MaxRedline: SCAM ALERT.

Ever hear of a little place called Norm Thompson Outfitters? Turns out that if you make a purchase from them with a credit card, they sign you up for "Norm Thompson Rewards" - and bill your card $14.95 each month thereafter. I confess that I don't go through the transactions carefully, except at tax time - at which time I take out my highlighter and go through the statements looking for medical or other deductible expenses, which is how I noticed the recurring charge.

I hopped on the intertubes, and sure enough:
http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/norm-thompson-rewards-hillsboro-oregon-c586152.html
http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/norm-thompson-pennsylvania-c352409.html
http://norm-thompson.pissedconsumer.com/norm-thompson-scam-by-enrolling-you-in-a-so-called-nt-rewards-program-for-14-95-a-month-20110112216112.html
http://www.ripoffreport.com/directory/Norm-Thompson.aspx
http://www.bbb.org/oregon/business-reviews/sportswear-retail/norm-thompson-outfitters-in-hillsboro-or-50001757

02/04/2012: Chat Transcript Re Norm Thompson Rewards
A customer service representative will assist you shortly...
You have been connected to Denise.
Denise: Thank you for using Norm Thompson chat customer service. My name is Denise, how may I assist you?
Customer: I note that I have been charged $14.95 for the last three months on my Visa card for Norm Thompson Rewards. I also see from other postings that it is a scam. How do I get a refund of $44.85 you now owe me, and cancel the scam...er, "service"?
Denise: Our rewards program is handled by a separate department; I can give you their toll free #888-674-8273 to assist you Monday-Friday.
Denise: Was there anything else I could help you with today?
Customer: I did not authorize this rewards subscription and am very upset about this scam.
Denise: You will need to talk to them I cannot help you with this.
Customer: Why not? You are NT customer service. I am your customer.
Denise: Yes I am and as I stated above it is handled by a separate Department.
Denise: You will have to contact them not us.
Customer: You make it sound like they are a separate company. Are they?
Denise: Yes
Customer: Then why are they using your name?
Denise: I cannot answer anymore questions regarding this program. Please contact them next week.

The internet has articles of others that lodged similar complaints that go back to 2008 but continue into February 2012. So, this must be a successful enough "program" that Norm Thompson and other companies have not stopped ripping off their customers. Beware, and check your credit cards for the small charges. They are counting on these being missed.

Be sure to read this professor's account of her experience, as well.