Have you ever scanned your credit card statement and spotted a Northeast PA Circ charge on credit card that you don’t remember making? You’re not alone.
Many people panic when they see unfamiliar entries like this. It could be a simple mix-up or something more serious. In this post, we’ll break it down step by step.
Table of Contents
Decoding the Northeast PA Circ Charge
So, what exactly is “Northeast PA Circ”? From what we’ve gathered, this label usually points to a subscription charge from a newspaper in Northeast Pennsylvania.
Specifically, it’s linked to the Scranton Times-Tribune. This paper serves the Scranton area and nearby spots like Wilkes-Barre.
The “Circ” part stands for circulation, which handles subscriptions and deliveries.
Why Northeast PA? Scranton sits in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania. The Times-Tribune has been around for over 150 years, covering local news, sports, and more.
If you signed up for their digital edition or print delivery, this charge might pop up monthly.
Typical amounts? People report seeing $11.95 or similar figures. That’s about the cost of a basic digital subscription. It could vary based on your plan, like adding print editions or extras.
How does it appear? On your statement, it might show as “NORTHEAST PA CIRC” followed by a phone number or city code.
Sometimes, it’s under a parent company like Times-Shamrock Communications, which owns the paper.
Not sure if that’s you? Think back. Did you grab a trial subscription during a promo? Or maybe someone in your household did.
Newspapers often offer low introductory rates, like $1 for the first month, then regular billing kicks in.
How This Charge Ends Up on Your Statement
Newspaper subscriptions have changed a lot. Gone are the days of just doorstep delivery.
Now, many go digital. You sign up online, enter your card details, and forget about it.
Auto-renewal is common, so charges keep coming unless you cancel.
The Scranton Times-Tribune offers options like:
- Digital-only access for reading on your phone or computer.
- Print plus digital for the full experience.
- Special bundles for weekends or holidays.
When you subscribe, your card gets charged through their circulation department. That’s why “Circ” shows up.
Parent companies play a role too. If the paper is part of a larger group, the charge might route through them.
For example, some users see links to Gannett or other media firms, but for Northeast PA, it’s often local.
One key point: These charges are usually recurring. Check your statement history. If it’s monthly, that’s a big clue it’s a subscription.
Steps to Verify the Charge
Don’t jump to conclusions. Here’s how to confirm if “Northeast PA Circ” is real.
First, log into your credit card account online. Look at the transaction details. Note the date, amount, and any extra info like a merchant phone number.
Next, search your email inbox. Type in “Scranton Times-Tribune” or “subscription confirmation.” You might find a welcome email from when you signed up.
Still unsure? Contact the newspaper directly. Their customer service line is 1-800-228-4637. Ask about extension 9190 for circulation issues.
Tell them about the charge and give your card details (last four digits only for safety). They can check if it’s tied to an account.
You can also visit their website at thetimes-tribune.com. Look for the “Contact Us” page. There’s a form for delivery or payment questions.
If you have an online account with the paper, log in. Check your subscription status and billing history.
Pro tip: Use your bank’s app to categorize transactions. Some apps let you tag charges as “subscriptions” for easy tracking.
What If the Charge Seems Unauthorized?
Sometimes, it’s not you. If you never subscribed, it could be a mistake or fraud. Here’s what to do.
Report it to your credit card company right away. Call the number on the back of your card. Explain the charge is unknown. They can put a hold on it and investigate.
Under federal law, you’re not liable for unauthorized charges if reported quickly. Most cards offer zero liability protection.
Ask for a new card. This stops further charges if your info was compromised.
Monitor your statements closely for the next few months. Look for other odd entries.
How does fraud happen? Card skimmers at gas pumps or data breaches. Newspapers aren’t common targets, but it’s possible.
Table: Common Signs of Fraud vs. Legit Charge
| Sign | Likely Fraud | Likely Legit |
|---|---|---|
| Amount | Random, high | Consistent, low (e.g., $12) |
| Frequency | One-off | Monthly recurring |
| Merchant Details | No phone number | Includes contact info |
| Your Memory | No recollection | Vague recall of signing up |
Use this to gauge your situation.
Preventing Mystery Charges in the Future
Nobody wants surprises on their bill.
Here are tips to stay ahead:
- Review statements monthly. Set a calendar reminder.
- Use virtual card numbers for online buys. Some banks offer this.
- Sign up for transaction alerts. Get texts for charges over $10.
- Keep a subscription list. Apps like Truebill or Mint can track them.
- Cancel unused subs. For newspapers, call or use their online portal.
- Opt for paperless billing where possible, but still check emails.
Bullet points for quick wins:
- Enable two-factor authentication on financial accounts.
- Avoid saving card info on websites unless trusted.
- Use credit cards over debit for better protection.
- Shred old statements to protect info.
These habits can save you time and stress.
Related Charges You Might See
Not just Northeast PA Circ. Other newspapers use similar labels.
For example:
- “Gannett Newspapr” for USA Today affiliates.
- “Lee Circ” for papers in other regions.
If you’re in PA, watch for “Citizens Voice Circ” from Wilkes-Barre.
These are often small, so they slip by. But adding up, they matter.
Why Newspapers Charge This Way
Newspapers need revenue. Print sales dropped, so digital subs rose. Billing through circulation departments keeps things organized.
It’s legal and standard. But transparency could improve. Some papers now email reminders before renewals.
If you’re a subscriber, enjoy the perks. Local news supports communities.
FAQs: Northeast PA Circ Charge on Credit Card
Q. How do I cancel my Scranton Times-Tribune subscription?
A. Call 1-800-228-4637 and ask for circulation. Or use their online form. Have your account info ready. Cancellations usually take effect at the end of the billing cycle.
Q. Is Northeast PA Circ a scam?
A. Not typically. It’s often a legit newspaper charge. But if you didn’t subscribe, treat it as potential fraud and contact your bank.
Q. Can I get a refund for past charges?
A. If unauthorized, yes, through your card issuer. For legit subs, the paper might refund recent ones if you cancel promptly.
Conclusion
Seeing Northeast PA Circ charge on credit card can be puzzling, but it’s usually a newspaper subscription from the Scranton area. Verify it, act if needed, and adopt good habits to avoid future headaches. Knowledge is power when managing money.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. It’s not financial advice. Consult your bank or a professional for personal situations. We based this on public info and user reports as of August 2025. Charges can change, so always double-check sources.
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