With so many subscription services available, it can be tough to keep track of them all. Unfortunately, scammers use this subscription-overload to try and charge you for new subscriptions you never ordered.
What kinds of subscription scams should I watch out for?
Mail subscription scams and billing subscription scams are some of the most common.
How do subscription scams work?
The scam is simple: get someone to sign up for a subscription to a magazine, an online service, or any other product or service with the ultimate goal of stealing personal information or money.
Scammers also try to confuse consumers into thinking they’re getting a good deal, or lowering their subscription price, even if you’re not currently subscribed. These happen over the phone, through door-to-door in-person conversations, or through the mail.
Scammers will also use pressure tactics, like saying you “owe” them the money since you have the product they now claim you subscribed to. If you did not sign up for it, you have no obligation to pay.
How do I spot a subscription scam?
You may unexpectedly receive a magazine in the mail with a note asking you to pay your monthly agreed-upon fee. The language will make it sound like this is a subscription you ordered, and that you now owe this company money. Remember, you never have to pay for something you didn’t order.
Another sign of a scam is if your account is being charged a monthly fee for a subscription you never signed up for. Always watch your accounts for these recurring, unwarranted charges.
How do I get my money back?
If you are unsure if you ordered the subscription or not, do not send money until you can verify the legitimacy of your order. If you did not order the subscription, but have not paid, then contact the company to cancel your order and do not give them personal or financial information in the process.
If you’ve sent money to a scammer, contact the company you used to process that payment immediately. Reporting fraud to your bank, credit card company, the company you bought a gift card from, a cryptocurrency exchange, or any other payment processing company can help reverse it.
