Risk-free trials are all over the place.
But many are far from risk-free and now scammers are targeting your smile.
Felicia Thompson with the Better Business Bureau says there are some legitimate risk-free trial offers out there, but you should be skeptical of many of them.
She says the BBB has received hundreds of complaints about teeth whitening products including Ivory White, Dazzle White and White Smile.
The ads are tempting and seem credible.
The pop-ups appear on popular, trustworthy sites like
ABC News,
CNN, and
FOX News.
But many phony endorsements link you to fake news sites and are leaving some with monthly bills and no products.
Thompson says some consumers say they are getting billed up to $80 before they even get the shipment to try the product. Others are being signed up for other programs and being charged.
She says many people are not getting through to the company to cancel the trial, so they don't meet the trial deadline and end up paying for it.
She says you have to really do your research with these offers because in most cases the fine print will tell you free isn't really free.
Thompson says if the company is asking for your credit card number upfront, it’s your first red flag. If something is free, why do they need your credit card?
And always read the fine print because in many cases signing up for one free trial offer automatically signs you up for other paid offers.
As tempting as a brighter, whiter smile seems, don't let it break your wallet.
Research the company and don't give up your credit card so easily.
If you've been ripped off file a complaint with the
BBB.
