NOT HOT: Thousands of Popular internet merchants giving out your credit card # for clicking a link after purchase

[krackato]

What the hell? Why in gods name would Amex get rid of Private Payments? They're one of the main reasons I got the card a few years back.

FireFox rules. And these websites need to be sued.

 

[newcustomer]

I also didn't have a good experience with TigerDirect. They had subscribed me to a long distance phone plan, which I didn't order. I wasn't easy canceling it! So finally, I had to tell my credit card company that they have charged me for something which I didn't ordered. And they took care of it very nicely.
To make it worse, it had a mail in rebate and I had hard time getting it!!
And I agree with Jason, Rei and you guys about these merchants.
For me, it might be too early to say anything about buy.com. I did have a good experience so far with them. They told me that they would consider my rebate without the missing stuff, which they didn't send. I think they'll because I am able to track my rebate online and it's valid.
Bottom line - be aware before buying anything from the site you don't know!!!

 

[Double Trouble]

Does anyone know of a link where I could get a list of the companies that are participating in this scam? I know about buy.com, ebgames.com, expedia.com etc etc, but is there a nice list of vendors known to participate in this?

 

[1EZduzit]

Originally posted by: rbV5
Man, if you need a pop up blocker to keep you from clicking on these obvious "deals", you need to use your head more. This is the internet folks.

That's not really the issue here. I have better things to do then read junk email and fine print, I also don't want to have to waste my time calling around to stop a charge I authorized by clicking on a pop up ad??? That is total BS and shouldn't be tolerated. The companies doing it should be shut down and/or heavily fined for wasting everyones times by tricking them into buying something they don't want or need.

 

[1EZduzit]

Originally posted by: Neyd3400
I got that reservation company last year on one my cards. I had do dispute and then I choose to cancel that card. I never quite new how they got my number. I bet this was how.

Worlds full of people unwilling to get off thier @sses and get real jobs.

I thinks it's a real hoot that some people have "jobs" that in my opinion are nothing but a waste of this countries resources. I guess you can justify anything if it is coming your way.

 

[newcustomer]

Probably, it's Better Business Bureau http://www.bbb.org/

 

[paperfist]

Originally posted by: BigJ
Ebgames.com also

Great I just preordered UT'04 from them and a nice little popup from Reservation Rewards came up offering me a $10 voucher off the next EBgames.com order. I clicked it Time to watch my debit card transactions

 

[jmgonzalez]

Originally posted by: wallsfd949

Originally posted by: jmgonzalez
...There is fine print all over stating that you will be charged a fee if you decide to stay with the program. If not, there clearly is a phone number to call to cancel.

If all folks who easily complained about stuff like this knew what it's like to run an ecommerce site, you would then have a different appreciation for having to find ways to make money. Plain and simple, companies use this type of program to make additional money for overhead costs.

Sounds good, screw the customer for the almighty dollar.

I got an idea... treat them right, nicely, with respect, and don't use what some would call 'trickery' to get their $$ and they just might come back.

There is something called 'word of mouth' and 'repeat customers'. Most legitimate money making businesses know that is where you make a profit. Repeat customers.
You can only screw a customer and piss them off 1 time, then they will never come back. If you treat them right, they will come back time and time again.

How often do you see a Hot Deal for Tiger Direct posted and the flames that follow. I don't know much about these companies listed but hearing this, I would never buy from them.

$5 for screwing them or their repeat purchases from your site for who knows how long.. you do the math.

There's also something called having common sense while shopping online.

We've had minimal complaints of the Web Loyalty system on our web site and many customers are actually glad that we offer such an option.

We rank as one of the best customer service oriented ecommerce sites out there and I clearly don't see our customers emailing in volume stating that we are scamming them.

If you are too much of an idiot to read the print in front of your screen that tells you the terms in plain english, then don't click it!

I still don't get why many of you claim that this type of program is a scam when it's usually spelled out for you what it is that you're signing up on.

 

[tedinde]

Originally posted by: JasonK
Big scam going on the net charging people monthly fees for clicking a link after buying something from popular sites like ebay, priceline, 1800flowers, classmates.com, and thousands more. Got scammed for 7 bucks last month, and 7 bucks this month for something never authorized to be charged. Aparently people see a pop up stating $10 off your next purchase after buying something from the site, if you click on it the merchant you made your original purchase automatically sends your CC# and info to this company to be billed for a rediculous monthly fee.

