Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating claims that a number of online businesses that link consumers to fee-based membership programs charge unauthorized fees under the guise of discount offers.  

The businesses involved in the investigation include popular online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Orbitz.com, Buy.com, Ticketmaster.com, MovieTickets.com, FTD.com, Shutterfly.com, 1-800Flowers.com, Avon.com, Budget, Staples.com, Priceline.com, GMAC Mortgage, Classmates.com, Travelocity, Vistaprint, Intelius, Hotwire.com, Expedia/Hotels.com, Columbia House, Pizza Hut and Gamestop/EB Games.  According to numerous complaints, after a consumer has finished making a purchase with one of the online retailers listed above, they are offered a coupon, reward, or discount as part of a club membership and then directed to link to a separate web page of a third party.  Many consumers only later discover that they have unknowingly signed up for a club membership and have received charges from unfamiliar companies on their credit or debit cards from $9 to $20.

If you have been charged any of the unauthorized fees discussed above and would like to discuss your rights and interests, please contact Finkelstein Thompson's Washington, D.C. offices at (877) 337-1050 or by email at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .