Magazine Scams

I'm Ilyce Glink with expertrealestatetips.net. You've probably read about seniors who are buying magazine subscriptions but end up getting ripped off out of their life savings.
 

And if you're like me you're probably wondering how many magazine subscriptions any one person needs.

The problem is these people aren't really getting their magazine subscriptions. They're getting scammed.

In a magazine subscription scam you buy or renew a subscription but then you later get renewal notices in the mail. If the magazine seller takes advantage of you, you may find yourself a victim of identity theft.

While a number of companies claim to be able to renew your magazine subscriptions for unbelievably low prices, the offer may be too good to be true. And that's where you have to be careful.

Just because a company sends you a subscription renewal form in the mail or is on eBay doesn't mean it's legitimate or that it represents the company.

You should also watch out for people who approach you in person to try and sell magazines. They may take your credit card number and then abuse it.

The real problem is that magazines have allowed different companies to sell subscriptions at different rates. Some of which are less than the cover price or even the rack rate on their Web sites or in their own publications.

If magazines would offer a best deal on their own Web sites, much the way some airlines do, consumers wouldn't have to worry that they'll be scammed when they renew.

Your best bet is to subscribe or renew your magazine subscription directly with the publisher by going on their Web site or using the card from the magazine itself or by going through a reputable reseller.

You may pay a little bit more but at least you're going to know that you're not going to get scammed.

For more real estate and personal finance advice, go to my Web site, expertrealestatetips.net.

This video is also available on YouTube: Video: Magazine Scams

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NOTE: This video transcript is distributed by Real Estate Matters Syndicate, PO Box 366, Glencoe, Illinois, 60022. This content may not be resold, reprinted, resyndicated or redistributed without written permission from the publisher.