The Consumer Rights Protection Centre (CRPC) and the European Consumer Information Centre (ECC Latvia) warn consumers: a free trial may end with unexpected charges. How can you avoid falling into a “subscription trap”?
CRPC and ECC Latvia draw consumers’ attention to a growing number of complaints related to mobile app subscription services. Consumers report cases where, after an apparently harmless “free trial” period ends, subscription fees are automatically charged to their bank cards without clear prior information.
A typical situation is as follows: a consumer downloads an app (such as a photo editor, fitness planner, language-learning tool, etc.) and agrees to a free trial period of three or seven days. However, once the trial period ends, the service is automatically converted into a paid subscription — often with charges applied immediately for several months in advance.
CRPC and ECC Latvia advise consumers to:
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Carefully read the terms and conditions before entering your bank card details.
If a “free” app requires your bank card information, this is the first warning sign that a charge will follow after the trial period ends. -
Set a reminder in your calendar.
If you agree to a trial period, set a reminder one day before it ends so you have time to cancel the subscription. In many cases, the cancellation process is complicated and not intuitive. -
Before clicking “Accept”, check the price that will apply after the free trial ends.
Consumers often only want to try a service, not commit to long-term payments. In the digital world, “free” often means “you will pay later” — especially if you do not cancel the trial in time. -
Contact your bank immediately if money has been charged without your consent, in order to initiate a chargeback procedure.
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If the service provider does not respond to your complaint, the response does not resolve the dispute, or the bank is unable to recover the payment, consumers are encouraged to contact CRPC.
If the issue involves a trader registered in another EU Member State, Norway, Iceland or the United Kingdom, ECC Latvia can provide support through mediation. Complaints can be submitted by completing the online form.