Baron & Budd, P.C. Tackles Online Scam By Freeshipping.com

Firm Strikes Back at Websites With Deceptive Practices

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The national law firm of Baron & Budd recently filed a lawsuit against Clarus Marketing Group, the owner of Freeshipping.com. The case alleges that Clarus Marketing, through Freeshipping.com, perpetuated an online scheme that generated millions of dollars in profits for the company while scamming unknowing consumers.

The online scheme works by offering a coupon for free shipping – an offer made after the consumer has input payment information. The consumer can then accept the coupon by inputting his/her e-mail and zip code. However, rather than getting a coupon for free shipping, the consumer is instead enrolled in an online membership program, automatically charging $8 to $15 a month to the consumer’s credit card.  The consumer is not notified about the charges and is not given an opportunity to learn more or decline.

“Unfortunately, these types of online scams aren’t new,” said Bruce Steckler, head of the firm’s general litigation section. “And it isn’t just one or two isolated incidents. Profit-making, yet incredibly deceptive online practices have become so numerous that the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce launched a full investigation on these types of scams to see how consumers can be protected. As a law firm dedicated to protecting consumers, it’s our responsibility to stand up against these companies and tell them they can’t do this.”

At the forefront of online scam litigation, Baron & Budd currently serves as co-lead counsel in the EasySaver Rewards MDL, a case that concerns  a similar scam perpetuated by Encore Marketing Group through its EasySaver Rewards program. Websites affected include Shari’s Berries, Cherry Moon Farms, Red Envelope and, most notably, Proflowers.

If you’ve noticed mysterious charges on your credit or debit card statement, you could be a victim of online fraud. Even if you haven’t been shopping at freeshipping.com or Proflowers, other online companies sometimes participate in similar scams without the consumers’ knowledge. If you think you may have been a victim of online fraud, call Baron & Budd at 1.866.844.4556.

About Baron & Budd, P.C.

Dallas-based Baron & Budd, P.C., with offices in Baton Rouge, Austin, Los Angeles and Miami, is a nationally recognized law firm with a 30-year history of "Protecting What's Right" for people, communities and businesses harmed by negligence. Baron & Budd's size and resources enable the firm to take on large and complex cases. The firm represents individuals, government and business entities in areas as diverse as water contamination, Gulf oil spill, Qui Tam, California Proposition 65 violations, dangerous medications and medical devices, Chinese drywall, insurance claims, commercial litigation, securities fraud and asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma http://www.mesotheliomanews.com/. Most recently, the firm has begun to represent individuals and businesses affected by the Gulf Oil Spill. http://baronandbudd.com/.

for Baron & Budd, P.C.Susan Jones Knape, 214-629-0596
[email protected]

Source: Baron & Budd, P.C.