Subscription surprise?

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Subscription surprise?

Dear Heloise: To my chagrin, some MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION services automatically renew subscriptions, oftentimes billing the original payment method without notice. I thought this was illegal, but it has happened to me. Please let your readers know that if they are receiving more issues than originally paid for, they should contact the magazine’s subscription department.

— Carole H., Salem, Ore.

Carole, thank you for writing and wanting to let my readers know to keep an eye out. Full disclosure (as they say in journalism): I am a longtime contributing editor and columnist for Good Housekeeping magazine.

I believe that what you are talking about is called an opt-out option or automatic renewal. Generally, with this option, the subscription is automatically renewed unless you “opt out” and say no. They usually send a notice, many times two to six months ahead of the renewal date.

If you have any doubts, call the free customer-service phone number, have the magazine label in hand, and they will work it out for you.

— Heloise

P.S.: This is NOT the same as unauthorized third-party billing companies. They might “renew” at a higher rate. Read the fine print!

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