Free trials and competitions on social media can hide recurring charges that are very difficult to cancel — and easy to miss until real damage is done.
What is happening?
Scammers use social media adverts and fake competition pages to encourage people to enter their card details for a small delivery fee or to claim a prize. Hidden in the small print is consent to recurring monthly charges — sometimes £40 or more — that continue indefinitely. The companies behind these schemes are often based overseas and difficult to contact.
Why does this scam work?
The initial amount is small and the offer feels legitimate. A well-known brand name may be used without permission. By the time the recurring charges appear on a statement, the original advert has often disappeared and the company is unreachable.
Warning signs:
Adverts on Facebook or other social media offering free trials, prize draws, or mystery boxes from well-known retailers. Requests for card details to cover a small delivery fee. Charges from unfamiliar company names appearing on your bank statement.
What to do:
Be very cautious about entering card details in response to a social media advert, even for a small amount. Check your bank statements regularly for small unfamiliar charges — these are often the sign of a subscription scam. If you find an unauthorised charge, contact your card provider and ask them to block further payments. You can also raise a dispute — make clear you did not consent to a recurring subscription.
