson NC (02/02/08)
Last week, in the mail, I received a readers digest bill. I had never ordered any and never will. I ignored it and they sent me another bill. There is no phone number, e-mail address, or any way to contact them. Readers digest is a big scam. My credit score is excellent, and I don't want it to be ruined because someone wants to send me something I didn't order.

Jurgen of Lancaster SC (02/02/08)
I received a bill for $10 but I did not order Books or any other thing from reader's digest.

Andrea of Atlanta GA (01/29/08)
I received a bill in the mail for $42.07 for something that I did not order from Reader's Digest, I guess it must be a book or magazine. I actually got them on the phone. They told me that they can suspend my subscription for 30 days. I did not receive anything from them. I don't understand why such fraudulent acts are allowed to continue.

Samuel of Snellville GA (01/28/08)
I have never been a fan of Reader's Digest nor will be in the future. I have started receiving bills from Reader's Digest in the amount of $15.00. I called and explained the problem. The customer service personnel I spoke with advised that they are aware of this issue, and the order to the subscription under my name took place on line. She has also confirmed that it is not the company's interest to be involved in such a scam, but she failed to point out that the company is currently not making any effort to resolve the problem.

I am very much concerned about identity theft, and such companies like Reader's Digest are not in a position to protect themselves from this kind of scam. The problem points directly at the company itself.

Amber of Lancaster CA (01/25/08)
I received 3 of the same Reader's Digest magazines that I never ordered.

Valerie of Englewood NJ (01/22/08)
I ordered a 12-month Reader's Digest subscription in the amount of $10.00, as advertised, in September 2007 and wrote a check for same, dated September 20, 2007. My bank account indicates that my check was processed on September 26, 2007. Although I am receiving magazines on a monthly basis, I am also receiving past due notices. I am very concerned as to how this might affect my credit.

Lana of Carson City NV (01/20/08)
I subscribed and paid for a 12 month subscription for $13.98 as of 05/2007. This was a 'renewal' subscription which I was led to believe would not increase in price. I have received numerous renewal bills since that time which I have ignored because my subscription was not up yet. However, I have just received a bill in the mail as of 01/2008 saying that my subscription is up, and I owe $15.98. Under this continuous renewal service, each year they continue our subscription unless we tell them to stop.

Due to the increase in price, I have sent back one of the bills saying PLEASE CANCEL, but am still receiving 'FINAL REMINDERS'. I no longer wish to subscribe to this magazine--and like every other reputable magazine, if my yearly subscription is over and I have not paid for renewal, they should take the hint and stop sending me reminders. One question: if I renewed in 05/2007 for 12 months, how is my subscription up 7 months later?

Karmen of Hatillo OTHER (01/13/08)
I received a Reminder Bill for $10.00 dollars, for a subscription I never requested. That I remember, I did not request, or I have never received any magazine. I want to unsubscribe.

Elaine of Mustang OK (01/11/08)
I did not order this merchandise from Readers Digest, as I am a nursing student and do not have free time to do anything but study nursing subjects. I, therefore, do not intend to pay for anything for which I did not order.

Stuart of Farmington CT (01/11/08)
In October 2007 I sent for and received a book from Readers Digest from an advertisement that said I could either receive more books periodically or cancel my subscription within 30 days. If I canceled I could keep the book. I wrote to them canceling the subscription because the book they sent was not to my liking, and I put the book into recycling. I then received a second book and a bill. I wrote and told them that I had canceled the subscription. They wrote back, asking that I return the book. I asked for a return prepaid authorization, received it and returned the book. On January 11, 2008, I received a dunning letter from Readers Digest for the original book. I do not intend to pay this now or ever, and if they cause any damage to my credit score I will have to sue them in federal court.

So far, I've had no damages other than annoyance. I have read about 50 other complaints on your website about similar complaints about this vile company.

Gail of Bainbridge GA (01/11/08)
They have sent me many notices about my account being past due - delinquent--and that I can prevent being turned over to the collection agency if I pay. WELL, I've paid. I sent a check to them on 12/17/07, and as of today 1/11/08, they're still sending me notices. The notice I received today is dated 1/1/08.

