Free-Trial Negative-Option Auto-Billing
A 'free trial' quietly converts into an expensive recurring subscription because you must actively cancel — and cancellation is made hard.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
You sign up for a free or cheap trial of a product, app, or supplement, entering your card. Buried terms enroll you in a recurring subscription that begins billing at a high rate once the short trial ends, unless you cancel first — which is made deliberately confusing. Charges continue, and stopping them is difficult. This 'negative option' billing is legal only with clear disclosure and easy cancellation, which scammy operators avoid.
What it usually looks like
- A free or $1 trial that requires your card.
- Fine print converting the trial to a subscription.
- High charges after a short trial window.
- Hard-to-find cancellation.
Common warning signs
- A card required for a 'free' trial.
- Vague terms about auto-billing after the trial.
- Short trial periods.
- No clear, easy way to cancel.
Example wording scammers use
“Try it FREE for 7 days! (Fine print: then $89.99/month unless cancelled.)”
“Start your trial — cancel anytime (but the cancel button is nowhere to be found).”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Your card on file for recurring charges.
- To exploit fine print and inertia.
- To make cancellation hard.
What to do
- Read trial terms; note the end date and how to cancel before you sign up.
- Screenshot the offer and terms.
- Set a reminder to cancel and watch your statements.
- Use a card with strong dispute rights.
What to do if you already responded
- Cancel and demand written confirmation; dispute charges with your card issuer.
- Consider a virtual/one-time card for trials in future.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.