I am a long term subscriber to WSJ and in February 2013 I was advised of a rate increase to $51.01 quarterly ($204.04 annual). Terms were automatic payment from credit card with a quarterly deduction of 51.01. I have just discovered that in April 2014 WSJ started deducting $29.42 monthly without any notification or authorization, an increase of 73% in pricing and also a change from quarterly to monthly payments.
I called customer service to request an explanation, return of excess payment and if new rate were to continue a cancellation of service. Kenny from CS indicated that 29.42 was the new rate, claimed ‘I must have overlooked notification” and he would pass on my request to another department where they would review and perhaps agree to refund excess amount. I wanted a simple resolution and asked to be transferred to or given a phone number to responsible WSJ department.. Kenny said "not possible" I said that based upon the fact that my account had been tampered with without my knowledge or consent I did not want to rely upon an unknown entity to review and respond at an undetermined date whether I was "entitled" to my own money. Again I was advised “not possible, will pass on to someone who will decide and contact you eventually".
More importantly, we also discussed the legality of WSJ changing the price and payment terms and then accessing my account without my permission. WSJ indicated that my original agreement allowed them to raise price and debit my account. That is definitely not true. I then sent them a copy of original offer that was sent to me in a personalized letter format. Nowhere is there any mention of a future change in price or terms.
Subsequently, WSJ denied my request for return of excess payment. As evidence of my receipt of a notification they are stating that the circulation department “claims” they sent one. When I requested any documentation or to be transferred to someone to discuss, I was advised, that information is proprietary to WSJ and can't be released.
The Wall Street Journal’s response completely ignored the fundamental issue of having no authorization to increase pricing by 73%, or to change my payment terms to monthly. As justification to keep my money WSJ then offered an unsubstantiated claim of having sent a meaningless notification concerning increase. I have now come to the belief that payment terms were changed to monthly to avoid my noticing their unapproved price increase.
The Wall Street Journal Reviews
I am a long term subscriber to WSJ and in February 2013 I was advised of a rate increase to $51.01 quarterly ($204.04 annual). Terms were automatic payment from credit card with a quarterly deduction of 51.01. I have just discovered that in April 2014 WSJ started deducting $29.42 monthly without any notification or authorization, an increase of 73% in pricing and also a change from quarterly to monthly payments.
I called customer service to request an explanation, return of excess payment and if new rate were to continue a cancellation of service. Kenny from CS indicated that 29.42 was the new rate, claimed ‘I must have overlooked notification” and he would pass on my request to another department where they would review and perhaps agree to refund excess amount. I wanted a simple resolution and asked to be transferred to or given a phone number to responsible WSJ department.. Kenny said "not possible" I said that based upon the fact that my account had been tampered with without my knowledge or consent I did not want to rely upon an unknown entity to review and respond at an undetermined date whether I was "entitled" to my own money. Again I was advised “not possible, will pass on to someone who will decide and contact you eventually".
More importantly, we also discussed the legality of WSJ changing the price and payment terms and then accessing my account without my permission. WSJ indicated that my original agreement allowed them to raise price and debit my account. That is definitely not true. I then sent them a copy of original offer that was sent to me in a personalized letter format. Nowhere is there any mention of a future change in price or terms.
Subsequently, WSJ denied my request for return of excess payment. As evidence of my receipt of a notification they are stating that the circulation department “claims” they sent one. When I requested any documentation or to be transferred to someone to discuss, I was advised, that information is proprietary to WSJ and can't be released.
The Wall Street Journal’s response completely ignored the fundamental issue of having no authorization to increase pricing by 73%, or to change my payment terms to monthly. As justification to keep my money WSJ then offered an unsubstantiated claim of having sent a meaningless notification concerning increase. I have now come to the belief that payment terms were changed to monthly to avoid my noticing their unapproved price increase.