Fake free trial scams involve deceptive marketing tactics where companies claim to offer a free sample of a product, typically beauty creams, skincare items, or dietary supplements. Victims only need to pay a small shipping fee, but in reality, they get locked into expensive subscriptions without realizing it. These scammers use fine print, hidden terms, and automatic credit card charges to drain money from unsuspecting customers.
Many people fall for this scam because they trust online advertisements, celebrity endorsements, or fake reviews that make these products appear miraculous.
How This Can Happen to Us
1. Attractive Social Media Ads
◦ Scammers run eye-catching ads on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, claiming their product is revolutionary.
◦ The ad may feature fake celebrity endorsements or before-and-after images that are photoshopped or stolen from real brands.
2. Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers
◦ The website promises a free sample of a premium beauty or skincare product.
◦ They claim you only need to pay $3-$5 for shipping, but in reality, you are giving them your credit card information.
3. Hidden Subscription Fees
◦ Buried in the fine print, the website states that after 14 days, you will be charged $80-$150 per month unless you cancel.
◦ Most victims never notice this and only realize after multiple charges.
4. Impossible to Cancel
◦ When customers try to cancel, they cannot reach customer service, or the company claims they agreed to the charges.
◦ The scam company keeps deducting money every month, making it almost impossible to stop.

Example of a Fake Free Trial Scam
A woman in California saw an ad on Instagram for a "free anti-aging cream" endorsed by Jennifer Aniston. She paid $4.99 for shipping but later found $95 deducted from her account every month. When she tried to cancel, the company refused, stating that she agreed to a subscription in the terms and conditions.

How to Protect Yourself from This Scam
• Avoid "free trials" that require credit card details – Legitimate companies don’t need your payment info for a free sample.
• Read the fine print – Always check the terms and conditions before making any online purchase.
• Search for online reviews – If multiple people complain about unauthorized charges, it’s a scam.
• Use virtual or prepaid cards – This way, scammers can’t continue to charge you after the trial.
• Be cautious of celebrity endorsements – Many fake beauty brands pretend to have endorsements when they don’t.