Seeking Victims in Magazine Subscription Scams Investigation
The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) are seeking victims who may have been defrauded by magazine subscription services from 2000 to the present.
This nationwide telemarketing fraud scheme is being carried out by companies engaging in phony and fraudulent magazine subscription solicitation scams. These companies target elderly and other vulnerable individuals and trick them into unwittingly signing up for expensive magazine subscription packages. The investigation has identified dozens of companies involved in fraudulent magazine sales located within the United States and internationally. The scheme involves tens of thousands of victims and millions of dollars in losses.
If you were fraudulently charged or contacted by a magazine subscription service using deceptive tactics during the time period listed above, please complete this brief questionnaire. Your responses are voluntary but would be useful in the federal investigation and to identify you as a potential victim. Based on the responses provided, you may be contacted by the FBI and asked to provide additional information.
The FBI is legally mandated to identify victims of federal crimes that it investigates and provide these victims with information, assistance services, and resources.
Questionnaire:
Related Press Release:
Additional Resources:
- Older Adult Financial Exploitation Brochure
- Financial Crime and You Brochure
- Department of Justice: Elder Justice Initiative | Victim Resources by State
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Protecting Older Adults from Fraud and Financial Exploitation
- U.S. Postal Inspection Service: Victim Help Resources
- Federal Trade Commission
- Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Better Business Bureau