Vertrue Faces Another Class Action

LAS VEGAS (CN) - A federal class action accuses three companies of running one of the nation's largest "cramming" scams. VistaPrint, Vertrue and Adaptive Marketing run the scam and make unauthorized charges on consumers' credit and debit cards, claims the plaintiff, who says Vertrue reported $659 million of income in a single year.

Lead plaintiff Susan Olmsted says she bought business cards in March from VistaPrint.com, an online supplier of graphic services, and paid with her debit card.

But she could proceed to checkout, the Web site asked her for personal information, including her name, card number and expiration date, to enroll her in a so-called "rewards program" that promised discounts on various items.

Since then, Olmsted says, the defendants have been taking monthly fees from her bank account without her knowledge or consent. "Membership fees" cost between $12.95 and $14.95 per month.

VistaPrint's reported annual revenue in 2007 was $255.9 million, according to the complaint, while Vertrue's was listed at $658.9 million in 2006.

Olmsted demands damages and an injunction. She is represented by David O'Mara.

Vertrue has been sued repeatedly, around the country, on similar accusations.

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