Published on:
29
October 2012
Clackmannanshire and Stirling Trading Standards are warning local consumers to be very careful when signing up for 'free' or low cost trials of products on line.
Typically these products are health foods, pharmaceuticals, 'miracle' anti ageing products or diet aids. A trial which you think will only cost you a few pounds can end up costing hundreds.
Clackmannanshire Council's Enterprise and Environment Committee Convener, Councillor Donald Balsillie, said: "Often when browsing on the internet a pop up box will appear advertising these products and encouraging consumers to sign up for a 'free' trial perhaps with just a low cost postage and packing fee to pay.
"They are often described in reassuring but vague terms as being 'risk free' with no further explanation. Details of the ongoing commitment to purchase are often hidden within the terms and conditions and all consumers notice is the large banner advertising the 'free trial' or the miracle product.
"The terms and conditions box is often pre-ticked to agree to these terms before the order of the 'free trial' can be processed. Once the order is placed, consumers have a short timescale to cancel and avoid any further deliveries and payments.
Many consumers think that a 'free trial' means that they try out the goods and then decide if they want to order more. This is not the case, if the contract is not cancelled within the specified time period; further payments are taken from the payment card used for the free trial. "
Trading Standards this week warned that the first that many consumers actually become aware of the terms and conditions is when a substantial debit of £80 or £90 is taken from their account.
Councillor Balsillie added: "Most of the companies offering these trials are based outwith the UK, typically in the USA and the UK addresses used are just fulfilment companies who are contracted to send out the goods. The companies themselves often have no physical presence in the UK Don't get caught in the subscription trap."
Trying to obtain a refund from these companies can be very difficult, given that they are not based within the UK. They will always maintain that the terms and conditions were available for the consumer to see and they agreed to this.
The advice from Clackmannanshire and Stirling Council's Trading Standards is always to be wary when signing up for such offers and not to provide bank details to companies without doing a bit of research first. The most important thing to remember is always to read the terms and conditions.
If you are unsure of any offer and whether it's genuine, seek advice from your local Trading Standards before sending off any money or providing any banking or credit card details.
The Trading Standards Team can be contacted on 0845 277 7000 or by email at tradingstandards@stirling.gov.uk. Or write to us at Stirling and Clackmannanshire Council Trading Standards Service, Viewforth, 14/20 Pitt Terrace, Stirling, FK8 2ET.