Showing posts with label Unwanted marketing. Show all posts

Thursday, April 06, 2017

Block these numbers on your phone now: 212-332-0849; 248-297-6218; 801-278-1062; 430-231-4002; 302-922-5143; and 434-322-9044.

212-332-0849 17:08 April 6, 2017 New York – No answer upon answering. When I tried to call back immediately, I get the standard Verizon recording that your call cannot be completed as dialed…

Now it is four telemarketer calls in the last three days.

248-297-6218 Michigan 13:53 04/06/2017 No answer upon answering. I have friends with a Michigan connection, so I immediately left the room and called back. Sure enough, it was unwanted telemarketer with an automated response asking if I wanted to be placed on the "Do Not Call" list. So that is three calls in three days. I am well aware of folks who get number of calls per day, but in the past, I have not. I really wish something could be done about this.

April 6, 2017: Today, I even got a spam text from Verizon. From number: 9000070003121 What the What!? #@!!*&?? "FREE VZW MSG: Receive 1GB of free data on us! Sign up for Verizon Selects and get 1GB of data for free. View details go.vzw.com/verizonselects. Reply "X" to opt out of msgs. http://go.vzw.com/verizonselects Get 1 GB free.Thank you. If you wish to restrict all future marketing text messages from VZW, reply 'Q'.

But then again, I have always figured that the telemarketers have always worked in collusion with Verizon – it must bring in an enomous amount of revenue.

Block these numbers on your phone now: 801-278-1062; 430-231-4002; 302-922-5143; and 434-322-9044. http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2017/04/block-these-numbers-on-your-phone-now.html

https://www.facebook.com/kevindayhoff/posts/10210500172794164

801-278-1062 Salt Lake City 13:50 April 5, 2017 Said that the offer to lower my rate on my credit card expired today. It was an imperative that I speak with an operator. Funny, I've been getting these malicious scammer-calls for years. Block this number.

430-231-4002 Texas 17:19 April 4, 2017 No one on the phone when answered.

Block this number on your phone 302-922-5143 at 12:15 p.m. 23Mar2017 robocall from Delaware. No one on the phone when answered. Upon call back I was invited to be placed on the do not call list.

Block this number on your phone: 434-322-9044 5:47 p.m. 21Mar2017 robocall wanting to update my Google directory information.

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2017/04/block-these-numbers-on-your-phone-now.html

According to a page on the Federal Trade Commission concerning robocalls, found here: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0025-robocalls

Vea esta página en español

If you answer the phone and hear a recorded message instead of a live person, it's a robocall. We’ve seen a significant increase in the number of illegal robocalls because internet-powered phone systems have made it cheap and easy for scammers to make illegal calls from anywhere in the world, and to hide from law enforcement by displaying fake caller ID information.

To date, the FTC has brought more than a hundred lawsuits against over 600 companies and individuals responsible for billions of illegal robocalls and other Do Not Call violations.

The FTC also is leading several initiatives to develop technology-based solutions. Those initiatives include a series of robocall contests that challenge tech gurus to design tools that block robocalls and help investigators track down and stop robocallers. We’re also encouraging industry efforts to combat caller ID spoofing. Here’s the FTC’s game plan to combat robocalls:

Continue aggressive law enforcement

Build better tools for investigating robocalls

Coordinate with law enforcement, industry, and other stakeholders

Stimulate and pursue technological solutions.

Details about the FTC’s Robocall Initiatives

2015 DetectaRobo Contest

As part of the National Day of Civic Hacking, the FTC is challenging techies to use call data to predict which incoming calls are robocalls.

2015 Robocalls: Humanity Strikes Back Contest

The FTC is challenging the DEF CON community to create a tool that people can use to block and forward unwanted robocalls automatically. Forwarded calls will go to a honeypot — a data collection system that researchers and investigators can use to study the calls.

2014 Zap Rachel Contest

At DEF CON 22, the FTC challenged tech gurus to help us zap Rachel and her robocall buddies by creating the next-generation robocall honeypot.

2012-2013 Robocall Challenge

The agency challenged innovators to create solutions that will block illegal robocalls. The challenge is now closed and the three winners with groundbreaking ideas were announced in April 2013.

