How free is that free trial?

[James]

We have seen this all before.... The ad campaign on websites will push HARD how easy it is to test/trial their product. They need you to click on that link to read more about the free trial, research, etc. This is the start of the sales funnel. The links usually go to very convincing looking web pages with the logos of credible news agencies (CNN, BBC, etc) and may even be mocked up to look like a news website you’ll be familiar with. There will often be a fake ‘comments’ section with positive feedback. Then finally there is the chance to try the trial for free, with no obligation!! Must Try!!! Limited time only!!

antifraudnews.com has put together a great article on "How free is that free trial?" well worth the read

Here's a sneaky trick (maybe also a failing of Pay Pal) to be aware of . . . . . oftne used by companies providing "free trials" of software etc

Some Free trials ask for a Pay-Pal verification (they make a zero-value transaction just to check that you are who you claim to be . . . . but unless you are VERY careful about what you read and commit to what the crafty foxes are doing is getting you to sign-up via PayPal for pre-authorised transactions . . . . very cleverly they do indeed make a zero-value transaction to "let you in" and claim your free trial, but what you have now done is left the gate open for them to make whatever charges they like to your PayPal account in the future.
PayPal will NOT take any liability whatsoever for and charges made for "electronic services" (which includes the downloading of paid-for music/other media) - all they will do id to encourage a mutually acceptable solution between the vendor & purchaser . . . . but here's the BIG STING . . . PayPal say that only the Retailer can cancel a pre-approved transaction, even though they appear to offer buyers the ability to remove a pre-approved setting.

When I challanged PayPal's European helpdesk about this they were very clear that only the retailer can fully cancel pre-authorised payments, and that "PayPal trust their retailers to do so when requested by purchasers", but if said retailer decides at any time in the future to charge your PayPal account they will pay him and leave it to you to fight it out with the retailer on your own !

The only solution is to contact your credit-card company/bank and have them block all payments from you card/account to PayPal, and of course to cancel your PayPal account !