It’s a new product — and you can try it out … absolutely free! 

Sounds amazing, right? Unfortunately, a free trial can be the gateway to a devastating scam. Here’s what you need to know about free trial scams and how to stay safe.

What are free trial scams?

Free trial scams typically involve a business that’s offering a product or service at no cost for a limited time. The catch, however, is that by signing up for the trial, consumers unknowingly agree to pay for ongoing subscriptions or additional products. These scams are particularly insidious because they appear legitimate, often using professional-looking websites to deceive users. Also, many of them do not involve actual crimes, just manipulative and deceitful marketing tactics. For the consumer, though, losing boatloads of money without even knowing about it can seem like the worst possible crime.

How do free trial scams work?

Here are the steps of a free trial scam:

1. Enticing offers. Scammers lure consumers with attractive offers, such as free trials for popular products, like skincare items, dietary supplements or streaming services. The advertisements for these offers often appear on social media, search engines or via email promotions.
2. Hidden terms and conditions. When signing up for the free trial, consumers are required to enter their credit card information. The terms and conditions, which outline the true costs and the auto-renewal policy, are usually hidden in fine print or on a separate page, making them easy to overlook.
3. Auto-renewal traps. After the trial period ends, consumers are automatically charged for a subscription or for additional products they probably didn’t know about. These charges can be substantial, and are usually set up to recur monthly. The consumer may not even know about the charges until they review their monthly account statements. To make matters worse, canceling the subscription can intentionally be made difficult, requiring consumers to navigate a complicated process.
4. Unauthorized charges. In some cases, scammers continue to charge consumers even after they have attempted to cancel the subscription. These charges can be for various fees or additional products that the consumer did not knowingly agree to.

How to avoid a free trial scam

• Research the company. Before signing up for any free trial, research the company offering the product or service. Look for reviews and check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website for complaints. If you find multiple negative reviews or unresolved complaints, it’s best to avoid the offer. Also, type the company or product name in a web search along with the word “legit” or “scam” and review the common results. 
• Read the fine print. Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully. Pay attention to details about the duration of the free trial, the cost of the subscription after the trial ends and the cancellation policy. If the terms are unclear or seem too complicated, it’s a red flag.
• Use a virtual credit card. Many banks and credit card companies offer virtual credit cards that allow the user to set spending limits or use a temporary number. This can prevent scammers from making unauthorized charges beyond the amount you’ve set.
• Monitor your bank statements. Regularly review your checking account and credit card statements for unauthorized charges. If you notice any suspicious activity, report it to or to your credit card company immediately to dispute the charges.
• Use strong passwords. When signing up for any online service, use strong, unique passwords to protect your accounts. Avoid using the same password across several sites to reduce the risk of multiple accounts being compromised if one is hacked.
• Verify the security of every website you visit. Ensure the website offering the free trial is secure. Look for “https” at the beginning of the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar. These indicators suggest that the site uses encryption to protect your data.
• Set reminders. If you decide to sign up for a free trial, set a reminder for a few days before the trial ends. This will allow you to evaluate the product or service and decide whether you want to continue or cancel the subscription before you’re charged.

Free trial scams can be costly and frustrating, but by staying vigilant and taking proactive steps, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these schemes. Use the tips here to stay safe!