Its easy to overlook so keep an eye out on your credit card and debit statements. Description was listed as WLI*RESERVATIONREWARDS - 888-6885995, CT. Moved this from the brag and moan because i think people need to be warned, alotta people getting screwed on this one especially the not so tech savy internet shoppers. Heres a link from a forum discussion about whats been happening to alotta people. Hope this helps =(

http://www2.unplannedthought.com:1234/archives/2003/08/19/scam_artists.php

I found out that reading something before you click it blindly helps, and a good popup blocker.

 

[MonkeyK]

Originally posted by: jmgonzalez

Originally posted by: wallsfd949

Originally posted by: jmgonzalez
...There is fine print all over stating that you will be charged a fee if you decide to stay with the program. If not, there clearly is a phone number to call to cancel.

If all folks who easily complained about stuff like this knew what it's like to run an ecommerce site, you would then have a different appreciation for having to find ways to make money. Plain and simple, companies use this type of program to make additional money for overhead costs.

Sounds good, screw the customer for the almighty dollar.

I got an idea... treat them right, nicely, with respect, and don't use what some would call 'trickery' to get their $$ and they just might come back.

There is something called 'word of mouth' and 'repeat customers'. Most legitimate money making businesses know that is where you make a profit. Repeat customers.
You can only screw a customer and piss them off 1 time, then they will never come back. If you treat them right, they will come back time and time again.

How often do you see a Hot Deal for Tiger Direct posted and the flames that follow. I don't know much about these companies listed but hearing this, I would never buy from them.

$5 for screwing them or their repeat purchases from your site for who knows how long.. you do the math.

There's also something called having common sense while shopping online.

We've had minimal complaints of the Web Loyalty system on our web site and many customers are actually glad that we offer such an option.

We rank as one of the best customer service oriented ecommerce sites out there and I clearly don't see our customers emailing in volume stating that we are scamming them.

If you are too much of an idiot to read the print in front of your screen that tells you the terms in plain english, then don't click it!

I still don't get why many of you claim that this type of program is a scam when it's usually spelled out for you what it is that you're signing up on.

Lets get this straight.

Normal buying experience
You go to site A,
shop around,
decide to buy something,
either log in, or enter a bunch of personal information,
review the terms of the purchase,
confirm the purchase.


buying experience that your company provides:
Go through a "Normal" buying experience
click a button
no entry of information that is normally associated with buying something
no summary of purchase
no confirmation

regardless of the small print, this is not something people associate with buying.

Beyond that, there is the issue of consent to redistribute your personal information. I kind of doubt that buy.com and other websites privacy policy allows them to give my personal information to a third party. (just checked buy.com's, it doesn't)

 

[1EZduzit]

Originally posted by: jmgonzalez

Originally posted by: wallsfd949

Originally posted by: jmgonzalez
...There is fine print all over stating that you will be charged a fee if you decide to stay with the program. If not, there clearly is a phone number to call to cancel.

If all folks who easily complained about stuff like this knew what it's like to run an ecommerce site, you would then have a different appreciation for having to find ways to make money. Plain and simple, companies use this type of program to make additional money for overhead costs.

Sounds good, screw the customer for the almighty dollar.

I got an idea... treat them right, nicely, with respect, and don't use what some would call 'trickery' to get their $$ and they just might come back.

There is something called 'word of mouth' and 'repeat customers'. Most legitimate money making businesses know that is where you make a profit. Repeat customers.
You can only screw a customer and piss them off 1 time, then they will never come back. If you treat them right, they will come back time and time again.

How often do you see a Hot Deal for Tiger Direct posted and the flames that follow. I don't know much about these companies listed but hearing this, I would never buy from them.

$5 for screwing them or their repeat purchases from your site for who knows how long.. you do the math.

There's also something called having common sense while shopping online.

We've had minimal complaints of the Web Loyalty system on our web site and many customers are actually glad that we offer such an option.

We rank as one of the best customer service oriented ecommerce sites out there and I clearly don't see our customers emailing in volume stating that we are scamming them.

