American Express dirty trick?

[snels]

Hi,
I received a statement from American Express today. I wasn't expecting a bill because we have a credit balance with them.
American Express billed us for a magazine called "Travel & Leisure"
We never ordered this magazine. We received one in the mail on Sat. My husband and I didn't have a clue as to why we received it. I looked through the magazine, and I believe it is published by American Express.
Have any of you had AE do this to your account? I don't think it is right that they send you their magazine and then bill you for it.
Thanks for your input.
Sandy

 

[JOC]

Sorry, I haven't had your particular situation happen to me. However, a couple of months ago I sent in a $1000 payment and noticed a few weeks later that the payment hadn't posted to my account. I called their customer service and the guy told me that what probably happened was that my payment was posted to someone else's account because "they key in the account numbers, and sometimes they're off by one digit." Yikes!!!
I got it straightened out, but that was pretty scary.

 

[PartyofSix]

I have not had this happen to me. I would call them and have them take it off it must have been a mistake. I love American Express and it's the only card I'll use if it's taken. I love paying online and seeing all my rewards pile up after paying off the account monthly. I just can't wait till i have enough for 2 nights at PBH about half way there.LOL Hope you get your kink straighten out.

 

[CarolA]

Oh yeah! And this is not a cheap magazine. However, when you call and complain they will remove the charge.

My billing issues with Amex could cover a book. Suffice it to say the right hand of Amex does not know what the left hand is doing. I watch that account like a hawk.

 

[crazyme5kids]

It is not uncommon for any credit card to do this. I just had it happen with a master card for a credit protection thing. Just call and tell them to remove it.

 

[kylara]

I agree call them and tell them to take it off. I have noticed that sometimes AMEX sends out notices that if you do not return, it means you want the magazine..NOT.

I only use AMEX because it is a business card. I get it through the college so I don't pay an annual fee. The bill comes to me, so I can use it for non-business purchases. Mostly I use it for internet purchases. The one thing I like about AMEX, if you have a discrepancy and disputer it, they are very good about holding the amount and helping you dispute the charge.

 

[mickeyfan1]

will subscribe you if you enter the contests they send out, read carefully, they say by entering this contest you agree to subscribe to ......You can enter with out subscribing, but they make it really hard. Best to always check you bill, call to dispute, and SHRED all the junk mail they send.

 

[Kirk]

No AX story but another disappointment!

I have a MC and VISA through FCNB and due to circumstances had run up the balances to a significant amount. The 5th I got notice that for business reasons ALL cards would have charging privileges suspended in 2 days! Today I read Speigel (The Parent Company) was filing Chapter 11! OUCH!!!

 

[PamOKW]

Many times the "free" gifts and other special offers that come with the credit card or seperately include fine print that starts a magazine subscription. You should be able to call and cancel.

One of the cc (might be Amex), offered a lovely leather calendar for just shipping, something like $2.95. The "fine print" said the calendar will be shipped every year in the future at the full price, more like $39.95, unless they get a "don't send" order.

 

[snels]

Thanks for your replies. I called American Express. They took the charge off our account.
Sandy

 

[Pin Wizard]

Originally posted by crazyme5kids
It is not uncommon for any credit card to do this. I just had it happen with a master card for a credit protection thing. Just call and tell them to remove it.

I did that once and the woman on the other end told me that I didn't want to do that and put it on my bill for another year! I called back and spoke with a "supervisor" who said..."I'll take care of it." Fine way to lose customers!