SAN DIEGO -- A $14.5 million settlement was announced Monday resolving a San Diego lawsuit that alleged Chase Bank and another firm solicited consumers with offers of supposedly "free" trials in membership programs.

The lawsuit, filed by state Attorney General Bill Lockyer in San Diego Superior Court, alleged that Chase and membership program company Trilegiant Corp. recruited consumers to participate in the membership programs without adequately informing them they would be charged automatically if they did not cancel within a specified period of time.

The entire settlement covered 16 states and will resolve allegations that Chase and Trilegiant unlawfully deceived consumers into paying for membership programs that purportedly provided discounts on car and home repairs, shopping and other goods and services.

"Many victims of this deceptive scheme were vulnerable senior citizens and consumers who read and speak limited English," Lockyer said. "The settlement imposes business reforms to prevent future abuses and protect consumers."

The settlement requires Trilegiant to pay a combined $8.325 million in restitution to consumers in California and the other 15 states.

Eligible consumers will include those who either already have complained to Trilegiant or their state's Attorney General, or who complain in writing within the next nine months.

Californians comprise roughly 30 percent of the customers charged for memberships in the states which settled with Trilegiant and Chase.

In addition to Lockyer, the attorneys general of the following states joined the settlement: Alaska, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio (Trilegiant only), Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont and Washington.

The membership programs include: Auto Vantage, Auto Vantage Gold, Buyers Advantage, CompleteHome Service, Just for Me, Pet Privileges, Shoppers Advantage and Travelers Advantage.

Regarding Chase's role in the alleged unlawful business practice, Chase and Trilegiant entered agreements under which Trilegiant gained access to Chase's customers for the purpose of marketing the membership programs.

In soliciting Chase customers, Trilegiant used Chase's name, and Chase reviewed and approved marketing materials used by Trilegiant, according to Lockyer's complaint.