Subscription Billing Scam = I subscribed to the WSJ digital bundle for $10 per month (a one year promotional lower rate offer.) Two weeks before the end of the 12th month the WSJ charged my credit card $49.99 as the new monthly rate, beginning a 13th month. The central problem is that I did not renew or agree to have my card charged at the higher rate, and the year I subscribed for had not yet expired when they processed a much higher payment for themselves. Luckily I had marked my calendar to call (as they require) in order to cancel one week before the end of the promotional period. I called and told the customer service rep that I wanted to cancel, and I wanted them to issue a credit as a refund for the $49.99. because I did not want to renew at that monthly rate. The CS rep informed me that he was not authorized to issue me a credit and there was nothing he could do about it. I explained that my subscription period had not expired yet, and the terms of my original deal explicitly stated "You can cancel anytime." Still he would not budge. So, I said I want to talk with a supervisor. I got one on the line after holding for over 25 minutes TWICE! Ms. Supervisor said the same thing: NO REFUND. No cogent explanation was offered. No reference number could be provided to me as a complaint ticket tracking number. Nothing to assist me in resolving this directly with WSJ was provided. So, I had to jump through hoops with my credit card provider, explain it again, provide evidence of the fraud, fill out a long form, etc. ADVICE: If you ever accept one of the attractively priced WSJ promotions make sure you mark your calendar to call and cancel your subscription at least 1.5 months in advance of the expiration. I looked at the 12 charges on my credit card history and found that, beginning in the 7th month of the term, they shaved 3 days per month off the monthly billing cycle, which effectively advanced the annual renewal date by 15 days. This is fraud, in my opinion.