2012 Robocall Summit

The FTC hosted a one-day public event on Thursday, October 18, 2012 to discuss the rapid rise in illegal robocalls and identify potential solutions. You can view videos and PowerPoint presentations from the event’s panels.

More Information About Robocalls

Robocalls

Telemarketing sales calls with recorded messages are generally illegal unless you have given the company written permission to call you.

Infographic: How Does a Robocall Work?

This visual guide shows how robocalls happen.

National Do Not Call Registry

Tips to help you stop unwanted calls and information about the National Do Not Call Registry

Phone Scams

These tips can help you hang up on a phone scammer and hold onto your money.

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Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ or http://kevindayhoffart.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/ or http://www.westgov.net/ = www.kevindayhoff.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ = www.newbedfordherald.net Explore Carroll: www.explorecarroll.com The Tentacle: www.thetentacle.com

Tuesday, December 01, 2015

Los Angeles Times: Firm's extended vehicle warranty offer breaks down under scrutiny

Los Angeles Times: Firm's extended vehicle warranty offer breaks down under scrutiny

A letter that appears to be from an auto dealer is actually from an out-of-state company selling an expensive contract with a sweeping loophole.

March 12, 2013|David Lazarus Los Angeles Times

http://articles.latimes.com/2013/mar/12/business/la-fi-lazarus-20130312

It was the sort of letter designed to get attention. "Final attempt to notify," it said on the outside.

Within, an official-looking "product warranty expiration notice" said that my Toyota's service contract "is expiring or has expired." It provided a number to call "to extend coverage."

This was troubling because when I purchased my "certified pre-owned" car from a dealer in 2011, I paid $1,700 for a seven-year, 100,000-mile extended warranty. Now it was expiring?

The answer, of course, was no. And the racket I'm about to run down is yet another reminder that you need to examine closely anything that even remotely looks like a financial warning. Chances are, it's a sales pitch for something you don't want and don't need.

Most homeowners have received things like this in the mail relating to their home. Maybe it's called mortgage protection. Maybe it's extended coverage for your gas line or chimney.

This was the first time I've seen one relating to a vehicle. And the format of the letter was particularly insidious, making it seem to be from my dealer and indicating that if I didn't act right away, I could be on the hook for any breakdowns.

My first call was to the Toyota dealer that sold me the car….

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Offer of an extended factory warranty from American Automotive Service Solutions

Dec. 1, 2015

Why are such companies allowed to remain in business?

And why do these letters only seem to come to Toyota owners? Anecdotally, a quick search of the web indicates that this seemingly misleading and sensational letter – or postcard only seems to come to Toyota owners? In our personal experience, we only get these offers for our Toyota – not our Ford truck…

Other than that possible explanation; that perhaps the scammers get the information from the Toyota; is it possible that the Maryland Dept. of Motor Vehicles sells our private information and addresses?

Business information:

Principal:

Jarrett Bell (Chief Executive Officer)

Customer Contact: Michael Hall (Chief Operating Officer)

Laura Hall (Chief Financial Officer)

- See more at: http://www.bbb.org/stlouis/business-reviews/auto-service-contract-companies/american-automotive-service-solutions-in-wentzville-mo-310288545#sthash.6wFf5IT8.dpuf

American Automotive Service Solutions

933 Main Plaza Dr

Wentzville, MO 63385

(877) 892-5386

800-827-5528

https://www.google.com/search?q=American+Automotive+Service+Solutions&oq=American+Automotive+Service+Solutions&aqs=chrome..69i57.4252243j0j7&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=0&ie=UTF-8

http://www.bbb.org/stlouis/business-reviews/auto-service-contract-companies/american-automotive-service-solutions-in-wentzville-mo-310288545

From the Better Business Bureau – one of several negative customer reviews… “When I opened my mailbox, there was a letter that said "FINAL NOTICE" regarding my newly purchased vehicle. It had the make and model of the vehicle, then "Official Business" and "Penalty For Private Use" in the window of the envelope…” - See more at: http://www.bbb.org/stlouis/business-reviews/auto-service-contract-companies/american-automotive-service-solutions-in-wentzville-mo-310288545/customer-reviews?cacheit=y#sthash.ZWwJPaqn.dpuf

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Sunday, July 12, 2015

July 9, 2015 update to Feb. 2008 story: “Compact avoids Do Not Deliver free newspaper law.”

