Conn Atty Gen Says He Is Investigating Vertrue and Webloyalty

By George Gombossy | Last updated Nov 17, 2009, 7:07 pm

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2009

ATTORNEY GENERAL WELCOMES U.S. SENATE COMMERCE COMMITTEE’S WARNING ON BOGUS MEMBERSHIP CLUBS

“I am pleased that Sen. Jay Rockefeller and his committee have joined the fight against bogus membership clubs that trick consumers into enrolling and fail to produce promised discounts and deals. I welcome Sen. Rockefeller as an ally in my longstanding fight against membership club abuses.

“I successfully sued Affinion, formally known as Trilgiant, in 2006 for deceiving consumers, winning $14.5 million in restitution and penalties. My office is investigating Vertrue and Webloyalty for similar abuses, as well as whether Affinion is complying with its settlement with my office. I will take legal action if justified by the results of our investigations.

“I urge consumers solicited online or by mail to shun these membership clubs. They use trickery to enroll consumers and then fail to deliver promised benefits.

“I will continue to vigorously and aggressively fight membership club scams, suing for restitution and penalties when appropriate.”