CDjunkie

I thought I would share my experience as a warning to all of you.
I just received a bill from AMEX, which is odd because I haven't used that card in several years. When I opened it, i saw a charge for $79 listed to AMZ*PRIME CLUB. I couldn't remember ordering anything from Amazon recently, and I for sure never joined Amazon Prime, so I logged in to see what's going on. My Amazon account showed no activity or charges since the thing I ordered over a year ago. When I checked the cards I had on file, there were 2 expired Visa cards, and the AMEX was not even on file. (though I have used it with them YEARS ago)
After a little quick web sleuthing*, I found my problem is not at all unusual, and they have been using this practice for years. Amazon seems to arbitrarily sign you up for their Prime service, and just hope you don't notice.
I immediately called the 866# (listed on the charge) and Manuel cheerfully agreed to cancel the auto-renewing account, and refund my money, though he himself didn't even have that card on record. Let's hope this is the end of it, and I don't have to update this post.
I've always considered Amazon to be one of the most reputable retailers on the web, and was just about to get a new TV from them, but I guess fraud is just to good of a revenue stream to not use.
Just wanted to let you guys be aware, if you've EVER used them in the past, doesn't matter if your card is not on file, doesn't matter if your card's expiration date was several years ago, doesn't matter if your address is not correct, doesn't matter if you haven't used them in years.
Be on the look out for a mysterious $79 charge!


*http://techdirt.com/articles/20050202/1324236_F.shtml

Vadster

hmmm we have used them for years and that has not happened...

jaclarke

It sounds like there is something deeper going on there. Since you called the 866 # listed on the charge, you may not have been talking to Amazon, unless you verified the number. If the credit has shown up on your account, your probably OK. Otherwise, I'd be calling AMEX.

I had that happen on a MasterCard once, and it turned out to be a breech on some website, and my CC info had been stolen and sold. MC issued me a new card.

JackS

There are retail sites that do the same thing. A subscription for one year might cost $30 and this might be the way to get that special item at a discount but ,even though you saved a little by subscribing, you will often automatically be renewed in one year. Could be a good deal if your buying multiple items throughout the year but it's only a money burner for a single purchase.

RBC3

My credit card company called me tonight about suspicious charges.
Seems someone got my CC info, and was buying things online.
But they weren't spending much.
$1.29 to some Grant Academy and iTunes.
The CC company called about the charges made tonight, and flagged my account and canceled my cards!
Big to Citi Credit Cards!!!

CDjunkie

that sucks, why is that stuff so easy to steal?
great news they caught it right away though!
when I got nailed they went apeshit on all these sleazy international phone card websites


(Amazon credited me for my deal)