Before I start, I would like to say that if you are a civil rights lawyer and you need a case, please help me. I am in dier need of assistance. Thank you. I received a phone call from IMC magazine saying I was entered in a 1,000,000 dollar sweepstakes due to a recent purchase that I made with my visa/mastercard. I believed that because I did make a purchase for some scar cream. I asked if that was why they got my name, but no answer. The man seemed nice, so I was nice back even though he never answered my questions in full.
He offered me a diamond watch for free in either a man or women style, I chose the man style for my boyfriend. It seemed like a nice gift, since it was supposed to be free. He also told me about the magazines that I would get for a full 52 dollars or something if I ordered a year supply. They assured me that I could cancel at any time.
I barely remember the incident now, because it was so long ago. about 4 months. I had given the man my card number because I obviously am not smart enough to know a scam when I hear one. I had told the man I was only seventeen, but he said that was ok….witch seemed odd, because I cant even sign a contract for a cell phone by myself without parent permission. He also told me he was “new” and needed me to put in a good word for him when his supervisor called me back. I said sure, and then hung up. His supervisor called me soon after. He repeated almost everything the last man said, and seemed nice also. But he wouldnt answer any of my questions in full, witch made me nerveous.
I somehow was convinced to give in my number, witch he said would only be missing 52 dollars or so. When I hung up I checked my card, and he had taken over 100 dollars off. I tried to call back, but it was not working. I figured it was a scam, and was relieved it was only 100 dollars and that I used a pre-paid greendot card so it wouldnt happen again.
Just last month (May 2011) I had received three magazines (parenting) to be exact. I thought it was a mistake, but it had my name and address. Although they spelt my first name wrong. I took them into my home, but didnt know exactly why I was getting them because I had forgotten about my scam attack. Then on june 1st I had gotten a final notice saying I owe 149 dollars, but if I pay 1146 dollars my whole year would be paid.
I had no idea what was happening! I tried to call the number on the notice, but no answer. I also thought it was fishy that I had not received any other notice. Where was my first, second, or third notice? All I got was FINAL notice.
They called me today threatening legal action. I asked how this happened, and she said I had signed a verbal contract. I soon asked if it was because of that 1,000,000 dollar sweepstakes thing, but she didnt answer me. I told her I was only eighteen and that I couldnt afford those billings. I asked if I could cancel, but she said it was completely impossible. That I had to pay 60 dollars a month for five years. I almost cried. I begged if there was another way, but she said no. I cant afford those payments, and she said I had to give her the money tonight or else she would charge me more. But I do not have any money, nor would I even think about paying that. She warned me that my credit was already in the negatives and that there was no way out of this.
I hung up, and looked up IMC mag. All there was to find was scam posts and complaints. I felt so stupid, and hopless. I dont even think I can afford a lawyer. So I looked up my civil rights, because I thought me being underaged at the time could be a loophole….
“A minor (typically under 18) can disaffirm a contract made, no matter the case. However, the entire contract must be disaffirmed. Depending on the jurisdiction, the minor may be required to return any of the goods still in his possession. Also, barter transactions such as purchasing a retail item in exchange for a cash payment is generally recognized through a legal fiction to not be a contract due to the absence of promises of future action. A minor may not disavow such a trade.[1]Disaffirmance – it must be timely. For example, a contract that goes beyond two years of reaching the age of majority would be considered ratified. Minors are still allowed to disaffirm, even if their age is misrepresented. They will not face tort violations. Some states don’t allow disaffirmance if the consideration cannot be returned.”
I am not quite sure what all that means, but hopefully it means that this can all go away. They started billing me right after my eighteenth birthday may 20th. I had gotten my final notice june 1st, as stated. I had never done anything like this before, I had just started college. I was aware of scams, but I didnt know about how good scammers can be at their jobs. I hope someone can help, and I hope those ass holes get a huge lawsuit on their hands.
Consider me another person, whos financial future is now ruined thanks to a heartless company that even preys on underaged clients.
Thank you for reading my post.
Corinne Ingram
Arcata, California
