Remember this guy? The American Idol Wannabe? The nice young man (named Desmond, or Nesbit, or something) who was selling magazine subscriptions door-to-door?
Remember how he sang for me and I video taped him and showed it to you guys? Remember how I gave him $75 for a subscription to Discover Magazine? I wrote all about it in a blog post entitled “I Can’t Afford to Answer the Door“.
I was thinking about him the other day and wondered whatever happened to him. Did he make it onto American Idol? Has he been staying off the streets? I hope he’s continuing to avoid his brother’s fate of getting shot down by gang members. Did he win that subscription selling contest based on points? Did my contribution of SEVENTY FIVE DOLLARS (oh, did I mention that already) help him win?
I also began to wonder: Did he ever turn in my subscription order? Because oddly, I haven’t seen a single issue of Discover Magazine yet. And, you know, it’s been five months, so I’m beginning to get a little concerned.
So I dug out my receipt and called the company (Universal Subscription Agency, Inc.) at (757) 818-9497 in Chesapeake, Virginia, and would you believe no one answered the phone? I got two different recorded messages both times that I called asking me to leave a message.
So I Googled “Universal Subscription Agency, Inc.”
Unfortunately, they didn’t have a website, but they are mentioned a lot by others on the internet. In fact, they’re famous! See?
Rip-Off? Complaints? Scam? I’m sure there must be some misunderstanding, so I clicked on a few of these links, including one where a Former Employee Tells All. He talks about how Universal Subscription Agency, Inc. is a virtual cult and that they lure in, brainwash, and bully them into selling magazine subscriptions. How the sales people are just as much a victim as the customer and how Universal Subscription Agency, Inc. are just a bunch of highway robbers. It’s quite a story, really. You should read it. [dramatic pause] Seriously.
This can’t be true though, can it? I think I’ll just try calling them again later. By the way, did I mention that the name of this company is Universal Subscription Agency, Inc.? And that their phone number is (757) 818-9497? I’m sure there’s just a mix-up in the subscription department or something. I mean, my receipt even has an address and a FAX number, so it must be legit, right? RIGHT???
Because if this turns out to have been a rip-off (perish the thought), I might have to bad mouth them (Universal Subscription Agency, Inc) on my blog or something. I would have to keep saying their name (Universal Subscription Agency, Inc) over and over so that anybody else encountering these people (Universal Subscription Agency, Inc) will know what they’re in for and not fall for it the way I did. I might have to start up a website about them (Universal Subscription Agency, Inc) and all the other scams out there to help educate people so that they wouldn’t be able to do to you what they did to me.
But until then, I’ll just go on about my business and blog about puppies and rainbows.
And goats.
[UPDATE 4/14/2010]: According to comments on this post, the company name has changed to Unique Subscription, Inc.
Goat Thing of The Day
Faithful NGIP reader, Wayne (aka Architectcritic), sent in this photo from his trip to Kenya…
(from Wayne’s Flickr page)
[…] the follow-up to this story and to find out if thi sguy was legit, you can go to my post entitled: "Universal Subscription Agency, Inc. Scam Artists? Or Just Poorly Misunderstood?” Spread the good […]
Unique Subscription Agency, Inc. is not the same company as United Subscription Agency, or Universal Subscription Agency, or OK Marketing. Many members of the agency may have been working under those companies at some point, but they left for Unique Subscription Agency for a reason. Larry McClellan (also known as Skyler) is trying to run this business different than all the others, to change the name of the game and prove that you can be honest with magazine sales and still be successful. Yes, there are bad agents, but they're trying to weed them out. Yes, he's using a clearing house under Cody Payne, but did you ever think that maybe those are the only clearing houses available or maybe Skyler cannot afford to go under a different one quite yet? Skyler is doing his best, using the lesser of the evils when it comes to the clearing house used.
I used to work for this company, and it is not a scam. The $500 sign-on bonus is real, I did get to travel the country and see a new side to the country. I made some great friends and will never forget the memories I made. (I left due to personal issues and things going on back home that I was needed for.) USA, Inc. is not a scam company, you will get your magazines if you order through them. It may take a while (the receipts say “allow up to 120 days for delivery” which is 4 months when you think about it.)
HELLO EVERYONE!
I WORK FOR UNIQUE SUBSCRIPTION AGENCY AND JUST WANTED TO LET YOU ALL KNOW THAT UNIVERSAL SUBSCRIPTION AGENCY IS A DIFFERENT COMPANY WITH A TOTALLY DIFFERENT TAX ID NUMBER AND ADDRESS. WE WERE NEVER ANOTHER COMPANY AND NEVER WILL BE. YES, THERE ARE COMPANIES THAT USE OUR INITIALS (USAINC.). PLEASE, MAKE SURE YOU GET ALL YOUR INFORMATION CORRECT BEFORE POSTING INFORMATION ABOUT DIFFERENT COMPANIES. THE YOUNG MAN THAT WAS IN THE FIRST BLOG HAS NEVER WORK FOR UNIQUE SUBSCRIPTION AGENCY, INC.
