Subscription trap scams
A "free trial" quietly enrolls you in an expensive recurring charge that is hard to cancel.
How it works
An ad offers a "free trial":
"Try this skincare for FREE — just pay $5 shipping!"
You hand over your card for the $5. Buried in tiny print: by accepting the trial, you agree to a $89/month recurring charge that starts in 14 days.
Or you sign up for a "$1 first month" streaming service that quietly becomes $14.99/month — and the cancel button is hidden behind 6 menus.
Some "trials" are even sneakier. Apps charge you the moment a free trial ends, with no reminder. People notice months later.
Why people fall for it
- The first charge is tiny and feels safe.
- The fine print is hidden or skimmable.
- Cancellation is intentionally hard.
- You forget about it because it's a small recurring charge.
Red flags
- "Free trial" that requires a credit card.
- Tiny print about "auto-renewal" or "monthly thereafter."
- Cancellation requires a phone call during specific business hours.
- No clear total of what you'll pay over the year.
How to stay safe
- Read the fine print. Specifically search the page for the words "renew," "billed," "monthly."
- Set a calendar reminder for the day before the trial ends. Cancel one day early.
- Use virtual card numbers if your bank supports them — you can lock or destroy a virtual card without changing your real one.
- Review your bank statement every month, not every quarter. Catch small charges early.
- If you can't find a "Cancel" button in the app's settings, that's the company telling you to leave.
Related lessons
Sources & further reading
- Better Business Bureau — Subscription trap scams
- Federal Trade Commission — Free trial scams
Educational only — not financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. If you think you've been scammed, tell a trusted adult immediately and report it to the FTC and the BBB Scam Tracker.