Warning to the privacy minded consumer

Okay, over a year ago (probably around 15 months ago), I signed up for an Albertson's shopper card. At the time, that was the closest store to me, and I resisted for as long as I could. But it was inevitable that I had to get one if I wanted to save some money.

First of all, I'm kicking myself for using my primary e-mail address. I must have done so in a brain dead moment because I have two other addresses that I use for such purposes (one work related, the other non-work related).

Then about three months ago, I'd get an e-mail once every 7-14 days with a reminder "Football season is starting - get your tailgating supplies here" or such crap. Most of that crap, I can't even touch with my celiac, so I don't care to know that I can get Wheat Thins on sale. I'd scroll down to the bottom of the e-mail to find the "Unsubscribe" link. I'd update my preferences to not receive e-mails. I'd then get a page that said "Your preferences have been updated."

I didn't think anything the first time I did this. The second time I did this, I made a mental note. Then low and behold, I got another e-mail from Albertons this AM. Fortunately (for them), below the unsubscribe link was a contact number. Within about five minutes, I talked to a live person and told him to make sure they stop sending e-mails to this address, or it's going to go to a higher authority because I have zero tolerance for "harrassing" e-mails.

There, I now have a record of this in case next week I get a reminder that the perfect munchies for fall sweeps is now on sale at Albertsons.

You've now been warned - don't give up your e-mail address to Albertsons or related stores because it's a bitch to get the e-mails to stop.