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Subscription Fraud
Many online services use a subscription payment model, but users do not always realize they are agreeing to regular charges. Dishonest companies hide the terms of automatic renewal in complex user agreements or fine print, relying on inattention.
Often, subscription fraud appears in the form of a free trial period, after which funds are automatically deducted from the card. At the same time, canceling the subscription can be difficult: a complex cancellation procedure is required, and in some cases, the user cannot find where exactly to disable the service. As a result, money continues to be deducted, and the person faces difficulties in getting a refund.
Automatic Card Deductions
Connecting a subscription without the client's explicit consent is a common practice in digital services. Bank cards are linked to the account, and subsequent deductions occur without notifications. Often, such transactions go unnoticed, especially if the amount is small.
Main Schemes of Automatic Deductions:
- Connecting a subscription via mobile apps without explicit warning.
- Registering on a website where card details are required, but renewal terms are disguised.
- Paying for a one-time product or service, after which a subscription is activated.
- Using advertising tricks, where a subscription is issued under the guise of a one-time purchase.
- Using complex procedures to cancel a subscription, making it difficult to disable.
The problem is exacerbated by the fact that some services complicate the cancellation of regular payments, requiring forms to be filled out or statements to support. Services also often refer to «non-refundable payments», excluding the possibility of a refund. In some cases, users face a situation where the subscription is supposedly disabled, but deductions continue.
Scam on Paid Services and Hidden Online Subscriptions
Some platforms mislead users by offering free services but actually issuing a subscription. A person may not notice the activation of the paid period and discover the deduction only after several transactions.
Hidden Subscriptions on the Internet Can Be Disguised As:
- Access to files and programs requiring registration with payment details.
- Trial versions of services that automatically switch to paid mode.
- Mobile subscriptions activated by accidentally clicking on advertising links.
- Various «club programs» where the user automatically becomes a subscriber after a one-time payment.
- Subscriptions through mobile operators, deductions for which are difficult to track in expense details.
Due to the complexity of refunding funds and canceling a subscription, many users continue to pay for unnecessary services, even without realizing it. Such schemes are especially often used in mobile apps and gaming services, where subscription information is hidden in settings.
Some fraudulent websites use fake unsubscribe buttons that do not actually work. Others require additional data entry or reconfirmation, complicating the process of refusing the service. In such cases, users are forced to contact the bank and block the card to stop unwanted deductions.
How to Cancel an Unwanted Subscription
You can prevent financial losses if you timely identify and disable automatic deductions. To do this, you should:
- Check bank statements and SMS notifications for regular payments.
- Carefully read the terms before registering for paid and conditionally free services.
- Disable subscriptions through account settings in the app or on the website.
- Contact the bank with a request to block automatic deductions if it is impossible to cancel the subscription through the service.
- Use virtual cards for registration in unfamiliar services to avoid losing funds.
- Check refund conditions before subscribing to understand potential difficulties in advance.
- Set limits on online payments to avoid uncontrolled deductions.
- Regularly check subscriptions in mobile operator settings, as some deductions may occur without explicit notification.
- Use special subscription control services to identify hidden regular payments.
- In case of disputes, contact regulatory bodies such as Rospotrebnadzor or the Central Bank to protect your rights.
Be careful when entering payment details and always check the terms of use before activating trial periods. If you encounter problems with canceling a subscription, it is recommended to contact the service support or the bank to dispute the transaction. If the service refuses to refund money and stop deductions, you can file a complaint with the relevant regulatory authorities.