July 9, 2015 update to Feb. 2008 story: “Compact avoids Do Not Deliver free newspaper law.” http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2015/07/july-9-2015-update-to-feb-2008-story.html

Update July 9, 2015 - A reader has been in touch to say that the link is dead for this story, “Compact avoids Do Not Deliver newspaper law, February 29, 2008.

Kevin E. Dayhoff July 9, 2015

Westminster Md. - The February 29, 2008 story was about proposed legislation in the Maryland General Assembly to stop the delivery – that is to say, the littering - of unwanted spam newspapers on your front yard – and the agreement that was reached that stopped the legislation from moving forward.

Word on the street in February 2008 was that the “do not deliver” legislation faced an uphill battle but had a better than average chance of passing because unwanted papers piling up in your front yard annoys both conservatives and liberals.

In Carroll County, the bipartisan initiative was spearheaded by a leading community liberal as far back as 1995 – and introduced in the Maryland General Assembly in 2008 by a leading community conservative. A copy of the November 13, 1995 citizen’s complaint was forwarded to the Westminster mayor’s office on November 14, 1995.

The issue of the free newspapers littering neighborhoods was brought-up frequently in community meetings with homeowner associations and community groups from 1995 to 2008.

Actually, the free newspapers in the area ultimately made the decision for the legislative initiative as a result of failing to respond to the citizen complaints of many neighborhoods throughout the community.

Many in February 2008 felt strongly that the agreement did not go far enough. That in addition to the opt-out phone number, the agreement ought to have required the free newspapers to stop delivery at an address where it was obvious the free papers were not being retrieved – and as a result the papers were piling-up in an unsightly mess.

The accumulation of unwanted newspapers on a property in the neighborhood is an eyesore. In the words of one neighborhood newsletter, “Free papers laying around make the neighborhood look bad, and can invite crime by advertising when you may be away from home.”

More often than not, the accumulation of the unwanted free papers eventually has to be cleaned-up by municipal or county maintenance workers – which is a burden upon the taxpayers.

Or worse yet, the unwanted free newspapers end-up clogging the stormwater drains, causing damage and more cost to the taxpayers because government maintenance workers need to spend time cleaning-up the mess.

Apparently the problem has raised its ugly head again.

If you will recall, the February 2008 agreement with local newspapers was successful in getting Carroll County Delegate Shewell to withdraw the “do not deliver free newspapers” legislation.

In return for the withdrawal of the legislation, the local papers would provide a phone number that homeowners could call and opt-out of the free delivery.

Today, over seven years later, no one remembers the legislation or the agreement that stopped the legislation - - and the number published on the front of the free newspapers has evolved into voice mail jail that ultimately, if you are patient enough, lands you with someone who does not know where Westminster or Carroll County Maryland is located. “Never heard of it.” You cannot make this up.

In other words, it is a number provided so that the free newspapers can say that they are in compliance with the agreement. After-all, no-one said that the agreement required that the published number has to actually work as it was intended by the agreement… Just saying.

Meanwhile, what many folks have long forgotten is that according to Channel 2 in Baltimore, “Newspapers would have seven days to comply with a request. If it's still delivered, consumers could register a complaint with the Attorney General's Office and the newspaper could face a fine.”

Maybe more folks ought to contact the Attorney General's Office and complain - or maybe better yet, this legislation ought to be brought back for re-consideration with stiffer penalties or maybe just outlaw the unwanted spam from being littered on your property altogether.

To be sure, we have greater problems to solve in the greater community, but this might be one small step in the correct direction to take pride in the appearance of our community, protect our neighborhoods from unwanted corporate spam, obviate the potential for attracting crime and protect the environment.

I’m just saying.

Kevin E. Dayhoff July 9, 2015

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Compact avoids Do Not Deliver newspaper law

~~http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2008/02/29/news/local_news/newsstory6.txt~~

Friday, February 29, 2008

ANNAPOLIS — Four free-delivery newspapers in Maryland have agreed to crack down on deliveries to customers who say they don’t want them, pre-empting an attempt to set up what would have been one of the nation’s first “Do Not Deliver” laws.

