Play How to spot and avoid subscriptions that cost the earth
TOP TIPS: SUBSCRIPTION TRAPS
Today’s subscription traps are typically advertised online and on social media. They can also be advertised on mainstream media. Subscription traps often start off as ‘free’ trials of weight- loss products, online dating websites, cosmetics, protein shakes or supplements, video streaming, music apps, fitness apps and so on. Watch out for free trial offers where you’re asked to provide your credit card or bank account details — for security purposes, to cover delivery or postage, or for some other reason. Chances are your card will eventually be hit with charges if you do so as you’ll be automatically signed up to a costly subscription — unless you cancel or opt-out before the free trial is over.
HOW WOULD I SPOT A SUBSCRIPTION TRAP?
Another type of subscription trap is where you’re charged for add-on products without realising it — for example, after using your credit card to set up an online video game account for your child. Check the terms of use of any such account before signing up.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I’VE BEEN DUPED?
Contact the trader in writing immediately if you find that your card or account is being charged unexpectedly after you signed up to a free trial or if what you thought was a once-off charge has turned into a series of high recurrent charges. Tell the trader that you want to cancel the contract. Contact ECC Ireland (eccireland.ie or tel: 01-8797620) if you cannot get in touch with the trader, if you’re unhappy with how the trader is responding to your concerns, or if you’re receiving threatening debt-collection letters after inadvertently signing up to something. ECC Ireland can investigate complaints against traders based in the EU, the European Economic Area, the UK and Northern Ireland. You might also be able to seek recourse from your card provider.
HOW CAN I STOP MYSELF BEING CAUGHT OUT?
Get the full contact details (including address and telephone number) of any trader you’re dealing with. Avoid any company that you can only get in touch with by way of a ‘contact us’ form on its website.
Read the terms and conditions of any offer before handing over your bank or card details.
Check your bank and credit card statements regularly — otherwise you might never know that you’re being charged for a subscription you didn’t think you signed up for, or that your child has run up scary charges on your credit card.
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