PLEASE get these people out of business if they're going to continue this junk. I looked up how to contact RD; they don't won't to be contacted obviously since they don't have a phone number. Isn't that ridiculous after all the years that people - even like me have supported them? Now I don't want any part of them.

Bd of Boise ID (01/09/08)
We received yet another false bill from Reader's Digest. It stated: Recently we wrote to remind you that your Reader's Digest subscription would continue under our Continuous Renewel Service unless we heard from you otherwise. As promised we have sent the attached bill that reflects your guaranteed Preferred Subscriber Discount of 49% off the annual cover price. Prompt Payment Bonus-Pay your bill today and give a gift subscription free. (See enclosed Certificate) We were never sent a Continuous Renewel Service letter. In May of 2007 we had received a bill from Reader's Digest for a subscription that we had not agreed to. This bill claimed that we would be sent to collections if we did not pay it. I paid for the subscription thinking it was a bill that we had not paid previously. I also asked Reader's Digest to cancel our service and that we would no longer be ordering anything from them. A few days later we started receiving their magazine. I then knew that they had scammed us.

We paid for the above subscription thinking that we had to. The amount was for $15.98.

Mike of Independence KS (01/08/08)
i never have agreed to get magazines from them and I'm getting this bill for 10 dollars at my old address and I am not getting magazine and don't want any. I just want this to go away.

Sydna of Port Charlotte FL (01/07/08)
Payment was overdue. Online charged me twice the bill I received in the mail. Thinking maybe it was correct and the bill in the mail wasn't correct I paid $99.47 and cancelled their services. I received an email that payment had been made and it was deducted from my online checking account. Today it was AGAIN deducted from my checking account so now Reader's Digest has illegally collected $198.94 from me. the bill I had initially received in the mail, from their collection agency was $44.47.

Daniel of Prescott AZ (01/04/08)
Here is a copy of a letter I sent to Reader's Digest. They said I could get in touch with them through www.readersdigest.com which came back as undeliverable. They are threatening to turn us over to collections.

"This is our THIRD response to your negative and threatening letters. We DID NOT order any books from you, nor have we ever received any books from you. Please send me a receipt and tracking number verifying the delivery of the book, World's Best Reading. We have been receiving Reader's Digest for over 58 years and because of these harassing letters, have cancelled our subscription. We DO NOT owe you money nor have we ever consented to a book subscription. I am also forwarding this letter to the Department of Consumer affairs. Please clear this bill immediately or send proof of shipment and receipt of shipment."

This is possibly affecting our excellent credit rating.

Kristina of Lynchburg VA (01/03/08)
My husband received two shipments for Select Editions through Reader's Digest, neither of which we ever ordered. We would never join this program. It is just not a product we would read. We disposed of them, as we never ordered them. I then got an invoice for both @ $26.78 each! I sent the invoice back inscribed with a note that we didn't order anything, we won't pay, and please cancel the subscription. We then received a cancellation notice, and it showed they credited one $26.78 amount back, but we still owed for the other one. I said I don't think so and called Reader's Digest personally. Their website is hard to naviate, but you can find their toll free # by clicking on Customer Care, then under the heading Magazines click on Billing. You can then click on the Toll Free # link. This is for their magazine. It's 800.304.2807. But since my issue was with Select Editions, I was transferred to 800.463.8820.

Once I waited 20 mins and someone finally came on the phone, I let her know I would not be paying for something I didn't order. She then said they would zero out my balance and we'd owe nothing, and to keep the books as a free gift. Interesting, that's what the outside of the box said that the books came in. It's a total marketing ploy. They know that a certain percentage of people will do just what we did, call and complain. For those, they make the bills go away. But another certain percentage will think they did order it at some time, even though they don't remember it, and will pay the bill. The final group will be those who actually like the books or magazine, and subscribe to it. It's wrong, and it's probably illegal. But they weren't going to take advantage of this gal and her hubby!

Time involved with having to correct their problem. My time is money. Fortunately, no monetary requirements came into play.

