Hey there, savvy shoppers! 🌟 Are you a fan of trying new things, especially when they’re free? Who isn’t, right? But beware! Those enticing subscription offers you see online, on TV, or popping up on your social media feed may come with hidden surprises. Today, we’re diving into the murky waters of subscription services and how to avoid getting caught in their auto-renewal nets.

The Mystery of the Vanishing Free Trial

Imagine this: you sign up for a free trial of a nifty subscription service. You’re enjoying your free goodies when suddenly, BAM! You’re hit with a charge you never agreed to. What’s happening? You’ve just experienced the infamous auto-renewal sneak attack. This is when a company keeps billing you after a free trial ends—without your explicit go-ahead.

Case in Point: Instacart’s Oopsie

Take the case of Maplebear Inc., better known as Instacart. According to the FTC, our beloved grocery delivery service went a little rogue by charging annual membership fees after free trials without proper consent. Yikes! 😱

Tips to Dodge the Auto-Renewal Ambush

Before you jump into the next tempting free trial, here are some tips to keep your wallet safe and sound:

  1. Read the Fine Print: Before you sign on the dotted line (or click that button), read every little detail. Companies love to hide important info in the fine print.

  2. Watch for Sneaky Charges: Check if the business will keep charging you unless you slam the brakes on them. You don’t want any surprise subscriptions in your life!

  3. Uncheck Those Boxes: Some companies use pre-checked boxes hoping you won’t notice them. They’re sneaky like that! Uncheck any boxes that mean you agree to be billed later.

  4. Know How to Cancel: Make sure you know the cancellation process like the back of your hand. If a company doesn’t make it crystal clear how to cancel, that’s a red flag. 🚩

Got Charged Anyway? Fight Back!

If you find an unwanted charge on your credit or debit card, don’t just sit there fuming. Dispute the charge with your card company faster than you can say “refund!” And while you’re at it, report the sneaky company to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Remember, with great deals come great responsibilities. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be a subscription ninja, dodging hidden fees like a pro!

For more details, check out the original article: FTC Consumer Advice

Original article: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/12/ftc-says-instacart-didnt-deliver-their-promises