The people who run Unique Subscription Agency are the same ones who ran scams for United Subscription and OK Marketing? If you're different, why use the same corrupt clearing house owned by Cody Payne? Why be based out of Colorado? Its because you are the same. In Colorado its cheap and easy to set up front companies for clearing houses. Why do members of your crew have outstanding warrants? Are background checks run before signing on new recruits? Of course not. Unique Subscription Agency is SSDD. Only the name of the company has changed, which is a common practice in this business.
Luna – I would love to hear your follow-up.
– Margaret
They changed the name to Unique Subscription Inc, with the number and address that Char posted. I was approached by a young guy, and subscribed to one because he was really nice. I called the number right away after seeing this blog post, and they seem a legitimate company. The lady answered the phone, explained to me how the program works for kids to get funds for scholarship, etc. And then she instructed me how to cancel if I wish to within the 3-day cancellation period.
I'll let you know if I get the magazine in a month. =)
what happened since? i'm too eager since i wasted my money trying to help that guy to go to school..i'm scammed i feel! i dint try to check about this company before i signed my check, and when i did, i wrote back for canellation and i dont believe it will help much either. just 3 days since, let me see what happens..no one attends the call at the company number.
I had the same experience this evening. After she left I quickly signed the back of the receipt and made out the envelope. It says you can cancel with a full refund within 3 business days of purchase. This girl tried to get me to give her part of the total in cash. No go.
Ugh, I don't even want to answer my door. I always tell people no anyways but then get scared that they will get mad and do something to my house.
I didn't even know people still went around door-to-door selling magazine subscriptions.
Hi Char! Thank you so much for your comment and the updated phone number. And thank you for your vigilance!
Unique Subscription Agency is now recruiting in Tulsa, OK and offering a $500 sign-on bonus. Phone numbers in their Ad says to call 720-236-9183 or 281-627-8857. They are based out of CO. The magazine crew boss is Larry McClelland and they use companies owned by Cody Payne as their clearinghouse. These are the same people who ran OK Marketing….same scams.
hi!
i was approached by a girl claiming to be from the same agency and with a similar story ("You can make the check out to U.S.A. inc.," she so cleverly stated.), but thanks to posts like yours and others, I caught her around my neighborhood (as she was about to ring another doorbell) and asked for my check back as I had changed my mind.
Unique Subscription Agency has now changed their address to P.O. box 1060, kittredge CO and their new phone number is 303-674-8252.
thank you for this post!
UNIQUE SUBSCRIPTION AGENCY HAS AND NEVER WILL BE UNIVERSAL SUBSCRIPTION AGENCY. CHECK YOUR RESOURCES!!!! I WORK FOR THIS COMPANY AND WE HAVE NEVER BEEN UNDER OR AFFILIATED WITH ANOTHER COMPANY OR NAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
they knocked on my door today. But i was scammed by them at a mall once in my freshmen year of college. so i chatted them up real nice, politely said no, closed the door, and called the cops. It won’t get my fifty bucks from five years ago back, But it made me feel better.
Damn- what a scam and the reason I don’t really listen to any door knockers or even so much open the door. Think of it as you spent $75 to research a good blog article adn now your reaping the benefits.
Scams never go away.
How terrible! That’s such a shame!
They hit me up about 2 years ago and even tried to push thru my screen door! Coming from NY I know all the street scams so I passed.
I think this post just saved me. For reals! Had some kid knock on my door and give me some sob story. All I could think about was your post!!
Since I’m money challenged right now, I said no but dude wouldn’t take no for an answer. Luckily Hubs was here and sent him packing.
May all your goats be blessed for your public service.
I, too, am awaiting a subscription from this, or some similar, company.
I’ve been waiting about 4 years.
Maybe tomorrow when I check the mail…
Oh, for crying out loud. I sure hope Nesbit or whoever made it to American Idol and was able to get out of the victim spiral this company (can’t think of the name) propagates.
OMG! That is really awful. Im going to check those links and maybe even try calling that number. What a nightmare.
Don’t feel bad. I’m sure that $75 went to feeding his three children’s mouths, and not at all to, say, a brand new pair of white sneaks.
Next time someone comes to your house, you let ME answer the door.
got that????
GAWD! Nothing makes me more upset than getting taken advantage of!
I’m sorry it happened to you.
Just say NOOOOOOO!!!!!
There’s power in that!