Roberta of Salem OR (12/31/07)
I am receiving bills under two different numbers. I've asked Readers Digest to consolidate the two subscriptions. I keep getting bills under two accounts asking for renewal. I paid $13.98 on June 5. Please advise.

Steven of San Diego CA (12/31/07)
I received a book in the mail with no information. About a week later they sent a bill for $41.96 for an awful diet book that I never ordered or read. I had to search online for a phone number because they didn't want to hear what I had to say. I always thought of them as a reputable company, but now they seem like one of the dirtiest companies out there.

Lila of Searcy AR (12/31/07)
We also have subscribed to Readers Digest for 30-plus years. The last few years we have had nothing but trouble. We always have some kind of billing problem. This time last year (2006) they offered the discount gift subscription, with discount rate offered to us for buying the gift subscriptions. They started sending us a bill way before it was time to renew. Someone even called at our house asking about renewing the gift subscriptions! My Mom had passed away since last year, and now I am now longer working due to health, so we really can't afford them. The guy on the phone was very nice and said he would take care of it.

Well, lo and behold, today I got a bill for just our subscription for $24.98! They have tried for the last several years to get that price out of us! I always tell them when they call that it is too high for their magazine, then guess what, they offer it for $9.98! Well, I say if they can offer it for that, then that is what it should be to everyone, and not just because you complain! Unless we get an incredible change of heart we won't be subscribing to Readers Digest again!

Diana of Palmyra TN (12/30/07)
I keep getting a bill from Reader's Digest saying that I ordered something called, Autumn Blue. I have no idea what this is and I did not order it. I did subscribe to the magazine, but no more. There is no phone number for me to notify customer service. I did send a note on the first bill, but now I am getting a bill threatening to turn me over to collections.

I do not want this to damage my credit rating.

Tysheena of Ypsilanti MI (12/26/07)
Received a letter stating I had won an $80,000 cash prize and needed to contact Brian Miller at 1-204-952-2741 to activate my file. Enclosed was a check for $2,940.67 from the Prize Award Financial Account Department to assist me in financing my international clearance fees to process my prize. When trying to call the telephone number supplied, a message said the call was unavailable at the moment and to try again later. There was also a number listed to call for complaints: 1-204-951-1261. That number worked; however; it was a voicemail line that stated there was no more room to record new messages.

I have not attempted to cash the check but have been trying to contact my so called agent by phone.

Rob of Winnipeg OTHER (12/24/07)
I was offered 2 complimentary gifts CD's . I was asked to chose which CD's I wanted as a thank you for my subscription. Time passed, and I received my CD's; there was no invoice or bill attached. One week later I was billed $155 for the "gifts". They charged over $70 for each CD that you can buy in a store for $15. I contacted them and was told to send them back. I sent them guaranteed delivery, paying the extra for insurance and all as I am sure this will not go smoothly.

Waiting to see. Canceled existing subscription and waiting for reimbursement and reversal of billing

Hildegard of Sugar Grove VA (12/19/07)
By post card I was offered a free book. I received it. Now they are sending me a bill for $26.74 on what is some account and they are threatening legal action if I do not pay for a free book. I want to just cancel.

If they proceed with legal action, I shall be tempted to return with legal action for millions of dollars for illegal action against me!

Eleanora of Hamilton OH (12/19/07)
I have not subscribed to Reader's Digest for several years so I do not understand why they would send me a bill. I did pay for it at the time I was subscribing.

Curt of Clackamas OR (12/19/07)
We renewed a subscription under my wife's name, Rosemary, for $10.00 In August, 2007. We have received a past due notice every month, with the last bill dated December 29, 2007 marked Final Reminder. There was never any phone number listed anyplace on the bill, so in the past we would return the bill with a letter saying that bill had been paid. After receiving this Dec. 29th bill,

I found a Customer Service number of 800-304-2807. I was told that my subscription was indeed paid up, and the bills that we have been receiving were not bills, but a marketing letter. This is extremely irritating, because there is nowhere on the bill that indicates that it is anything but an actual bill, with a return envelope enclosed. I have found through this website, that the address on the bills we received is not the actual address of Reader's Digest.

