Publishers Business Service

We have received hundreds of complaints about this company, in addition to the small sample shown below. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been hearing the same complaints and took action against the company in May 2008. Read the company's response here.

Ann of Clarksville, IN March 4, 2008

Ann of Clarksville IN (03/04/08)
I work at a retail store. The Publishers Business Services called, and unfortunately for me, I answered. I told them that all business-related questions can be directed at our Home Office, but the representative kept harassing me about answering a few questions. I answered them in an attempt to get them off the phone so I can get back to assisting customers out on the sales floor and do my duties as my work demands--so half-listened to the questions. I asked them if I could cancel at anytime but couldn't quite hear the answer as music is played at our store and another associate was talking to me on our walkie-talkie earpiece. I lamented over the fact that someone could have possibly just stolen my identity, but received a bill yesterday saying that I owe over 700 for publications that I do not care about. I subscribe to other magazines; and in the past, I have the opportunity to end them at anytime and never had to pay this absurd amount for them.

I refuse to pay this amount, and the harassing behavior that I get from this company is horrible. Someone needs to inform all major publishing companies like Conde Nast and Hearst not to deal with this company for it is a scam. Even in their invoice, they say they have a tape of me and threatens that my credit will be damaged if I do not pay. I feel that I was unable to make an informed decision since I was at work and had work distractions keeping me from doing so. My invoice also has my name spelled incorrectly so basically, on this company's records, they have someone who does not exist.

I cannot afford to pay this ridiculous amount as I am in debt for student loans and will continue to be for I am going back to school in the fall. I have been worried since this has happened that my credit will be ruined which may affect the student loans I need to finish school. I felt that I was bullied and duped into a deal and now am stuck. All my magazine subscriptions in the past have always been through the mail or internet, never by phone through an outside company. I have always dealt with the publishers directly. I can't afford the payments. I visited the Publishers Business Services' website to file a complaint, but when I hit the 'submit' button, it didn't look like it went through and did this 2 more times making me think that the website is bogus.

John of Chadwicks, NY February 6, 2008

John of Chadwicks NY (02/06/08)
I was called at work. I work at a lumber department with many customers and power equipment. I was unable to hear the call. The next thing I know, I receive bill for 720 of magazines from Publisher's Business Services. I have called these people three times for cancellation. Today I was told that this is not possible. When I asked for the contact information for someone who could take care of it, the customer service rep hung up the phone on me.

This company clearly states they will report this to credit reporting agencies. I do not want these magazines, I will not make a payment, and if any arrive in the mail they will be refused and returned to the Post Office.

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