I never buy anything from door-to-door people! and certainly will I never buy from a subscription magazine company named Universal Subscription Agency! Thanks for the info on this, I’ll pass it on!
It’s a sad day when you can’t trust a guy standing at your door asking for your money. 🙂
Bastards!! Damn that Nesbit for getting conned into conning you!
I thought that happened to me a few months ago when I subscribed to a mag for my dad. He eventually got it, but it took months!
That sucks. It’s stories like these that make me appreciate sleeping during the day when they are out pounding the pavement looking for their victims.
That’s funny and creepy. It’s funny creepy.
No way! Ugh!!! I hate when that kind of stuff happens. I’m one of those people who believe in seeing the “good” in people. This kinda stuff totally bursts my bubble 🙁 I’m so sorry it happened to you!
Posts about puppies and rainbows and goats are my favoritest.
Next time, let the goat answer the door. Maybe, that will keep the baaaddd people away. (Lame, I know)
We just talk at people with our door shut. One guy said, “it’s kinda hard to sell you something with the door shut”. Dave said, “exactly.”
We’d open the door to you…honest.
Oh that sucks. I’m sorry you never got your magazine.
Thanks for the warning.
OH NO?!!!! You mean UNIVERSAL SUBSCRIPTION AGENCY is out there taking advantage of that poor American Idol wannabe? As well as you, an innocent goat loving magazine reading sweet woman who would never say a bad thing about anybody. Or give out their phone number? That’s awful.
Damn dirty criminals.
Dude… I told you not to open the door… :0)
I’m sensing that you might be a teensy bit upset with Universal Subscription Agency …
That sucks. Yeah, I had heard this before with the magazines so I don’t do door to door people, I just say ‘no thanks’ before they start. Through the locked glass door. With my big dog. Those carpet people too. I do hope you file a complaint with your AG though – see they expect people won’t.
I know a few people who were sucked into going door to door for these scammers. Very bad stories. One kid was left in the middle of nowhere, with no money and no ride. Another was hauled around the country in a bus, being dropped off in a different neighborhood every day; she made no profit. I hope their headquarters burns down.
I think that was the same guy that came to our door and took us for more than I want to admit.
Never. Again.
I am sad to discover you got universally screwed.
The publicist thinks this post on her blog might make you laugh. It is about Michael and Luke the goats…
http://brokenteepee.blogspot.com/2009/06/one-of-lifes-dreams.html
Ugh. that is just so WRONG. I got scammed by that magazine thing, too, many years ago. I’m still upset about it. Don’t know if it was the same company. I think I’m going to share your blog post with all 201 of may facebook friends!!!
Oh boy, Universal Subscription Agency, Inc. has NOOOOOO idea who they are dealing with. Oh no, no, no. Universal Subscription Agency, Inc. will NEVER hear the end of you, me, or everyone else who reads this blog! Universal Subscription Agency, Inc. will wish they never stepped foot or your property or knocked on your door. In fact, I DARE Universal Subscription Agency, Inc. to knock on your door while Wink the dog is visiting you! Ha!!!
And I called and left a message too!
Go get em!!! I’ll be your wingman 🙂
That is just wrong. And people are stooping to new lows by using American Idol as part of the gimick to get people to hand over their money. That is just like using little baby Jesus.
Awww crud. I was really hoping he was legit.
Universal Subscription Agency, Inc. really gives all the GOOD door-to-door singing, sob story, salespeople a bad name.
I bet they don’t even like goats.
DAMN YOU NESBIT! damn you…
Well, just think, you won’t feel half as bad about the $75 rip-off once we all get hit with higher taxes.
Maybe Wayne (aka Architectcritic) was in Kenya looking for someone’s real birth certificate. Do they have courthouses over there? [lol]
:o)
A van full of kids pressed into magazine subscription sales crashed a few years ago because one of them was driving who wasn’t supposed to be, and when the cops tried to pull them over for speeding, the kids tried to switch places so that the actual speeding driver wouldn’t get caught actually driving. The crash was tremendous, and several kids died. Which of course begs the question of why the company had a van full of teenagers driving around for fourteen hours a day without any supervision. The solution the company had to the problem was simply to change names and disappear. Nice. I’m afraid the best you can hope for is that the Universal Subscription Agency changes its name.
OMFG, what’s wrong with people?? I am going to pass this post onto others. This is crazy!
So sorry it happened to you.
Yeas ago, my nephew got caught up in a deal like that. He traveled around the country (originally from Florida), and then when he landed in Austin, we got him and my sister flew out and took him home. That boy had some crazy stories about being in a big van with a bunch of runaway types and being stuck doing their high-pressure sales! Bad news for sure.
I would file a report with the California Attorney General. Then Governor Arnold will be deployed to “FIND THEM AND SMASH THEM AND DO OTHER VIOLENTLY AUSTRIAN THINGS TO THEM!”
Really… Call your state AG.
more about the puppies and rainbows please
Oh man. Scams suck.
But goats, puppies and rainbows are nice. So, I guess it’s a balance. I bet it sucks just as much to be a scammer as a scammee. Anyhow, I have lots of back issues of Discover, Harper’s and Atlantic Monthly laying around the house. If you need a magazine fix, you can write to me and I’ll send some along. And I’m not even kidding. I got a pretty big pile going here…
I’m sorry you got scammed. Don’t let it blind you to what virtue there is out there. There’s still some, here and there.
What’s even worse, according to some people I took a police report for last year, these people not only brainwash young people, and bully them, they even ABDUCTED a girl and her boyfriend from my town! They took them to Portland against their will and then split them up and threatened them to keep them from leaving the “group”.
Now, I’m not sayin’ that girl was a peach. Apparently she was a little pain in the butt and frequent runaway. However, that is not the point. Luckily she managed somehow to get word to her mother when she decided she’d had enough and mom managed to get to Portland and get her home.
Very scary.
Warn your kids.
And goats.
To make you feel better, I would like to tell you that I thought of you frequently while I was on vacation. Which is especially odd since I don’t really know you and we just sometimes read each other’s blog from time to time.
It seems that Disney also loves goats. I spent a week in Orlando/Kissimmee/Disney parks, and I swear to you, I have never seen so many technicolor goats.
I got scammed by these guys in Atlanta also for $49
So sorry about your disaster. I had a similar runin with my trash company, an they didn’t seem to care either that I mentioned their name over and over an not so nicely on my blog.
Oh my gosh. I cannot believe you got ripped off! I hope he makes it on American Idol and then you can show up and tell him he owes you $75. Lol.
I guess the lesson learned is to always google before doing anything.
A scam??? No way! Once when I was in college one of those magazine guys was trying to sell me magazines and actually, uninvited, hopped into the car next to me!! The nerve….
We had someone from that company call us and try to sell us a subscription to a magazine we already had! My hubs is a sucker and instead of hanging up said “send me something in writing.” They took that as a “we’ll buy,” and proceeded to harass us about non-payment on our “verbal agreement” to buy a subscription. Nice. Just love those people…not.
Holy Cow, um, I mean Holy Goat! I clicked over to read the article by the former employer and all I can say is that you are lucky you only got scammed instead of abducted, brainwashed, and sent to sell fake subscriptions in Managua.
..and you have one of their cult members on tape! Geesh!
Ah, Margaret!
Woe to those that scam you and come to your door, lest they end up on your blog. A fate worse than death!
A pox on Universal Subscription Agency. (And that sounds like such a professional name, too! I mean, USA!)
What was that name again?
Was it Universal Subscription Agency?
How is that spelled? Was it
U – N- I- V- E- R- S- A- L- S- U- B- S- C- R- I- P- T- I- O- N A- G- E- N- C- Y ?
I think I’ll pull out my old binder full of prank calls. Perhaps they will enjoy me calling them and asking about their Prince Albert or was that why is Albert in Their Can? No matter, can’t wait to call 757) 818-9497 .
I’m having very definite feelings about that Universal magazine whatever you call it.
Definite feelings.
Wow. Thanks for plugging my article. Yes. The story is absolutely true. The only thing that prevents prosecution against these folks is that every once in a while they just up and change names. They’re very slippery. In the comments section of my tale someone quite anonymous kept telling me I’d get sued for writing it. But they haven’t because a) Everything they say would then become a court document, b) The real personalities behind the facade would have to reveal themselves, and c) They’re not getting blood from a rock. Thank you again. You’ve no idea what good you’ve done for me hon.
Eeek!
That’s truly terrible and I would agree to report what you can.
More thank likely that money is gone, gone, gone, but a little retribution is better than none, right?
So sorry. This totally reeks.
Ugh, I’ve heard some of the things they (or some similar scam) do to the kids that are naive enough to believe them. Just horrific.
I agree with Robyn, if you can, file a report.
Oh wow. I always slam the door on those punks… Sorry that happened to you. :/
Oh NO!!! I am furious on your behalf!!!
The least Discover Magazine could do is send you a free subscription to make it up to you…..
Humph! This burns my butter! Seriously, my butter? TOTALLY BURNED! I’m going to conjure up the ghost of Skeeter, the ORiginal Kung-Fu Fighting Goat, and send her off to Universal Subscription Agency to kick some scammy butt!
Call your state’s attorney generals office to file a report against them. You probably won’t get your money – but the more reports they get the better the chance that something might be done to stop them from scamming others.