I am very disturbed that an old, formerly respected magazine would resort to such scummy tactics and rip off unsuspecting honest people that pay their bills when due. While we never suffered economic damage from this, we were fearful that our credit rating would be damaged. These people should be given a cease and desist order, and made to send an apology to their long time customers.

Diane of Oregon City OR (12/18/07)
I received a bill with no phone number and no address to return the bill too. I did not order a Reader's Digest Magazine. There is no phone # to try and call or reach someone.

Wanda of Panama City FL (12/16/07)
I received a bill for a subscription I did not renew. They even called my home and asked me to renew and I told them I was not interested. I could not find a telephone number on the statement to call about the bill.

None so far, just concerned about them taking action.

Dwight of Jamaica NY (12/14/07)
I have received a bill from Reader's Digest for $27.64 for a book that I did not order or receive. I have always returned their unsolicited merchandise. The last bill that I got was from their Collection's Agency. What can I do?

Since this is from their collections agency, it might have been reported to the credit bureau, which will damage my credit history (one that is already not the best!)

Barbara of Pompton Plains NJ (12/09/07)
I have received a bill for $57.96 for a subscription I did not order for myself and my son. I called months ago about when his subscription expired and was told that he was paid up until 2012. I also understood mine was paid up but not for that long. So I know I never ordered this product. I have been giving him it for a gift at Xmas for years but evidently, somewhere, the orders were placed by us both so we had no reason to resubscribe. And I can't find an 800 number to contact Reader's Digest anyways. 

Kristin of Clinton Twp MI (12/08/07)
I received an issue of "Everyday with Rachael Ray" in the mail. I never ordered it, nor would I order it. I don't spend my hard-earned money on magazine subscriptions! Two days later I received a bill for a subscription I never ordered. Of course, when I tried to phone them and find out how they received my personal info, no phone number was to be found. This is so ridiculous! I've read about 100's of other complaints from other people who have been victims of this company. Why is no one doing anything about this?

I plan on contacting this company on Monday, and we'll see how this is handled. Currently, they say I owe them $15.00, and I'm not paying for a subscription I did NOT order! They need to be reprimanded or fined for their irresponsible business practices.

Peir of bothell WA (12/07/07)
I have received a delinquent bill from Reader's Digest, asking me to pay about twice what I used to pay, like $10 for a year. Unfortunately, I was too busy to track what I have done. But, I know I always only buy things for the right price. After I read the complaints then I realized what they have done in the past. Yes, I have respected them as a good old USA company. But, no more. I'd tell my friends not to get anything from the Reader's Digest.

I was afraid they will send me to a collection agency. So, I paid them whatever they asked for. If they do the same trick again, I am prepared.

Mary of Oxford NC (12/03/07)
I ordered a subscription from Reader's Digest back in September for $10.00, which was paid, and yet here it is almost 2008, and they are billing me for it still. Several bills have been sent to me. I even have verification that the check was cashed. Now the current billing statement that they sent is for a magazine subscription renewal for 10.00. Now if I had not been keeping up with my business, then I would have paid for 12 more issues that I do not desire. The tactics that are being used today are incredulous. Lastly, if anyone wants to express their grieviances to these folk, then go to http://www.rd.com/customercarecenter/.

Hal of Milwaukee WI (11/29/07)
When my wife renewed her subscription to READER'S DIGEST, she also took advantage of a special offer of a Free Gift Subscription for her mother. Soon after, her mother received what looked like a bill for 74.88, marked new order renewal form. In very very small print at the bottom, it said not a bill, but it sure looked like one, and her mother thought they were asking for money.

The address was NOT Readers Digest but PBM 749, 1350 E Flamingo Rd Ste 138 Las Vegas NV 89119-5270. Apparently this is a subscription/collection service. We tried the phone number on the document (1-888-301-3483) but got a recorded message saying their phone-mail was full and could not accept any more messages. Then a curt goodbye and a hang-up. Like the other complainants regarding Reader's Digest, we could find no phone or e-mail number on the original order or their website. Only by going to your site were able to get a number and call about this problem--and to cancel both subscriptions. If it wasn't a bill, why was it sent? And why to my wife's mother's address instead of ours? Sounds like someone is releasing private information to the wrong people!

