Whenever I hear or read an ad for a so-called "free" product or service, I get a little suspicious. How, after all, are they offering free stuff and paying for advertising, based solely on the good intentions of prospective customers to return for seconds?
A well known computer application tutorial company claims to offer free video tutorials on popular software applications. Currently they're offering two "free" bonus CDs to Internet customers, so you supposedly get three CDs by paying only a single shipping charge. But a closer look online at their "How it Works" section reveals that, should you decide to keep all three CDs for longer than 10 days, your credit card (which you provided for shipping charges) will be "conveniently" billed just $189.95. If, on the other hand, you do not want to be billed the $189.95, you may return one of the CDs and keep two of them, but you must first call their customer service department to get a return authorization.
Even better, should you decide to keep all three CDs, not only do you have the privilege of paying the initial $189.95, but the company will continue to send you additional CDs every five weeks, conveniently billing your credit card each and every time, and the exact same terms apply each time. So thoughtful of them! By now, a purchase for which you thought you were going to pay only a one-time shipping fee has cost you the initial shipping fee, the initial charge of $189.95, and any subsequent charges until you finally figure out that you need to call the company to put a stop to all those unexplained charges that keep showing up on your bill.
There is a popular quiz that pops up all over Facebook, challenging members to test their IQ. In order to retrieve your score after taking the quiz, you have to provide your cell phone number. The score is sent via text message. If you don't take the time to read the terms, the next time you receive your cell phone bill, there will be a nasty little charge for a ring tone service, and this charge will continue showing up until you take steps to stop it. Be aware, however, that by providing your cell phone number, and by NOT taking the necessary steps to opt out of the service at the time you receive your IQ score, you are entering into a contract with this company. Is that DIRTY or what!? And how many of us actually read and understand all the charges on our phone bills? Would an extra $6.95 per month for ring tone services really grab your attention? For some, it surely would. But just think how many people don't give it a second thought.
Bottom Line: Read those terms and conditions! Read the fine print! If you don't, you might as well kiss your money goodbye.
