'Free Product, Just Pay Shipping' Negative-Option Trap
A 'free' item asks only for shipping, but the fine print signs you up for recurring charges you did not knowingly agree to.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
You are offered a free product — a supplement, gadget, or beauty item — for just the shipping cost. Entering your card for shipping also enrolls you in a hidden subscription that bills you a large amount every month, buried in fine print. Canceling is made deliberately difficult. The 'free' offer exists to capture your card and start recurring charges.
What it usually looks like
- A 'free' product where you 'just pay shipping.'
- A card entry for a small shipping fee.
- Fine print about a trial that converts to a subscription.
- Difficult or hidden cancellation.
Common warning signs
- A card needed for a 'free' item's shipping.
- Vague terms about a trial period.
- Later charges you did not clearly agree to.
- No easy way to cancel.
Example wording scammers use
“Claim your FREE bottle — just cover $4.95 shipping! (Fine print: auto-billed $89.95/month.)”
“Free trial gadget, pay only shipping. Cancel anytime (but good luck finding how).”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Your card for recurring charges.
- To exploit fine print and negative-option billing.
- To make cancellation hard.
What to do
- Read the terms; 'free + shipping' often hides a subscription.
- Screenshot the offer and terms before ordering.
- Use a card with strong dispute rights, and watch statements.
- Skip offers with unclear billing.
What to do if you already responded
- Contact the seller to cancel and demand written confirmation.
- Dispute unauthorized recurring charges with your card issuer.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.