Gotcha! subscription offers.(Trends)

If you've received an offer like the one above, take heed. Although the front bears the name of a magazine, and it might look like an invoice, the back identifies its source: "an independent magazine clearinghouse agent" that does "not necessarily have a direct relationship" with the publisher. And it's an "offer, not a bill or invoice." The sender might be able to get you a subscription, but the terms could raise an eyebrow.

Over the years, we've seen plenty of such notices, for many different publications, sent by independent agents with similar-sounding names, including Publishers Billing Emporium, Readers Payment Service, and Periodical Billing Services. Some have the same fine-print terms on the back: You have 168 hours after you order--just one week--to cancel. If you cancel after that, and the cancellation is accepted, you'll owe a $20 "processing fee." The order above, from Publishers Periodical Service, has those draconian terms. (CONSUMER REPORTS never charges a cancellation fee.)

Last fall, Publishers Periodical Service ...