Free trial offers are an extremely popular marketing tactic, especially for subscription services.
With so many consumers shopping online, there is no way to touch, see, or otherwise experience a product before buying it. That means free trials can be a win-win situation for both sellers and buyers.
That said, there are a few aspects of free trials consumers should be aware of if they want to avoid unwanted charges.
The Better Business Bureau suggests you review the signup form completely, and look for any pre-checked boxes. Often when boxes are checked it is to give the company the ok to charge you after the trial period is over, and should be reported to the FTC.
Also, be sure to mark your calendar, or set a notification on your phone to mark the end of the trial period. That way you can make sure you either cancel or continue the service.
And of course, as is the case anytime you pay a company for anything, make sure you research them and ensure they are legitimate.
To avoid getting scammed with any free trial offer, periodically review BBB’s Scam Tips and tips for smart shopping online on their website.
