But the fine print says: With this purchase you are taking out an automatic club membership and an expensive subscription. Be careful of these dubious subscription traps, warns our cooperation partner Watchlist Internet .

A new type of dubious online shop is taking over the Internet. These shops sell everything from electronics to clothing to makeup. They advertise that they offer their products particularly cheaply. Almost all of the products are marked as offers: prices minus 80% are not uncommon. If you compare the prices with those in reputable online shops, it becomes clear that the alleged offers correspond to the normal price of the products.

Products are offered with incredibly large discounts, but the products are no cheaper than other providers. / Screenshot Watchlist Internet
Products are offered with incredibly large discounts, but the products are no cheaper than other providers. / Screenshot Watchlist Internet

Subscription trap instead of relaxed online shopping

But the real problem is not the misleading pricing - but the conditions under which the products are sold. If you buy a product through one of these shops, you automatically take out a subscription. Regardless of whether you agree or not, by purchasing a product you become a member of a “VIP club”. This membership automatically turns into a subscription without the customer’s knowledge if they do not cancel within two days.

Club memberships are expensive for consumers: a “credit” is automatically topped up every two weeks. For this top-up, amounts of €30 to €60 will be debited automatically. You then have to redeem this credit at the online shop within a short period of time. You will be pressured to buy more products, otherwise the balance (also called credits) will expire and your money will be gone.

The much cheaper “membership price” tempts you to take out a club membership. This automatically turns into an expensive subscription. / Screenshot Watchlist Internet
The much cheaper “membership price” tempts you to take out a club membership. This automatically turns into an expensive subscription. / Screenshot Watchlist Internet

Ignored “button solution” leads to expensive club membership

Particularly perfidious, many consumers don't even know that they have taken out a subscription through automatic club membership. This only becomes apparent when you discover unauthorized debits on your next credit card statement. It is not made clear enough that by purchasing from one of these sites you are taking out a subscription. In some cases there is no “opt-out” option. This means you cannot shop on this site without taking out a subscription.

The subscription is mentioned in the small print. But customers have to take out the subscription in order to be able to shop. / Screenshot Watchlist Internet
The subscription is mentioned in the small print. But customers have to take out the subscription in order to be able to shop. / Screenshot Watchlist Internet

There are clear legal regulations when shopping online. This also includes the so-called “button solution”. Accordingly, it must be clear immediately when ordering what costs the customer will incur. This means that the subscription costs must also be listed on or directly next to the button that leads to payment. These costs are not clearly and comprehensibly pointed out on the pages described here.

Since we assume that these online shops are dubious providers, we advise caution! If you have provided your credit card details, it is possible that they will be used improperly.
The subscription trap is pointed out in the small print - but only the product price is shown as the price. The button solution is ignored here! / Screenshot Watchlist Internet
The subscription trap is pointed out in the small print - but only the product price is shown as the price. The button solution is ignored here! / Screenshot Watchlist Internet

Have you purchased from a shop with a subscription trap? This is what needs to be done now

  • Dispute the subscription contract: Since the button solution has not been implemented well and there is a lot of misleading information on the websites, you can dispute the subscription contract. To do this, contact the online shop, terminate the contract in writing and request a refund of the debited amounts.
  • Contact your credit card provider or bank: In any case, you should also contact your payment service provider. Amounts that have been debited from you without your consent (e.g. amounts that were not sufficiently indicated at the time of purchase or that exceed the value of your order) must be refunded by your payment service provider in accordance with Section 67 of the Payment Services Act 2018.
  • Block your card: To ensure that your credit card details are not further misused, we recommend blocking your card and applying for a new one.
  • Report Subscription Traps : Have you encountered a subscription trap that isn't on our list? Report this subscription trap using the Watchlist Internet reporting form and protect other consumers from fraud!

Be careful of these shops with subscription traps

Here we have listed online shops where an automatic subscription is concluded with the purchase:

  • thedinerroom.com
  • yourbeautyaid.com
  • moreclothes.store
  • toysworld.club
  • allincosmetics.club
  • mylookbookclub.com
  • sporty-you.club
  • thescentclub.com
  • belovedaroma.com
  • missbeauty.club
  • purejoy24.com
  • luxuryskinbox.com
  • thedinerroom.com
  • vipmakeup.club
  • myscreen.site
  • outsidelife.club
  • thegadgetshop.club
  • justclothes.club
  • yourgadgets.club
  • topoutfit.club
  • marbill-test03.club
  • luxuryskinbox.com
  • bestylish.club
  • toystory.site
  • cozykitchen.store
  • treatcosmetic.com
  • gigagamesclub.com
  • decor-muse.com
  • perfectgift.online
  • pets4ever.club
  • sportfun.fit
  • bestoutfit.store
  • myclothes.site
  • handystuff4you.com
  • lovecatzone.com
  • gardenpatch.club
  • cutepets.site
  • totaltv.store
  • onlyclothes.club
  • ourclothes.club
  • gardenguru.club
  • wearfashion.club
  • yogashapenow.com
  • tvmarket.club
  • gadgetgeek.store
  • grandgardens.store
  • myhobbyclub.com
  • bestcosmetic.club
  • myhousehold.store
  • lovefashion.site
  • geniusgadgets.site
  • livegoodtv.com
  • giftworld.shop
  • ourjewellery.club
  • pets4ever.club
  • fashionfan.store
  • gigasporthouse.com
  • bestoutfit.store
  • kitchenchef.club
  • bestwear.club
  • petsupply.life
  • electronicdevices.club
  • techdevices.club
  • thinkfast.games
  • fitvid.pro
  • myhomestore.club
  • decor-muse.com
  • mashskincare.com
  • fit4life.pro

Advice & Help
For specific advice requests, please contact the relevant offices that Watchlist Internet has listed for you Advice & Help

Source: Watchlist Internet

This might also be of interest: Over 50 apps in the Google Playstore contaminated with malware!


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