Subscription Trap

A subscription trap (sometimes called a negative-option billing scheme) exploits dark patterns in sign-up flows to commit consumers to recurring payments they did not knowingly agree to. Typically a 'free trial' or low-cost introductory offer is prominently advertised, while a pre-ticked box or buried clause in terms and conditions authorises the merchant to charge a much higher monthly fee once the trial ends.

Cancellation is intentionally obstructed: there may be no visible cancel button, the customer must call a phone number during narrow hours, or multiple confirmation steps are required. Charges often appear under unfamiliar company names on bank statements, making them hard to identify and dispute.

Regulators in the US, UK, and EU have moved against subscription traps with requirements for clear upfront disclosure of recurring costs, prominent cancel options, and confirmation emails before trial-to-paid conversions. Consumers can protect themselves by reading terms carefully, using virtual card numbers with spending limits for free trials, and monitoring bank statements monthly.