From: [m--e] at [baobab.cadif.cornell.edu]
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Possible RIP-OFF alert
Date: 25 Aug 93 12:26:26 GMT

Hi,
	Several months ago I sent in a card for a free trial issue of
_Handgunning_ magazine, no obligation of course. I received the mag,
was unimpressed, and did not subscribe.

	Over the next several weeks I received maybe 5 invitations to 
subscribe.

	Yesterday I get a nice note from my friends at _National
Credit Audit Corporation_, informing me that I am past due on a 
payment of $13.95 to _Handgunning_. They list no number to call, informing 
me that if contact them, in writing only, will they send me the name and address
of the current creditor. Needless to say I received no prior past due notices,
or any magazines other than my 'free trial offer'.

	A quick call to the 800 number operator (1-800-555-1212) gave me
_Handgunning's_ subscription dept. I spoke to a nice woman and explained
my position - "no problem", she says, "it's already been taken care of".

	Oh really? How thoughtful of you.

	I insisted on written verification so that I might get the 
creditors off my back. She says OK, but tells me not to worry, because
'it's our own credit department'.

	This leaves me with 2 possible explanations - 1), that a magical
computer glitch occurred and was cleared up the next day, but only
after my notice was sent, or 2) they try to intimidate the unwary
with scary and inconvenient collection tactics that no doubt cause
many people to pay rather than go through the trouble to resolve.

	To be fair, they were polite and responsive to my requests. 
Personally, I think they were trying to rip me off but of course I 
have no proof. I'd like to hear of similar experiences out there in 
netLand, good or bad...



							- Michael Chase
							(not [m--e] at [cadif]!)