The Internet continues to grow as an important commercial channel for American consumers. More than half of American adults have either made an online purchase or travel reservation, and e-commerce revenue in the United States accounted for more than $165 billion in 2010. The rapid growth of e-commerce has been immensely valuable to consumers, offering easy access to a wide variety of goods and services, and it has led to valuable business innovations.
Unfortunately, shopping on the Internet can also result in unauthorized charges by companies that “cram” unwanted membership charges onto consumers’ credit cards following a legitimate purchase. For example, many consumers have been victims of apparently unauthorized charges by an Internet search company called Intelius. This company sells contact information regarding people for whom consumers are searching, typically at a nominal charge. However, many consumers complain that Intelius also enrolls them in unwanted membership programs that come with substantial recurring unauthorized monthly charges.
We are investigating whether Intelius deceptively enrolls consumers in unwanted membership programs that come with substantial recurring unauthorized monthly charges. As a result, and seemingly in violation of consumer protection statutes, American consumers have incurred millions of dollars in unauthorized charges.
If you were charged fees by Intelius that you did not agree to or authorize, please contact us to discuss your legal options.