The newspapers have agreed to publish a phone number that homeowners can call to stop deliveries. The number will be on the second page of each home delivery edition and will be in a 12-point bold font.

Under the agreement announced Thursday, the newspapers also said they would increase supervision of carriers to make sure deliveries stop when people make requests.

“We’re certainly not out to hurt businesses, but we do need to answer constituents’ concerns,” said Delegate Tanya Shewell, R-Carroll, who said she plans to withdraw two bills that would have fined newspaper publishers who failed to meet requests to stop deliveries within seven days.

Shewell says she proposed the bills after a flurry of complaints from constituents that the free newspapers littered their lawns and deliveries didn’t end even after homeowners requested them to stop.

The agreement applies only to Carroll County, northwest of Baltimore. But the director of the Maryland-Delaware-District of Columbia Press Association said many free newspapers would comply with provisions to prevent consumer complaints.

“Newspapers don’t want them going to people who don’t want them and won’t read them,” John “Jack” Murphy said during a meeting with Shewell.

The papers include The Examiner, the Carroll County Times (which distributes both free and paid papers); The Gazette, and Kapp Advertising, which produces a free-delivery periodical called The Merchandiser.

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"Do Not Deliver" Bill Delivers Controversy

http://www.abc2news.com/mostpopular/story.aspx?content_id=4b8a046c-741f-408f-a372-9ac1139b365d. This is a dead link…

Some say it's a nuisance and others call it community service. Free newspapers pop up on your front steps everyday. Now one Maryland lawmaker wants a "Do Not Deliver" registry.

"I do recycle them, but some of them do fly away in the yard and go onto the street and down the gutters," said Essex resident Cathy Benzig.

In fact, a state delegate from Carroll County goes as far to say the newspapers, that are delivered with no cost, infringe on the rights of property owners.

Delegate Tanya Shewell from Carroll County says consumers have the right to say what's on their front lawn. She wants a phone number printed on newspapers that you can call to stop delivery.

The bill is modeled after the national Do Not Call Registry that let's you decide about whether to receive telemarketing calls at home. Delegate Shewell wants consumers to have the final say with free newspapers. But some of her colleagues in Annapolis think the plan will hurt small businesses.

"I think it's much to do about nothing. It's an intrusion. It's shooting a flea with an elephant gun. And it's unfair to local publishers who do a wonderful job for the community," said Del. Pat McDonough, (R) Baltimore County.

Delegate McDonough says he's talked to publishers of local papers who say they'll stop delivery when asked. But we talked to people with failed attempts.

Newspapers would have seven days to comply with a request. If it's still delivered, consumers could register a complaint with the Attorney General's Office and the newspaper could face a fine.

20080128-freepaperCh2ShewellDoNotDeliverBillDelsControversy - 20080128 Do Not Deliver Bill Delivers Controversy

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Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Tony Bradley, PCWorld Nov 11, 2011: How to Stop Telemarketing Calls to Your Mobile Phone

How to Stop Telemarketing Calls to Your Mobile Phone

Retrieved Tuesday, June 23, 2015

By Tony Bradley, PCWorld Nov 11, 2011

Everyone has encountered a telemarketing call. It may be a robocall directing you to vote for some political candidate, or perhaps some local organization seeking donations. But, most people are used to getting those calls on their home land line, not their mobile phones. Telemarketers are increasingly targeting mobile phone numbers, though, so here is what you need to do to stop--or at least minimize--those annoying calls.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/243664/how_to_stop_telemarketing_calls_to_your_mobile_phone.html

There is a common misperception that mobile phones are somehow inherently protected against telemarketing solicitations. Unfortunately, that is not true.

[…]

There are two easy ways to add you mobile phone number to the FTC Do Not Call registry:

FTC Website: https://www.donotcall.gov/register/reg.aspx

Call Directly: 1-888-382-1222

Read much more: http://www.pcworld.com/article/243664/how_to_stop_telemarketing_calls_to_your_mobile_phone.html

Related: FTC National Do Not Call Registry

https://www.donotcall.gov/register/reg.aspx

The National Do Not Call Registry is managed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency.

Information for Consumers. Click here if you would like more information on how to register, what registration means for you, what calls are covered and more.

Information for Businesses. Click here for answers to some common questions from telemarketers and sellers.

Information for the Media. Click here for media materials related to the National Do Not Call Registry.

ENFORCEMENT OF THE DO NOT CALL REGISTRY

The FTC takes aggressive legal action to make sure telemarketers abide by the Do Not Call Registry. To date, the Commission has brought 105 enforcement actions against companies and telemarketers for Do Not Call, abandoned call, robocall and Registry violations. The Mortgage Investors litigation produced the largest settlement for Do Not Call violations, resulting in civil penalty payments of $7.5 million. To date, 80 of these FTC enforcement actions have been resolved, and in those cases the agency has recovered over $41 million in civil penalties and $33 million in redress or disgorgement.

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/media-resources/do-not-call-registry/enforcement

Two Defendants in Cross-Border Telemarketing Scheme Settle FTC Charges (February 3, 2015)

Court Grants Partial Summary Judgment in FTC Case Against Dish Network, Finding the Company Liable for Tens of Millions of Telemarketing Violations (January 21, 2015)

Operators of Scheme That Targeted Hispanic Consumers Are Banned From Telemarketing Under Settlement with FTC (January 13, 2015)

FTC Issues FY 2014 National Do Not Call Registry Data Book (November 19, 2014)

Payment Processor Agrees to Give Up More Than $1 Million to Settle FTC Charges it Assisted, Facilitated Telemarketing Scammers (June 11, 2014)

FTC Stops Mass Telemarketing Scam That Defrauded U.S. Seniors and Others Out of Millions of Dollars (March 31, 2014)

FTC Shuts Down Fraudulent Debt Relief Operation (September 11, 2013)

FTC Updates Telemarketer Fees for the Do Not Call Registry as of October 1, 2013 (September 3, 2013)

FTC Extends Public Comment Deadline on Proposed Telemarketing Sales Rule Changes Through August 8, 2013 (July 12, 2013)

FTC Settles ‘Rachel’ Robocall Enforcement Case (July 12, 2013)

FTC Testifies Before Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Enforcement of the National Do Not Call Registry and Efforts to Stop Illegal Robocalls (July 10, 2013)

Mortgage Broker Targeting U.S. Servicemembers Will Pay Record $7.5 Million to Settle Alleged Telemarketing Violations (June 27, 2013)

FTC Settlement Requires California Company to Halt Illegal Robocalls (May 14, 2013)

FTC Action Halts Brooklyn Company from Using Deception, Threats, and Intimidation to Trick Elderly Consumers Into Paying for Unordered Medical Alert Devices (March 8, 2013)

FTC Shuts Down Robocall Operation That Allegedly Claimed to Help Consumers Get FTC Consumer Refunds (December 3, 2012)

FTC Settlement Bans Marketer from Timeshare Business, Telemarketing (October 12, 2012)

FTC Acts to Halt Medical Plan Scheme that Targeted Vulnerable Consumers (October 10, 2012)

FTC Cracks Down on Phony Mortgage Relief Schemes (October 9, 2012)

FTC Halts Massive Tech Support Scams (October 3, 2012)

FTC Action Halts Debt Relief Marketing Operation (September 18, 2012)

Consumers Asked DISH Network to Leave Them Alone, But FTC Says Calls Kept Coming(August 23, 2012)

FTC Sends Biennial Report to Congress on the National Do Not Call Registry (December 30, 2011)

Telemarketer to Pay $500,000 Civil Penalty for Thwarting Consumers' Requests to be Placed On Its Clients' Do Not Call Lists (December 16, 2011)

FTC Updates Telemarketer Fees for the Do Not Call Registry (August 26, 2011)

FTC Settlements Put Debt Relief Operations Out of Business (May 26, 2011)

In Comment to Federal Communications Commission, FTC Stresses that Sellers are Responsible for Calls Made by Outside Telemarketers (May 16, 2011)

FTC Charges Utah Operation with Deceptive and Abusive Telemarketing (May 9, 2011)

Maker of Rascal Scooters to Pay $100,000 for Violating FTCs Do Not Call Rules (April 21, 2011)

Court Shutters Telemarketers Peddling Bogus Timeshare Resales (March 31, 2011)

FTC Sends Refund Claim Forms to Nearly 12,000 Victims of Auto Warranty Robocaller(February 16, 2011)