We cancelled both subscriptions. When we finally got hold of Readers Digest customer service, the person said they had nothing to do with the collection agency that sent the letter to my wife's mother, and tried to blow us off. Hopefully he was telling the truth when he said we would receive no further magazines or letters from anyone.

Terry of Columbus GA (11/25/07)
I received a invoice for $10.00 on a subscription that I did not order and do not want. There is no phone number listed to be able to dispute this bill. This is unbelievable. I always thought Reader's Digest was an outstanding company but it is plan to see they too are just in it for money and not the Readers.

Diane of Hayward CA (11/19/07)
I will billed for a renewal to my subcription on November. 6th that I did not order. The renewal notice even went to far as to say that I had recieved my first issue of the renewal when my subscription does not even expire until December of this year.

If they do not cancel this renewal notice I could be sent to collections for this debt.

June of Gilbert, AZ (11/18/07)
I returned "Foods that Harm and Foods that Heal" because I already had purchased the book previously from Reader's Digest. I did not discover this until after I paid for the second copy. I have not heard nor received a credit on my account. I also have been unable to find how to even communicate with their billing department. Help!

Terry of Mansfield, Pa PA (11/15/07)
I have been billed for a Readers Digest magazine renewal that I never signed up for and/or never agreed to. One would think that if a renewal form arrives, and payment is not sent, then the person no longer wants to continue with the subscription. They contend that three issues were sent, and now we owe for them; if they wanted to send three issues then that was their decision, but I had no part of it.

Received notice that the account is gravely overdue.

Frank of Epping NH (11/05/07)
I received a Readers Digest bill that said seriously overdue for an item that I already paid for. I was supposed to receive one free gift subscription, which the recipient has never received. I feel I paid two bills because of the seriously overdue notices that kept coming. Once I read the very similar complaints on this website I realize this appears to be a lure to get people to subscribe or think they did subscribe and are now responsible to pay the bill.

I am an elderly man, 83 years of age. I don't understand issues as well as I used to. My daughter phoned the Reader's Digest customer service, the number which is not posted anywhere on any bill but was found online. The representative told me to call back later because she could not gain access to the information because her computer was down. I asked for her to call me back or transfer me to another representative, and I was told that was not possible.

I am not sure but I feel I paid twice for this subscription. Feel that as an elderly customer I was taken advantage of by receiving a bill for something that was never ordered. The billing is deceptive and the customer service department is almost impossible to reach. I feel this is a scam or as close to a scam as you can get.

Bertha of Baldwin LA (11/05/07)
I entered a sweepstakes with Reader's Digest and was offered a free Disney Book and another free gift. Along with the free book, two others were sent to look over. No invoice or any other information was sent. Thanks to your site, I was able to find a phone number. The number I called was not the department I needed, but they did connect me to the department I needed. I am writing this shortly after I spoke to someone there.

It is very hard to contact the Reader's Digest for any reason, so I thought that since I was able to contact them through this phone number I would pass it on to others who may be in need.

Kathleen of Watertown CT (11/04/07)
I renewed my Readers Digest subscription and ordered a free subscription for another person for the special price of $13.98. My check was written July 15 and cashed July 25. On Nov.3 I received my Reader's Digest, a bill for $15.98, and a notice that they had not received any payment and that I had not taken advantage of the Free Gift Subscription. They are asking for payment of $15.98 and for me to fill in the name of the gift recipient. There is no telephone number to call listed anywhere on the bill. The statement says that I have until Nov. 15 to take advantage of this offer. My gift subscription for someone else has not been received as of today,Nov.4. This payment was made in July!

Sam of Pecos NM (10/22/07)
Received a Readers Digest book on perusal. Package was open and invoice with instructions about returning it were missing. I may not want to keep this book but feel I am being hustled into a situation where I will be behind payment or some such nonsense. I want the appropriate billing material sent as soon as possible.  What can be done?

Donna of Ong NE (10/21/07)
Received a $17.98 payment due letter from Readers Digest, and I do not remember renewing this magazine. Below the bill was written "By failing to pay the sum of $17.98 now seriously overdue, in regard to several issues of a magazine mailed to the the above address, we must assume that that there is no doubt that you owe the amount shown on the attached bill. It is our responsibility to collect.Take notice, we are giving you this last opportunity to make payment to us. So that we may both avoid unnecessary expense, we strongly urge you to MAIL YOUR PAYMENT TODAY in the enclosed reply envelope." What do I do? This is rather nasty language from the magazine. Is this a scam?

Roger of North Fork, CA (10/14/07)
I subscribed to the magazine in August 2007. Within a couple of weeks I started receiving abridged books without having asked for them. I received another last week along with a bill.  I never asked for, nor in any way agreed, to receive or pay for them.

I send their customer service an e-mail this morning informing them that I did not want them. I stated I would be more than willing to return them at their expense. I also canceled my subscription to the magazine.

Brenda of Nordheim, TX (10/13/07)
After subscribing to Readers Digest for more than twenty years, I decided to cancel. I have not been happy with the issues these last few years.

I haven't received a magazine for close to a year, however, I am still receiving bills saying I owe for my subscription.

Julie of Loudon ,TN (10/13/07)
I used to love Readers Digest.  I recently received a FREE book in the mail from them. I thought, "wow, what a kind gesture". A few weeks later I received another FREE book. I'm thinking that this is the best company ever!

But now I'm getting past due notices for the FREE books that were supposed to be a complimentary gift. There was NEVER a statement attached to the boxes stating that I owed any money for the books.

Like many of the people on this site, I too had a VERY difficult time getting a phone number to call and tell them I WOULD NOT pay for something I did not order. Persistence paid off I GOT A NUMBER!!!  800-334-9599.

Sherry Veenhuis of Duluth MN (10/05/07)
I received letter/invoice from Readers Digest suggesting I owe then $38.88 and am supposed to pay $10 for something that not only I'm not interested in, but never subscribed to or received anything from them. How did they get my name and address? There is not even a phone number on invoice to inquire about this. It looks like a scam and I'd appreciate your response. Thanks.

Annoying bill that I cannot fix on own. Need to keep my credit hx good. How can I get rid of future correspondence and harrassment, with them knowing my address, etc.? I don't know how they got ahold of me for something I've never subscribed to or if it's legitamate.

Richard Perich of Royal Oak MI (10/05/07)
I entered a contest sponsored by Readers Digest. Suddenly, they are sending me books and CDs I never asked for. Sending in a complaint is difficult. Each item and request for payment originates from a different address and different state. I've also noticed that there is no consumer affairs' portion on their website. No doubt that is by design. a

Rajenda of Jamaica, NY (09/26/07)
Sometime during last year (2006) i sent the final payment to Reader's Digest and a note to stop sending Reader's Digest products.  So far for the year 2007 I have been recieving magazines periodically. I have also recieved a bill for $19.98.  I have sent a check (#1532 for $20.00) on Sept. 18.  I have so far recieved four notices for threatening me for payment.  What can I do?

Annetta of East Chicago, IN (09/26/07)
I received a renewal and free subscription offer in the mail.  I sent in my renewal months ago and the free subscription.   I signed up a man who is in prison. He never received the subscription, and I am still constantly receiving final notice renewal notices. What happened to my renewal and money?

Karen of Hemlock MI (09/23/07)
I received a book, I didn't order, that said a gift for you on the outside of the mailing box. A couple weeks later I received another book,I didn't order, with it was a bill for $27. I can see no way to contact them about the problem. I will not pay them as I had the same problem a few years ago but at that time I gave in and paid for something I didn't order.

Timothy of Bristol CT (09/21/07)
On July 12,2007 I sent to Reader's Digest a check in the amount of $10 for a year's special price. I am pre-sently receiving my issues. There was a mistake on a renewal subscription price of $24.98. I do not wish to renew this magazine service now; especially at this higher rate. Somehow Reader's Digest optained my E-mail address, which I never provided with my initial of this magazine.

Nora of Levittown PA (08/16/07)

I received a bill for something I did not order, I later found out it was books. Thanks to your web site I was able to find a phone number and contacted a person who cleared up the problem. I also forwarded your website to Reader's Digest's PR. person!

Cristina of Homestead FL (08/16/07)

About 2 or 3 months ago I received out of the blue a book from Reader's Digest I never ordered the book nor did I join any club. No invoice, no phone number, no way to tell them I did not want this. Yesterday I got another unsolicited book and today I received a bill.

Mark of Waukesha WI (08/16/07)

We subscribed to Readers Digest for one year. We chose not to renew our subscription. We ignored the renewal notices, but continued to get several more issues. They eventually stopped coming, but we kept getting late notices in the mail, which I threw away. Now we are getting notices saying we are seriously overdue, and that we should send our payment of $17.98 immediately.

Valarie of Grantsville UT (08/15/07)

I ordered a subscription to Reader's Digest and paid for it in April. I have a copy of my cancelled check, but I am receiving late notices continually from them, just like I am with the Cook's Illustrated magazine; which I did not order. I never ordered any of the products and now I am receiving late notices in the mail for a magazine subscription I never ordered. The Cook's Illustrated address for payment submission is PO Box 7445 Red Oak Iowa and that the address for the Reader's Digest payment address is PO Box 7825 Red Oak, Iowa.

Anne of Autaugaville AL (08/14/07)

I had to get the phone # from your web page to call Reader's Digest to check on my bill. They then offered me half price only because of my complaint about price and the unclarity of their billing. I am insulted they continued to charge me the old and higher rate all these years and only offered the lower rate because I called. I cancelled my own and the gift subscription as well. Their attitude was I should be happy to get the cut rate now. My attitude is their valued customers should get the reduced rates first...not new customers.

I found out I was paid up to 2010 and the renewal said the payment was due now; therefore, I am to get a refund of $129.00. This is outrageous. Nowhere is that info on the bill.

Rebecca of Seattle WA (08/02/07)

I received a book from Reader's Digest in May and the letter sent with it said it was a free gift. I received a bill from Reader's Digest in June and it didn't say what it was for. It didn't have a phone number on it either. I thought it might be related to a magazine subscription (which I do not have w/ Reader's Digest) so I returned it without payment and wrote Cancel. Yesterday I received a collection notice on behalf of Reader's Digest for $27.94. I didn't order anything, so I won't pay it.

Linda of Idaho Falls ID (07/31/07)

I ordered a 1 year subscription of Reader's Digest and paid for it in November of 2006. I received issues until March of 2007. Then they suddenly stopped coming. In May I sent an email for lost magazine issue on their website. Again in June, and no answer was sent from either inquiry. I sent a letter three weeks ago asking for a response, which has not come.

I am still not receiving a response or the magazine, but did get a renewal notice. I have never seen such terrible service in a company that plans to stay afloat.

Tamar of Rochester NY (07/26/07)

I did not order this book from Readers Digest. I don’t even like the book and they want me to send them ten dollars. I don’t know how they got my address.

Margaret of Sterling Heights MI (07/25/07)
I have received two invoices from Reader's Digest on two separate occasions. They first sent me an invoice to DVD's that I never ordered and I found a number and disputed the charges. They agreed to cancel my account, that I never created by the way.

On July 24, 2007, I received a book in the mail and an invoice for $41.29. The invoice does not have a single telephone number to call. I e-mailed them at the e-mail address they provided and said, I am going to report you to the better business bureau. I have called and canceled my account with you twice already, an account which I didn't even open up. Now, you've sent me another shipment, a book I never ordered, and a bill for $41.29. You need to send me a pre-paid shipping label to return this book that I did not purchase and also a confirmation letter that my account is canceled and I do not have an outstanding balance. I expect a reply soon.

I am worried about my credit being ruined and this is just a pain to deal with. Please assist a consumer who does not deserve to be manipulated.

They have only threated to add la