3/21/2010 12:19 AM (PST)

Received a call two days ago from a female who said that my renewal to the Los Angeles Times had expired March 7, 2010 and that my Visa did not go through for renewal. (I know that it is close to renewal, but in the past, I have received a postcard. I know that the LA Times number is an 800 number.)

I have caller ID and the readout said Arline Arnold 213-237-3410. I got the feeling she was waiting for me to say: Oh, try this Visa card...when I said, "well, it was not supposed to go through" meaning I never called to resubscribe yet - I said I usually get something in writing. She said "well you probably will get something in a week or so" and apologized profusely for the call, profusely. She seemed anxious to get off the phone.

I love the LA Times and me and my brother together have subscribed for over 50 years. Could this be a scam against senior citizens? It did not ring true.