Yesterday, I got these two bills.  Actually, my dog Tubby got these two bills.  Now once a long time ago, I ordered Shape magazine in Tubby’s name.  The reason I did this was because when I ordered the magazine I added an adendum stating that they did not have my (Tubby’s) permission to sell my name and address, yada, yada, yada.  I wanted to see if they would abide by my wishes.  Apparently not, because Tubby received all kinds of junkmail after that including credit card applications.

Anyway, I never renewed Shape and it expired months and months ago.  I’ve never even bought an issue of Fitness.  My husbands grandmother used to have tons of magazines in her house that she never read.  When my sister-in-law started going through ALL her mail, she found these solicitations all the time.  Grandma thought hey were bills and she paid them.  Anyway, I think this marketing technique is a sorry scam primarily aimed at the elderly (and dogs). 

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/LuluBellanova/tubby2.jpg[/IMG]

well, the yahoo email address for a business is VERY suspect. I would contact the magazines and ask if they have you listed for a subscription. If not, file a police report and let the magazine know that someone is doing this in their name.

Also, usually subscription renewal forms are postage paid….I think. It’s been a long time since I either filled one out or created one for a client, but I seem to remember that being the case. It may not be in all cases though.

I also find the lack of the publisher’s name on the address very suspect as well.

You could also call the number provided and ask a few very pointed questions.

Crap, I didn’t even notice the yahoo address.  I figured the businesses were legit, but don’t approve of their tactics.

Well, the best indicator would be if your grandmother (or you) start receiving the magazines again.

This is a scam.

Companies frequently get faxed fake bills like these, and many get paid by unwary company employees.

I should turn them over to the Police.

And indeed, a Yahoo-mailaddress for a company is very suspect.

Poor Tubby

Not to mention that the phone number provided is in Kansas City when their offices are said to be in Boulder.    Definitely a scam.