Barnes & Noble has acknowledged it has received a subpoena from New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo for information concerning an investigation into online retailers who link customers to discount clubs that charge hidden fees.

The world’s largest bookseller said it wants to stress to customers it is not one of the retailers who turns over personal or credit or debit card information to discount clubs.

"We welcome the Attorney General’s review because it will show that Barnes & Noble does not, nor has it ever, shared customer debit or credit card information with discount clubs," said William Lynch, President, of Barnes & Noble.com.

"Customers should be reassured that their personal information, including credit and debit card information is not and never has been shared with discount clubs."

Barnes & Noble said it has had a relationship with Webloyalty since 2005. The company said it has never provided Webloyalty with any customer credit and debit card information.

When a customer completes a transaction on Barnes & Noble.com they see a Webloyalty ad offering a discount. The customer has to click through the ad, at which time the customer is informed they are leaving Barnes & Noble.com and will be subject to Webloyalty’s terms and conditions. Once on Webloyalty’s website, the customer would have to register and provide their personal information to Webloyalty.

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