The state Department of Consumer Protection is issuing a warning after getting several complaints from people who have received what appears to be an invoice to renew magazine subscriptions, but is actually a solicitation for new business.
The mailers say Publisher Payment Center, according to the Department of Consumer Protection. They name a magazine that you might already receive, include a customer number and lists a payment deadline in multiple places.
If you paid Publisher Payment Center because of the mailer, the Department of Consumer Protection wants you to call 860-713-6300 or 800-249-2649 or email dcp.frauds@ct.gov.
They also urge anyone who received information asking you to pay for something that doesn’t seem right, or is unfamiliar, they offer the following tips:
- If you’re not expecting to pay a bill, but you get an invoice, don’t follow the information given to you.
- Always call the company using a telephone number given to you before, and verify that you don’t owe a payment. In this case, call your magazine’s billing department and ask whether you owe money.
- Don’t be afraid to say no to pressure tactics. If you are getting urged to “Act Now” or “Act Today” or lose a deal, it might be a scam. Fair business people will always give you the opportunity to do your research and shop around.
- Never give your personal information, including financial information, to any entity you don’t know or trust.
- If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always take a step back, and do your research before committing to anything.
