WASHINGTON (November 18, 2009)—A U.S. A Senate panel has condemned the confusing and aggressive sales tactics of three online companies.

The Senate Commerce Committee accuses Affinion, Vertrue and Webloyalty of scamming millions of customers by tricking them into signing up for subscription services they don't want.

According to the committee, the three companies have entered into agreements with other more familiar Internet shopping sites.

The panel says just before completing the sales confirmation process, customer get offers of cash back or other rewards that appear to be connected to the shopper's original transaction.

Clicking "continue," or "yes," commits shoppers, often unwittingly, to a new financial contract with a membership club operated by the three companies.

Millions of Americans are expected to make online purchases on Cyber Monday, which follows the post-Thanksgiving shopping kickoff.