Date: Thursday, July 3, 2008
The Better Business Bureau of Columbus is warning consumers about unauthorized credit card charges happening to online shoppers.
Joan Coughlin with the Columbus BBB says nationally the BBB received about 1,800 complaints regarding the marketing company, Affinion Group over the past 12 months.
"Consumers alleged that they signed up for unwanted services simply by clicking on pop-up ads or replying to chat windows even though they ultimately declined the offers," Coughlin said.
Coughlin says many consumers saw the pop-up ads while they were online buying movie or airline tickets from a reputable web site.
The BBB reports they received complaints from people who were inadvertently signed up for membership services that resulted in monthly charges. They say they received complaints from individuals who knowingly signed up for memberships or services and were unable to cancel and pay nothing like they were promised.
Spokesperson for Affinion, Todd Smith says, "We do believe that our marketing materials are as clear as possible and that our marketing appeals to the vast majority of people solicited and do not find anything confusing about it what-so-ever."
The BBB states charges reported on the credit card statements included "Shoppers Advantage," "Privacy Guard" or "Great Fun." Charges ranged from $12 to $59.99 every month.
Smith says there were factual errors about Affinion on The BBB's release. "We do not have any programs that charge $60 a month as indicated in the complaint and customers do not have to provide their credit card information to enroll in any of our marketing programs."
Coughlin says Connecticut-based Affinion Group recently changed it's name from Trilegiant.
The BBB reports that in 2006, 16 State Attorney Generals reached a settlement with Trilegiant Corp. and Chase Bank totaling $14.5 million regarding allegations the two deceived consumers into paying for membership programs.
Smith tells WTVN they have more than 65-million consumers subscribed to their programs and they keep those customers by adhering to the highest ethical standards.
Source: 610wtvn.com