FTC Seeks Public Comments on Ways to Strengthen Caller ID Provisions of the Commission's Telemarketing Sales Rule (December 7, 2010)

Auto Warranty Robocaller To Pay $2.3 Million, Sell Mercedes For Consumer Redress (August 23, 2010)

'Telefunder' to Pay $300,000 for Abandoning Millions of Telemarketing Calls to Potential Charity Donors (June 30, 2010)

At FTC's Request, Court Halts Massive Robocall Operation (June 10, 2010)

Robocalls All The Rage: An FTC Summit (October 18, 2012)

HIDEREPORTS

The Do-Not-Call Improvement Act of 2007: Report To Congress Regarding the Accuracy of the Do Not Call Registry

Biennial Report to Congress Pursuant to the Do Not Call Registry Fee Extension Act of 2007

Prepared Statement of the Federal Trade Commission Entitled “Stopping Fraudulent Robocall Scams: Can More Be Done?” (July 10, 2013)

Prepared Statement of the Federal Trade Commission On Consumer Privacy (July 27, 2010)

General Information for Business

Complying with the Telemarketing Sales Rule

Avoiding Do Not Call Scams

Filing a Complaint

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Wednesday, April 08, 2015

Why Retailers Ask for Your ZIP Code By ANN CARRNS APRIL 1, 2013

http://bucks.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/01/why-retailers-ask-for-your-zip-code/?_r=1

I usually dread shopping in stores. Trying on clothes is tedious, and sometimes completing the actual purchase is, too. Retailers like to ask for all sorts of information as they’re ringing up your merchandise, like your e-mail address and ZIP code. I just want to pay and be on my way, and they give me the third degree.

[…]

The result can be unwanted catalogs and other junk mail. (To get a simple idea of the cumulative impact of each tidbit of information, try searching for your name alone on Google search, and then search again using your name and ZIP code, and see how much more data comes back. If you have an uncommon name — as I do — it’s eye opening.)

In March, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that collecting ZIP codes for credit card purchases violates a state consumer protection law… http://bucks.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/01/why-retailers-ask-for-your-zip-code/?_r=1

Why Retailers Ask for Your ZIP Code By ANN CARRNS APRIL 1, 2013 Why Retailers Ask for Your ZIP Code By ANN CARRNS APRIL 1, 2013 http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2015/04/why-retailers-ask-for-your-zip-code-by.html

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Friday, March 07, 2014

Associated Publishers Network magazine renewal complaints

March 7, 2014

Associated Publishers Network

(866) 437-7897

850 S Boulder Hwy Ste 355, Henderson, NV 89015-7564

https://www.google.com/search?q=Associated+Publishers+Network&oq=Associated+Publishers+Network&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.15897j0j1&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8

According to the BBB in southern Nevada, http://www.bbb.org/southern-nevada/business-reviews/publishers-magazine/associated-publishers-network-in-henderson-nv-90014293:

BBB has received a volume and pattern of complaints regarding billing and collection, delivery, refund or exchange, and sales practice issues.

According to consumer complaints, magazine subscription renewal notices are received from Associated Publishers Network (APN), also know as United Publisher's Clearing House, National Magazine Services, Orbital Publishing, and Publisher's Billing Exchange.

Complainants state they send in payment for renewal of their subscriptions to various magazines, such as Wall Street Journal, The Economist, New Yorker Magazine, and the Times, however, the magazines are not received.

When consumers contact the magazine companies, directly, to check on their subscription they are informed that payment was never received.

Complainants indicate that phone calls and emails sent to APN are generally ignored.

Complainants also state that The Economist, New Yorker Magazine, the Times and Wall Street Journal all claim no affiliation with APN.

APN's typical response states, in part, "Magazine publishers have created the agency sale system for the sale of subscriptions. The publisher contracts with clearinghouses. Under these contracts, the clearinghouse is authorized to sell subscriptions. The clearing house then permits thousands of third parties, such as Associated Publishers Network, to sell subscriptions, which are then "cleared" through the clearinghouse. These third parties have no direct contract with the publisher and their identities are unknown to the publisher.

Offers are sent out periodically and are marketing pieces only. We merely send out offers as stated plainly on each offer and no one is obligated to respond."

