The Better Business Bureau is cautioning consumers about deceptive “free” offers that sound too good to be true.
Various companies use the tactic of luring customers in with promises of free trials, subscriptions, or samples, only to reveal hidden costs later on.
While legitimate free trials can be a good way to try out a product or service before committing to a purchase, consumers should be aware that some companies may automatically enroll them in paid subscriptions if they forget to cancel the trial.
Consumers often unknowingly provide their credit card information when signing up for a free trial, only to discover later that they are being charged for a subscription. Cancelling these subscriptions can be challenging and may come with hefty cancellation fees.
To protect yourself, carefully review the terms and conditions of any offer before agreeing to a free trial. Companies are required by law to disclose all material terms upfront, including the trial period and any subsequent charges that may apply.