Criminals use these “offers” to lure you into a trap. If you notice that funds are being withdrawn from your account without your consent, it may be a subscription trap! Our partners from the Watchlist Internet warn.
Many paths lead to the subscription trap
You can reach the free offers or promises of prizes in different ways: via email, SMS, on social media or on websites. Whether it's competitions for smartphones, tablets and cars, incredible rewards for minimal effort or supposedly free services, such offers often only serve as a lure for fraudulent subscriptions. There is almost never a reason to pay, even if the criminals claim otherwise or the debits are even automated.
Stay skeptical!
Therefore, be skeptical of unbelievable free offers, promises of winnings or alleged free subscription trials. These can cost you dearly.
Recognize rip-off sites in good time
Pay attention to these criteria to avoid falling into a subscription trap:
- Too good to be true: If offers are too good to be true, the likelihood of fraud is high.
- Contradictions: If the services are not well described or if there are contradictions, stay away! For example, people often first talk about a free smartphone, but later only talk about taking part in a competition.
- Disclosure of personal information: You will be asked to enter personal information (name, address, telephone number, email address, etc.). This information is then used to send you invoices, reminders or even debt collection letters.
- Hidden cost notices: There are often hidden cost notices on fraudulent websites. They are hidden in the terms and conditions or in the small print on the payment page itself and are easy to miss. This constitutes a violation of the so-called “button solution” and contradicts a valid contract!
- If they demand negligible amounts of money from you instead of offering the offer completely free, it is usually just about your credit card details . These are then misused for recurring debits. According to Section 67 ZaDiG 2018, any payments that you have not approved must be refunded to you by your payment service provider.
Don't act rashly
- No matter how tempting an offer seems, do not allow yourself to be dazzled and carried away into an ill-considered action. Before you agree to participate, register or provide your details, check the websites carefully for any signs of fraud.
- Search for the offer using the search engine or use the search bar on the Watchlist Internet . You may come across warnings if the websites have attracted negative attention in the past.
- Take a look at the imprint, contact details, terms and conditions, sidebars and footers!
Have you fallen into a subscription trap?
If you have fallen victim to a subscription trap, read the article What to do if you have fallen into a subscription trap or the article Fallen into a subscription trap? what you can do to avoid damage as much as possible!
Source:
Watchlist Internet
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )