Scam warning
Fake Subscription Renewal Letter
A notice arrives saying it's time to renew your magazine or newspaper. It looks official, but it's from a different company that charges much more, sends your subscription late, or never orders it at all.
Also called: Magazine renewal scam, Subscription renewal letter, Fake renewal notice
The one thing to remember
Renew only through the magazine or newspaper itself. The real address and phone number are printed inside the publication.
How it happens
- A notice comes in the mail that looks like it's from your magazine.
- It says your subscription is ending and asks for a check.
- The price is higher than usual, often for several years at once.
- You may get the magazine late, or not at all, and your money is hard to get back.
Warning signs
- A renewal notice long before your subscription ends.
- A company name that isn't the publisher.
- Prices higher than the magazine's own offer.
- Several notices for the same magazine from different places.
What to do
- Look inside your magazine or newspaper for the official subscription phone number or address.
- Call them to check when your subscription really ends.
- Throw away notices from companies you don't recognize.
Last checked: October 31, 2026