Additional responses from APN usually state that it takes 6-12 weeks for delivery.

BBB has informed the company of the volume and pattern of complaints and asked that the company address the issue.

- See more at: http://www.bbb.org/southern-nevada/business-reviews/publishers-magazine/associated-publishers-network-in-henderson-nv-90014293

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MSN Money: Is your subscription renewal notice real? By Mitch Lipka

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2014/03/msn-money-is-your-subscription-renewal.html

Better Business Bureau issues warning about widespread fake subscription renewal scam after the New York Times and Wall Street Journal complain.

By Mitch Lipka Aug 29, 2013

http://money.msn.com/saving-money-tips/post--is-your-subscription-renewal-notice-real

If you get a subscription renewal, make sure who you're really paying before you send the check out. After getting peppered with complaints from magazine subscribers, and learning of complaints lodged by the publishers of the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, the Better Business Bureau on Thursday issued a warning to consumers about phony subscription renewals.

The BBB is warning about a Nevada-based operation called Associated Publishers Network. The company has generated 112 complaints just in the past year, the BBB said. The complaints are coming from all around the country.

[…]

If you get a renewal notice, check when your subscription really expires by looking at the actual subscription label or contacting the publisher directly. If it is time to renew, do it directly through the publisher or by using a notice directly attached to your magazine.

If you get a fake one, notify the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Trade Commission.

Labels: Bus scams, Fraud, Junk mail unwanted catalogs, Media Magazines, Scams, USPS junk mail - See more at: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2014/03/msn-money-is-your-subscription-renewal.html#sthash.LBXGZGGw.dpuf

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Federal Trade Commission

FTC Complaint Assistant

https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#crnt&panel1-1

Welcome! Complaints from consumers help us detect patterns of fraud and abuse. The FTC would like to know more about your complaint and the Complaint Assistant will help guide you. To use the Complaint Assistant:

Choose a complaint category on the right. If you can't find a match select "Other". Answer a few questions related to your complaint. Tell us what happened in your own words.

For more information: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#crnt&panel1-1

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U.S. Postal Inspection Service

https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/contactus/filecomplaint.aspx

File a Complaint

Report these issues to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service online:

Mail fraud (may include scams or deceptive ads via the mail, or postage fraud)

Mail theft (mail you failed to receive but should have, or that you received with the contents missing)

Identity theft

False change of address

Vandalism to your mail receptacle

Unsolicited Sexually Oriented Advertising

If you believe you’re a victim of fraud related to the U.S. Mail, including mailed sweepstakes, lotteries, on-line auctions, work-at-home scams or chain letters, report your concern to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service as mail fraud.

All information is voluntary, but the more you provide, the more likely it is that we can help you. We may share your information with other agencies if it comes under their jurisdiction. See the Privacy Act Statement for more details. This site uses secure methods to transfer data.

The Postal Inspection Service will contact you only if more information is needed. We gather data on mail-related crime to determine whether a violation has occurred. While we can’t guarantee we can recover lost money or items, your information can help alert Postal Inspectors to problem areas and possibly prevent others from being victimized. Inspectors base their investigations on the number, substance and pattern of complaints. We ask you to keep all original documents related to your complaint.

If you would prefer to mail in your report, click here to print a Mail Theft Complaint. If this is an urgent matter, contact your nearest law enforcement agency.

Report problems with mail delivery or service to the U.S. Postal Service.

Mail correspondence to this address:

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS SERVICE CENTER

ATTN: MAIL FRAUD

433 W HARRISON STREET ROOM 3255

CHICAGO IL 60699-3255

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MSN Money: Is your subscription renewal notice real? By Mitch Lipka

http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2014/03/msn-money-is-your-subscription-renewal.html

Better Business Bureau issues warning about widespread fake subscription renewal scam after the New York Times and Wall Street Journal complain.

By Mitch Lipka Aug 29, 2013

http://money.msn.com/saving-money-tips/post--is-your-subscription-renewal-notice-real

[…]

If you get a fake one, notify the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Trade Commission.

