‘Scamscriptions’: How to Recognize and Avoid Deceptive Subscriptions

Many of us rely on subscriptions for convenience, from streaming services to gym memberships – you name it. However, a growing number of scammers exploit consumers through hidden or misleading subscription schemes—often referred to as “scamscriptions.”

What Are Scamscriptions?

A scamscription is a fraudulent or misleading subscription that charges you on a recurring basis without your explicit knowledge or informed consent. These scams often start out posing as free trials, limited-time deals, or contests requiring a credit card for “verification.”

Now let’s put these scams into perspective:

• A European Commission study revealed that around 10% of consumers in the EU had been lured into an unwanted subscription in 2020.
• A November 2023 survey of 2,033 adults in the UK conducted by consumer organization Which? revealed that 1 in 10 participants discovered unexpected recurring payments in their accounts. Of these, a third found them in 2023, another third in 2022, and only one in 10 had noticed them back in 2021.

Here are some red flags:

• The offer seems too good to be true. Free samples or trial periods might end abruptly, triggering sudden or hidden fees.
• Fine print is buried or misleading. Terms that detail ongoing charges or minimum contract requirements can be so hidden they’re nearly impossible to spot.
• Canceling can be confusing or downright impossible. Once charges start hitting your account, you may find it very difficult to unsubscribe or even contact the company.

Common Subscription Scams

1. The “Free Trial” Trap

• Physical Product Samples: Promotions for a skincare cream or health supplement may only ask you to pay for shipping, then suddenly bill you monthly.
• Software/App Trials: A “free 7-day trial” might quietly roll into a hefty subscription fee. The cancellation instructions can be buried or unclear.

2. Hidden Contract Terms
   Limited-time deals or “prize” offers frequently come with sneaky small print—once you pay a nominal fee, you’re funneled into recurring charges.
3. Unknown or Misleading Billing Descriptions
   Scammers deliberately use unclear billing descriptors so you might not recognize them on your statement. Over time, these “small” charges slip under the radar.
4. Immediate or Early Billing
   Even if you think you have a free trial window, some services start charging immediately. When you try to dispute it, you may find that support is unreachable or unhelpful.
5. Impossible-to-Cancel Subscriptions
   According to Which?, one of the biggest complaints is the difficulty or downright impossibility of canceling once you’ve enrolled. Confusing phone menus, unresponsive emails, or nonexistent contact info can keep you locked in.

Unfortunately, entering your card details just once is enough to fall into the trap. Scammers rely on you forgetting to cancel or not noticing small monthly deductions. Which? reports that when these unauthorized payments slip by, some consumers don’t catch them for months—racking up fees that can be difficult or impossible to recover.

Tips to Help You Avoid Scamscriptions

1. Closely examine the Fine Print. Before agreeing to a “free trial” or special deal, carefully read the subscription terms. Watch out for contradictory or confusing language about charges and renewal dates.
2. Check for negative reviews. Before entering your details or subscribing for a free trial, check for any negative reviews online
3. Set calendar alerts. Mark the end date of any trial period so you’re reminded to cancel before charges begin—this is especially crucial for software services or short-term product trials.
4. Use a virtual/limited-use credit cards. Many banks offer disposable or virtual card numbers for online transactions. This can protect you if you unintentionally sign up for a scamscription. Beware of services that don’t accept payment using this type of card. It’s a huge red flag that you might be entering a deceptive subscription.
5. Review statements regularly. Make it a habit to scan through your bank or credit card statements. Look for small, recurring transactions from unfamiliar companies.
6. Report. If you notice a suspicious charge, contact your card issuer immediately. They may be able to reverse fees or block further charges from that merchant.

Steps to Take If You’re Already Caught in a Scamscription

• Attempt official cancellation. Try canceling through the company’s listed channels. Document every interaction—keep emails, take screenshots, and note down call times.
• Contact your bank or credit card provider. If your cancellation request is ignored, or if you continue to be charged, ask your bank to block future charges or help you file a chargeback.
• File a complaint. Report suspicious or scam-like activity to consumer authorities—such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Better Business Bureau in the US, or your national consumer protection agency in the EU or UK.

Want to stay scam free? Use Free scam-detection tools from Bitdefender

Bitdefender Scamio, our AI-powered scam-busting chatbot helps you detect and avoid scams across multiple online platforms in real time. You can chat, send screenshots, links or QR codes, and Scamio will give you a verdict in seconds. With Bitdefender Link Checker, you can safely analyze links shared on social media or messaging platforms. This tool provides instant feedback on whether a URL is safe to visit.