What ever happened to businesses behaving ethically?  The old saying "What's good for the customer is good for the bottom line" is a thing of the past for too many businesses these days.

Why is it that these days someone has to get hauled before Congress or threatened with new regulations before they do right by customers??

This week three major internet companies--Affinion, Vertru and Webloyalty--were slammed by a Senate committee for tricking online shoppers into signing up for subscription services online.

If you are doing any holiday shopping online this year, this scam alert is especially timely.

Here's how it works...you are online buying movie tickets, flowers or some other item.  Before you complete the sale, an offer pops up that promises you $10 cash back on your next purchase or some other reward.  These offers usually look like they are from the company you are doing business with, not some third party you don't even know.

Now here's the scam--when you click "yes" or "continue," you are right then and there entering into a contract with one of these three companies for a membership club.  The credit card information you just entered for your purchase is passed along to the new company without you having to re-enter it or even being told it is happening!

Unsuspecting consumers often don't even realize they have signed up until they see the monthly charge start showing up on their credit card bill!

More than 450 companies have partnered with these three firms, so if you are doing any online shopping this holiday season, chances are you will see one of these offers!

Don't fall for it!  Just close out any pop up or click "no thanks" on any "special" offers like this.

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