If you are too much of an idiot to read the print in front of your screen that tells you the terms in plain english, then don't click it!

I still don't get why many of you claim that this type of program is a scam when it's usually spelled out for you what it is that you're signing up on.

Yada, yada, yada. As I said earlier, justify it anyway you want since it is coming your way. I see plenty of complaints here and I notice you don't have your PM's or profile enabled. Why is that? Can I assume that is so you can say you aren't getting any complaints here also??

 

[1EZduzit]

Originally posted by: jmgonzalez


I still don't get why many of you claim that this type of program is a scam when it's usually spelled out for you what it is that you're signing up on.

Maybe it is because they click on the link with the idea that they will save some money and end up paying a monthly amount on their credit card? That's just my guess

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: bman46
If this happens to you, charge it back. End of story.

Exactly. I've never seen this particular scam but credit card chargebacks are easy. Within 90 days of the charge (preferably sooner as you will pay non-refunable interest on the charges after the first 25 days), contact your CC provider and file a dispute claim. All you would have to say is that you never authorized the charge on your account (and I assume such a complaint would legitimate in this case).
When you file the dispute, the CC provider will remove the charge from your account (be patient and give it a couple of days), and they will assess a chargeback fee from the vendor -- usually around $100 for each instance.
You want vengeance? Do it that way. In the meantime, I am now boycotting all the internet retailers that have been mentioned in this thread. Thank you, OP, for bringing this issue to the forum's attention.

 

[hconnor2]

intriguing: what's a virtual account number and how can you actually make a purchase with it?

 

[jmgonzalez]

Originally posted by: 1EZduzit

Originally posted by: jmgonzalez

Originally posted by: wallsfd949

Originally posted by: jmgonzalez

There's also something called having common sense while shopping online.

We've had minimal complaints of the Web Loyalty system on our web site and many customers are actually glad that we offer such an option.

We rank as one of the best customer service oriented ecommerce sites out there and I clearly don't see our customers emailing in volume stating that we are scamming them.

If you are too much of an idiot to read the print in front of your screen that tells you the terms in plain english, then don't click it!

I still don't get why many of you claim that this type of program is a scam when it's usually spelled out for you what it is that you're signing up on.

Yada, yada, yada. As I said earlier, justify it anyway you want since it is coming your way. I see plenty of complaints here and I notice you don't have your PM's or profile enabled. Why is that? Can I assume that is so you can say you aren't getting any complaints here also??

Actually, I didn't have either PM's or profile enabled since I have a job and don't have the time to spend all day on these and other boards like many here do.
Since you're being a <sarcasm> smartass </sarcasm>, i've turned them on just for you. I await your PM's or emails.

Lets get this straight.

Normal buying experience
You go to site A,
shop around,
decide to buy something,
either log in, or enter a bunch of personal information,
review the terms of the purchase,
confirm the purchase.


buying experience that your company provides:
Go through a "Normal" buying experience
click a button
no entry of information that is normally associated with buying something
no summary of purchase
no confirmation

regardless of the small print, this is not something people associate with buying.

Beyond that, there is the issue of consent to redistribute your personal information. I kind of doubt that buy.com and other websites privacy policy allows them to give my personal information to a third party. (just checked buy.com's, it doesn't)

Contrary to what many of you would believe, we follow #1.

We offer the Webloyalty option after you've logged in and purchased an item. On the "thank you for ordering" page, you will see a link that you could click for special rewards. Once you click on it, you will see the fine print stating all of the information to make you an informed buyer of the service. I could understand if we were sending you over to them without you knowing, but it's in plain english.

I suggest that those of you who continue to bicker about something that you usually have control upon: jump onto our web site at http://www.joann.com Find a nice sewing machine or iron for Mother's Day and follow the purchase path.

I may be biased, but we tell the customers what exactly it is that they are getting into. We take privacy seriously and will not offer your info out to anyone without your consent.

