Mystery magazine subscriptions, the fine print, and American Express

A well-educated, normally astute consumer recently related a story of $160 in unexplained charges on his American Express Gold Card. He found himself on the hook for subscriptions to magazines -- published by American Express -- that he couldn't remember ordering.

That's because he didn't -- or did he?

The man, who because of his position in the financial industry didn't want his name attached to what actually occurred, had entered a sweepstakes early last year. It was a chance at instant riches and all he had to do was fill out a brief form that included some of his interests.