This Article Is Absolutely Free; Pay Only Shipping and Handling
Author: Nick
Category: Money
Topics: bills, business
Fortunately for you, there are no shipping and handling costs for this article (unless you’d like me to print it out for you and send it to you in a lovely decorative box). Some consumers in Florida and California, however, are learning the hard way that “free” doesn’t always mean “no cost.” As the Washington Post’s Caroline Mayer points out…
I called the Florida-based Email Discount Network to find out how these charges could have occurred. Supervisor Kristine Morales patiently explained that most consumers who were charged had agreed to take a survey–for a chance of winning a $1,000 online shopping spree. In the terms and conditions of the survey (which I think most consumers probably never read), there is a $12.95 nonrefundable initial fee, imposed after a 72-hour trial period, unless the consumer drops out and notifies the company by e-mail before then. Then, there’s a $14.95 monthly fee for the online shopping service.
It looks like consumers had plenty of chances to pick up on the fact that they wouldn’t be getting a free lunch here. In case you run across a similar offer in the future, follow these three simple steps to help determine if you’ll incur hidden charges for participating.
- Read the terms and conditions. In both of the cases Mayer mentions, the offer very clearly spelled out the fees in the lengthy but thorough fine print. Most people skip over this part since those pages of conditions can be long and boring. But a little reading now can save you from an unexpected charge later.
- Be wary of giving out credit cards or checking accounts. If an offer asks you for your account numbers, it’s a clear warning sign that there may be a conditional charge tucked away somewhere. Read the full terms of the offer and only give out your billing information once you’re certain you understand what you’re getting into.
- Search the internet for clues. Pick a few choice words from the offer and send them through any search engine to see if others have been burned by similar offers in the past. Oftentimes you’ll find that someone has already been pinged with hidden charges and that they took to the internet to lament their monetary mishap.
Loading ...
10 Responses »
1.
MoneyDummy
May 25th, 2006 at 11:49 am
This is SO true! The same protections apply here as with paid-to-try websites. If such a company asks for your credit card number, open the terms and conditions and do a search for “fee,” “charge,” and “cancel.” These terms should bring you to the clauses that tell you how much you’ll be charged, when you’ll be charged, and how to cancel.
And never give subscription services the number of a credit card that can be re-charged indefinitely. Use a virtual credit card or a pre-paid credit card.
2.
sidney berger
July 12th, 2006 at 8:43 pm
i foolishly accepted a first freer pack from oral bright but said i did not not want to continue. nevertheless 5 packs followed about a month apart, with visa withdrawls of about $60. a new bank statyement shows a new withdrawal by greatwhitesmile of $75. i do not recall ever even asking for their supposed free offer. this happens ofte, receiving letters saying i’d made inquiry; i know i didn’t, even if at 81 i do often regress to childish belief in freebees.
3.
Shirley Arnold
July 31st, 2006 at 3:33 pm
I also have been debited 75 dollars this month for this company and did not authorize it. I have to cancel my debit card now and am furious. I am afraid to use my debit card online now.
4.
auto shipping
June 28th, 2009 at 2:39 am
I’m trying to stay away from buying/selling on internet. Recenly my card was charged through payapl. Someone from Africa(I don’t want to mention the Country) bought some electronic equipment from online auction and paid with my account. I had to call my bank to cansel the charges, paypal was no help.
5.
alomda
November 1st, 2010 at 4:50 am
Always your article is value
العاب بنات
6.
منتديات بنات
December 10th, 2010 at 4:49 am
Thank you for this article serious and truly impressive
7.
potenciador sexual
December 20th, 2010 at 9:55 am
The same protections apply here as with paid-to-try websites. If such a company asks for your credit card number, open the terms and conditions and do a search for “fee,” “charge,” and “cancel. maxidus
8.
Property Marbella
August 17th, 2011 at 5:34 am
It looks like consumers had plenty of chances to pick up on the fact that they wouldn’t be getting a free lunch here. Property Marbella
9.
دردشه
September 15th, 2011 at 3:40 pm
cvnnnnnnnnnghj
10.
معهد
November 15th, 2011 at 4:59 pm
thank you a lot’s bro for information! , you know we want more
ترددات العرب سات
Leave a comment
Line and paragraph breaks automatic, e-mail address never displayed, HTML allowed:
<a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>