Amex: "We're Gonna Text Message Your Cellphone And You're Gonna Pay For It"

Several readers have pointed out that American Express has made some changes to its contract “in response to the challenging environment” — the most offensive of which seems to be a new clause that gives them the right to call — or text message — any phone you use to contact them including cellphones, for the purposes of offering you American Express products and services.

Reader San says that there’s no opt-out information anywhere in the 4 pages of changes Amex mailed to her. The clause reads:
Amex doesn’t seem to want to offer the opt-out information in this mailing, but hey, that’s why you read Consumerist, right?

To opt-out of marketing by telephone, call: 800-297-8378. Remember, you can also tell American Express and any other company that contacts you via phone to stop. If they subsequently call you again, they may be subject to a fine of up to $11,000. Your phone number does not need to be registered on the Do Not Call list for this fine to apply.

We were not able to locate any way to opt-out of the text message program, so we suppose you really shouldn’t borrow your friend’s cellphone when you need to call Amex. Buyer, er, caller beware.