I recently stayed at the Comfort Inn in Columbus, Georgia and used my discover card to reserve my room and pay for my stay.
A few weeks after my stay at the Comfort Inn I received calls and mail from MemberWorks, Inc. A/k/a Simple Escapes and Essentials. The first call I received, the person on the phone said they represented Wal-Mart and because I was a preferred customer of Wal-Mart I could try their membership for 21 days free. I found out that these companies had my name, address, phone number and discover card number and are not affiliated with Wal-Mart at all. Had I not been paying attention to these calls and mail (which I almost threw away because I thought it was junk mail) I would have received unauthorized charges on my credit card. Because I was paying attention I was able to report my card number stolen and close my account.
My belief is that Comfort Inn (Choice Hotels International) either gave or sold my personal information and credit card number to MemberWorks, Inc. Comfort Inn is advertised as an affiliate of MemberWorks, Inc. On the Simple Escapes and Essentials fliers that I received in the mail. I contacted Choice Hotels International (Comfort Inn) about this matter but they have chosen not to respond to my complaint. Simple Escapes and Essentials would not tell me what company gave my credit card number to them.in fact they tried to tell my they did not have access to that information. I requested to speak with a supervisor at Simple Escapes and Essentials but my request was denied the several times it was made.
This whole situation has infuriated me and any company that would give or sell personal information and credit card information/numbers without the consumer's permission should be labeled thieves and should not be allowed to continue this type of practice. The giving and selling of credit card information/numbers should not be allowed under the law.
When making travel plans check Choice Hotels International on its website at www.comfortinn.com for all affiliates. There are many Hotels under Choice Hotels International any all may be in the business of giving/selling credit card information/numbers.
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