Blumenthal Strikes Settlements For Time Magazine Subscribers

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal announced that Time, Inc, will pay Connecticut consumers about $100,000 in restitution for deceptive subscription solicitations and renewals.

About 2,400 state residents are eligible for the payments.

“Time tricked consumers into subscriptions and renewals with sneaky solicitations resembling bills or collection notices,” Mr Blumenthal said. “Time’s tactic scared consumers to boost circulation. I’m pleased that Connecticut victims of this scam will rightfully receive restitution. Subscription offers and renewals must be clear and unambiguous, and I will pursue any publisher who tries to trap consumers.”

From 1998 to 2004, Time disguised some subscription offers and renewal notices as bills or collection notices, causing consumers to buy magazine subscriptions they did not want.

Under the agreement, Time will notify about 2,400 state residents who subscribed to or renewed magazines through the deceptive mailings that they are eligible for restitution. The consumers must then apply to Time for refunds. Letters are expected to be sent to consumers this month.

Consumers with questions about the payments should contact the Attorney General’s Office at 860-808-5400. Time reached the same settlement with 23 other states earlier this year.