My Story: I received a membership kit from Just For Me in the mail that looked like junk mail. My wife caught it and asked my why I joined a coupon club. Membership consists of a packed of worthless coupons. For example, the Dominos coupons are for less than the Managers Specials run everyday. I told my wife that I had not joined any club voluntarily, and decided to call.

When I first called Just For Me (Trilegiant), I was told that the authorization to bill my credit card was part of the Budget rental agreement when someone in my family rented. They could not tell me when I rented. I called Budget and they said, “No, You must have signed a coupon for 2% cash back. Just For Me is a marketing partner.”

Budget helped me track down that my wife rented the car in Madison Wisconsin two months ago. She does not recall having used a coupon. Since she is a lawyer, she is usually astute enough to read the main language…few read the fine print.

I called Just For Me back, and was told…this time… that we did sign a 2% cash back coupon when we rented the car, but that they would not send me a copy of the agreement unless I answered whether I wanted the membership or not. I asked for a supervisor and was told it would take four weeks to send a copy of the check. They could not tell me who signed it.

Finally, Just For Me asked again if I accepted or declined the membership. I declined to answer. I do not intend to let them off that easily. If they think they are authorized, but cannot show me proof, I prefer to let them bill me. Then I will know their game, and we will go from there.

Incidentally, I see that a class action against Trilegiant was settled four years ago. Apparently, that has not stopped them.

Reed Kathrein.
reed@hbsslaw.com

The more light that gets shed onto this kind of practice, the quicker it will be dealt with. Dig on!