If reader Charlie's letter inside isn't proof enough, then perhaps the profusion of negative reviews at Epinions might be of service.

Steve Martin should compile them into a Shouts undt Murmurs piece.

Lastly, let's take a look at the actual magsforless.com site. It looks like poo. Anytime you see a commerce site that looks like it was designed in three seconds, run away. It probably means they suck.

"On September 9, 2006, I ordered online a 2 year renewal subscription for The New Yorker Magazine. My Mastercard was charged $29.50. Over the last few weeks I've left 3 voice mails (888-7620-6298)and sent 3 emails to complain because The New Yorker has no record of this transaction. And I've received no response from Magsforless.com or their sister company, My1mag.com. Our subscription runs out in February. I'd like my money back. It appears anyone who uses them risks having their money flush down the toilet, and your credit card number is questionable hands.

I've contacted various consumer protection organizations. We'll see if they have better luck than I did. Just check out what people on epinions.com have to say about these guys. I should have looked there first. I learned the hard way."

At this point, it seems that Charlie's best route of action is to contact his credit card company and ask for a chargeback. This will refund Charlie's money, as well as charge a fee to Magsorless. Luckily, most credit card companies will issue this near automatically for amounts under $50.

— BEN POPKEN