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Thursday, February 20, 2014

INSIDE PITCH — Telephone solicitors want money, not participation by David Maril Voice of Baltimore

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Seinfeld’ gets a phone call: ‘Hi. Would you be interested in switching over to TMI long-distance service?’ the telemarketer asks. ‘Oh, gee, I can’t talk right now,’ Jerry responds, ‘Why don’t you give me your home number and I’ll call you later?’ To which the telemarketer replies: ‘Well, I’m sorry, we’re not allowed to do that.’ …

Even though it’s a new year and tax deductions for 2013 are history, the phone calls for giving continue to arrive early and often.

It’s gotten to the point where it seems the only reason landline phones have not been completely replaced by smartphones is they are needed to deliver pain-in-the-neck marketing and fund- raising calls.

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF JERRY SEINFELD RESPONDING ON PHONE TO TELEMARKETER

[…]

“Inside Pitch” is a weekly opinion column written for Voice of Baltimore by David Maril.

CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S “INSIDE PITCH” COLUMN: click here …and read previous Dave Maril columns by clicking here.

HOW TO DEAL WITH "NUISANCE MARKETING CLOWNS" (TELEMARKETERS) THAT CALL YOU ON THE PHONE

Learn how Jerry Seinfeld deals with unwanted telephone solicitation calls: Check out his hilarious response to a telemarketer – and read Dave Maril's "Inside Pitch" column on Voice of Baltimore this week on obnoxious salespeople on the phone --http://voiceofbaltimore.org/archives/11966

See also VoB editorial on Maryland Governor O'Malley and Mayor of Baltimore Rawlings-Blake -- on legalizing marijuana --http://voiceofbaltimore.org/archives/11930

And start your day by reading "Need to Know News" for daily overnight updates -- http://voiceofbaltimore.org/archives/12031

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Friday, January 24, 2014

How to block people on Google+

search?q=How+to+block+people+on+Google%2B&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS564US564&oq=How+to+block+people+on+Google%2B&aqs=chrome..69i57.17019j0j1&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8

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Block someone https://support.google.com/plus/answer/1047934?hl=en Block someone

On desktop

Open Google+ and use the search bar at the top of the page to find their profile.
Click next to their name.
Select Report/block [person's name].
Click the checkbox next to Block [person's name].
Click Done in the lower-right corner.

On mobile

You can block someone while editing your circles, in Hangouts, or when reporting their content for violating our User Content and Conduct Policies. Hangouts On Air are live video Hangouts, which are broadcast via YouTube. If the host invites people you've blocked to a Hangout On Air, you may see video of each other participating in the Hangout and you may see each other's names, profile pictures, and questions or other content.

What happens when you block someone

The following are the results of blocking someone. Keep in mind that the limits placed upon the person you've blocked are only enforced when they're logged in. For instance, if someone you've blocked is signed in, they won't be able to see your public posts, but if they aren't signed in, they may be able to see those posts. When you block someone:

You won't see their content in your stream (even though you'll remain in their circles).
They'll be removed from any circles of yours that they appear in.
They'll be removed from your extended circles, even if you have mutual connections.
They won't be able to add new comments to your content.
They won't be able to see your comments on other people's posts.
They won't be able to view any of your posts that you share after blocking them.
They won't be able to mention you in posts or comments.

When you block someone, we won't proactively notify them (unless you block them from within a video call). But since blocking someone limits the interactions that person can have with you, they may figure out that they've been blocked.

See people you've blocked

To see the list of people you've blocked, follow these steps:

Open Google+. Place your cursor in the top left corner for the Google+ main menu.
Click People.
Click Your circles at the top of the page.
Click Actions in the left corner.
Select View blocked.

Blocking and Communities

Communities in Google+ are shared spaces for users to gather and have conversations around common interests. Communities have owners and moderators: users who are responsible for managing these shared spaces so that everyone has a positive experience.

If you join a community that is managed by someone you've blocked, you will not see content they share. However, the person you've blocked, as a moderator, will be able to view and moderate the content you share in that community. They will not be able to +1 your comments or posts, nor will they be able to comment or reshare your posts or photos. As always, people you've blocked will not be able to see or interact with Google+ content you share outside of the community.

If you own or moderate a community and someone you've blocked is a member of that community, the content they share in that community will be hidden with the option to view the content for moderation purposes. You will not be able to +1 their comments or posts, nor will you be able to reshare or comment on their posts or photos.