Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2001 08:31:57 -0800
From: Rick Anderson <rickand_at_unr.edu>
Subject: RE: ACQNET: Beware - Business directories
Allison (and anyone else in this situation):
Just because the company says you're obligated to pay for that book doesn't
mean you actually are. Call them up again and ask them to play you that
recording one more time. At any point did the person at your end of the
phone specifically order the book, or respond in the affirmative to a
specific invitation to order it? If not, then you are NOT obligated to pay
for the book and you absolutely should not do so. Send back a copy of the
invoice with a note citing Title 39 of the U.S. Code, Section 3009, which
says that unsolicited products sent through the mail may be considered
gifts.
I have a form letter I use in such situations, and will be happy to send you
a copy of it if you like.
Rick Anderson
-------------
Rick Anderson
Electronic Resources/Serials Coordinator
The University Libraries
University of Nevada, Reno
1664 No. Virginia St.
Reno, NV 89557
PH (775) 784-6500 x273
FX (775) 784-1328
rickand_at_unr.edu
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-acqnet-l_at_listproc.appstate.edu
> [mailto:owner-acqnet-l_at_listproc.appstate.edu]On Behalf Of ELEANOR COOK
> Sent: Sunday, March 11, 2001 12:13 PM
> To: acqnet-l_at_listproc.appstate.edu
> Subject: ACQNET: Beware - Business directories
>
>
> Date: Fri, 02 Mar 2001 10:50:52 -0600
> From: Allison Mays (Millsaps College) <maysap_at_millsaps.edu>
> Subject: Business Directory scam
>
> [Ed. note: This comes up now and again and was recently discussed on
> several other lists. Acquisitions folks are usually aware of these
> scams but it doesn't hurt to remind people to be wary of cold calls
> that seemingly obligate the buyer - warn your staff!]
>
> I'm looking for someone who has dealt with Newline Publishing about the
> American Business Communications Directory. To make a long story short, a
> salesman made it sound like we were simply updating our listing in the
> directory but apparently we were committed to purchasing this directory.
> When it was questioned, they played back a recording of the original call!
> We tried to cancel our order and returned the directory, but we were
> informed that we're obligated to buy it. The listing cost $154 and the
> directory will be $279.
>
> Needless to say, we now have a strict policy that no one
> authorizes anything
> over the phone; we have to see everything in print. If anyone
> has words of
> advice about dealing with this company, I'd appreciate it. And be careful
> yourownself!
>
> Allison P. Mays
> Acquisitions Librarian
> Millsaps College
> 1701 N. State Street
> Jackson, MS 39210
> 601-974-1083
> maysap_at_millsaps.edu
>
Received on Mon Mar 12 2001 - 11:47:57 EST