Nielsen’s Nook

This is not the run of the mill Nook post, but I thought I’d give Google the benefit of an account of some very shady internet practices that Drugstore.com is using. Last month we purchased some items from Drugstore.com and apparently there was an obscure “box” that was checked (by default?) that got us a free trial membership at ReservationRewards.com.
Apparently the trial period expired and a $12 fee showed up on our credit card. I called Discover Card and they said there was nothing they could do about it (not encouraging about Discover Card’s commitment to our family’s financial integrity). I called ReservationRewards.com and they explained that the Terms and Conditions of our Drugstore.com purchase allowed them to begin making membership charges once the Free Trial period ran out.

What if you or I were people who did not catch the charge the first time or the second time or more? Multiply that times the number of people on the internet. Fortunately, ReservationRewards.com has said they will refund the full sum of $12.00, although I did have to ask for the full sum to be refunded.

So wait, wasn’t it ReservationRewards.com that took my money? Yes, and at root they are the ultimate online rip-off example. However, Drugstore.com and other companies that pass on our information for profit (or really any reason at all!) are just as culpable in my view.

To have a Terms of Service agreement that goes beyond “Customer will agree to pay for product purchased at this storefront” is really fishy and begs the question why a TOS is needed at all. Have you ever gone into your local grocery store and upon the point of trying to purchase some eggs, milk, and bread the cashier asks, “Mr. Nielsen, before you purchase these items, have you read and submitted to our Terms of Service?” Huh? No, I just want my groceries, thanks!

What to do if your the next victim

First, call Reservation Rewards at 1-800-732-7031 and ask for a full refund. I am not sure how they are handling things if you have noticed that they have been charging you for months for a membership you did not know you had.

Call your credit card company and complain that they would honor such a Terms of Service for any charge that would come to your account like this. The representative at Discover Card knew about the practice and had the Reservation Rewards phone number ready when I called.

File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.

Last, when you’re notified about a class action suit against Reservation Rewards, make sure you sign on. This practice is ridiculous and I can’t imagine a Class Action suit far off.