Complaint Review: Encore Marketing International

In March, 2008, I made a legitimate online purchase of clothing from Norm Thompson, which I had done several times in the past. However, this time an additional charge crept onto my credit card bill that I did not notice until 3 months later. This charge was labeled Encore Marketing and was added as follows (similarly to others I now see on this Web site):

The first month the charge was $1.95; after that it was $14.95 monthly. Since I use this credit card frequntly, I did not notice this fraudulent charge until the third month, and then I promptly contacted the credit card company and had all fraudulent charges removed. I also contacted Encore Marketing at the contact number shown with the charge, and they finally agreed to remove all charges after I made it clear to them that they are being reported to proper authorities (they originally agreed to remove only the latest charge).

I now see by looking at other reports on this Web site and other places that Encore Marketing (or other affiliated companies) will quietly attach itself to legitimate online purchases by somehow making some kind of special offer while you are making the legitimate purchase. I pride myself on being very careful what I agree to, and I know I didn't authorize any charges from this company -- it must have been carefully hidden when I checked out my legitimate purchase.

I have also contacted the company from which I purchased, Norm Thompson, and made it clear to them that I will make no further online purchases from them unless and until they find a way to disconnect from this insidious and fraudulent thief.

Judy
Miami, Florida
U.S.A.