You thought you were paying a small one-time “concessionary” fee for a service. Next thing you know, your account is being charged full price every month. The company points to their terms and conditions, which you “agreed” to when you entered your information. It feels like a trap, but there are steps you can take to regain control.
Here’s what you need to do right now and how to protect yourself going forward:
1. Cancel the Subscription Immediately
Don’t delay. Log in to the service and look for “Billing,” “Account Settings,” or “Manage Subscription.” Some companies bury the cancel button deep in menus. If you can’t find it, contact their support through email or live chat and keep a record of the conversation.
2. Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Provider
If the cancellation process feels shady or you’re still being charged, reach out to your bank. You can dispute unauthorised charges or request a block on future payments. Explain the situation and provide any documentation showing deceptive marketing.
3. Save Screenshots of Everything
Document the promotional offer, the charges on your account, and the terms of service (if you can find them). If it goes further—like reporting to a consumer agency—you’ll need this evidence.
4. Understand the Fine Print: “Terms & Conditions” Are Their Safety Net
Many of these scams operate legally because of the fine print. Once you hand over your information and click “I Agree,” you’ve essentially consented to automatic billing, even if the “trial” was misleading. Always click through to read what you’re agreeing to, even if it’s hidden in dense text.
5. Set Reminders for Trial Periods
If you do intentionally sign up for a trial, set a phone reminder a few days before the trial ends to cancel if you’re not interested. Some companies rely on you forgetting.
6. Use Virtual Cards for Trials
Consider using a virtual credit card or a prepaid debit card with a limited balance for free trials. That way, even if they attempt to bill you, they won’t have access to your main account.
7. Report the Company to Consumer Protection Agencies
Even if they’re “protected” by terms and conditions, deceptive advertising and misleading trial offers can violate fair trading standards. Report the incident to local consumer protection offices or the relevant online platform (Google, Apple Store, etc.)
8. Stay Skeptical of “Concessionary Fees”
If a deal feels too good to be true, especially if it asks for your card info upfront, take a step back. Search online for “[company name] scam” or “hidden charges” to see what others are saying.