 

[jmgonzalez]

Offer Details:
Get your $10.00 Cash Back Award on your next joann.com purchase, Money-Saving Discounts FREE for the next 30 days plus all the valuable benefits of Reservation Rewards, with our compliments. It's a Special Reward for your purchase at joann.com today! If you are 100% satisfied during your trial, do nothing. All your Reservation Rewards discounts and protection will automatically continue for just $9 a month billed by Reservation Rewards to the credit card or deducted from the debit card you used at joann.com today. For your convenience Reservation Rewards will use the contact and credit or debit card information you provided to joann.com today for billing and benefit processing. In the event your monthly membership fee were to ever change, you would be notified before you are billed. Reservation Rewards benefits may be enhanced or modified at any time without prior notice. And, you have our Money Back Guarantee! If at anytime you are not completely satisfied during your trial or thereafter, simply call Reservation Rewards toll free at 1-888-688-5995 to let us know you wish to cancel your monthly membership benefits and that you wish to receive a refund of the current month's fee and owe nothing further. All your benefits and access will then be canceled immediately. All the money you save is yours to keep!

 

[jmgonzalez]

Consent to receive electronic disclosures. Please read carefully and save or print a copy for your records. Reservation Rewards will communicate your benefit and other membership information to you, including payment authorization made by clicking Yes, by electronic communications, including email and electronic postings on our site. Your Membership Kit email will also include a copy of the Offer Details for your convenience. In order to view this membership and benefit information in electronic form, you need to have access to a computer with Internet browser version IE 5.5 or Netscape 4.7 or higher. In order to receive Reservation Rewards you must agree to receive these communications electronically and by clicking Yes you consent to do so. You may withdraw this consent by canceling the service. Of course if you would also like a printed copy of any membership information you can email us at customerservice@reservationrewards.com to request it and we will be happy to send it at no charge. You can update your email address on the Reservation Rewards profile page.

 

[jmgonzalez]

If you're dumb enough to answer the next question (by putting your email address) without knowing what you're getting into , then you shouldn't be shopping online!

Enter your email
address and click YES below
By entering my email address as my electronic signature and clicking YES, I have read and agree to the Offer Details and authorize joann.com to securely transfer my name, address and credit or debit card information to Reservation Rewards for billing and benefit processing.

I await the apologies from anyone who fought the good fight (and lost) against me on this subject.

 

[Bad Dude]

Well I clicked on the buy.com email link about a week ago and I have not seen any additional charge on it yet. How long before you see the charge?
Thanks.

 

[1EZduzit]

Originally posted by: SillyMan
we need a buyers strike
see how they like it if we don't buy anything cause of crap like this

I think SillyMan's idea is the best way to handle this. Retailers will soon figure it out, especially if we email their customer service departments with the specific complaint and threaten not to do business with them.

How is that for your apology jmgonzalez?

 

[Hossenfeffer]

For your convenience Reservation Rewards will use the contact and credit or debit card information you provided to joann.com today for billing and benefit processing

Convenience, my ass.

 

[jmgonzalez]

Originally posted by: 1EZduzit

Originally posted by: SillyMan
we need a buyers strike
see how they like it if we don't buy anything cause of crap like this

I think SillyMan's idea is the best way to handle this. Retailers will soon figure it out, especially if we email their customer service departments with the specific complaint and threaten not to do business with them.

How is that for your apology jmgonzalez?

Apology accepted.

I also agree - if you don't like a policy on a website, then complain about it. We take those complaints seriously at my company.

We implemented the DoubleClick banner ads program a while ago - folks hated it. It went down fast.

 

[KATX]

Originally posted by: slycat
MBNA has the virtual# too.

...and it shouldn't be hard to dispute those since a lot of the CC these days have $0 liability for web purchases.
...like my citibank card.

$0 or $50 liability and disputes are unrelated concepts. If your dispute is successful, your liability is $0 even if your CC does not have a $0 liability program.

 

[Overzeetop]

Originally posted by: GroundedSailorBut sadly as of April 15, 2004, Amex will no longer be offering Private Payments so you will have to use the real number, but will not be liable for anything in case of fraud - not even the first $50.

Ahh, but will they reimburse me at my billing rate of $90/hr for the time it takes me to dispute the charge? I didn't think so.

First they drop BVG, now private payments. Add that to the annual fee and I'd say that looks an awful lot like "three strikes" against it. Bye bye Amex...

 

[Wozster]

*bump*

We really need to make the entire tech community aware of this and put an Anandtech/Slashdot beating on them.