Why do all of these "free trial" of products online have you give a credit card number and bill you 4ever?

Question

Isn't that false advertising? The first sample of the product is free, but you have to pay for shipping and then you keep getting the stuff every month and you're billed a fortune for it.

I would think something like this would be illegal, but you see it all over.

What do you think? Have you fallen for this scam before?

Answer 1

I haven't done it b4 but the reasons companies do it is because a lot of customers don't cancel it for a while, and the company is hoping u will like the product and keep paying for it.  No, unfortunately it is not illegal because somewhere in the fine print it tells you when u accept the free sample you are enrolled in their product subscription, etc.  

Just think of the $ they make if 1 million customers try it and don't catch on or think to cancel it for a few months.  It is a very sly sales strategy.

Answer 2

This is a common practice. You give them a credit card number to pay for S&H, get your product and if you don't care to continue, call/or write the company and cancel.  If they continue to bill you for products you have returned or refused shipment of, notify your credit card company that you have notified the company in question and wish to stop having your credit card billed.  They will usually stop future billings on your card.

Answer 3

You don't read the fine print....you are signing up for a "trial" period that usually is for 3 to 6 months.  They are really good at "hiding" the way that they do it but they do.  The best way to avoid it is to NEVER give out your credit card number for anything that is supposed to be for FREE, even for shipping, free is free....even shipping.

Peace & Love  :)