4 Common Yet Legal Scams and How to Get Out of Them
It’s never fun getting scammed. It’s even worse when those scams are perfectly legal. Below are four common legal scams – and methods that will get you clear of them.
“Free” subscriptions
Free trial subscriptions are everywhere. In fact, there are very few subscription services that will make you pay from day one – and that’s done on purpose. These businesses assume that you’ll forget to cancel in time regardless of whether or not you use the service, so they’ll end up making at least a small profit from you. This is one scam that’s fairly easy to defeat, though – simply set an alarm on your phone that alerts you the day before the subscription runs out so you can decide whether or not to cancel the service.
Timeshares
There are few things more frustrating than timeshares. Presented as a method of getting a slice of paradise for a low price, they generally end up being incredibly expensive albatrosses that will stay around your neck for years – or even decades. There is a thriving industry of companies that will help you find timeshare exit options, and working with them sooner rather than later is the best way to get out of this particular scam.
Gym contracts
Gym contracts are absolutely legitimate and also incredibly tough to deal with for those who aren’t completely committed to a regular workout routine. They’re great when you want to go to the gym, but not so great if you need to stop going. The best way to deal with these contracts is to read the fine print beforehand and to ensure that you know what you’re getting into before you sign. If you have signed, though, read the fine print again – there’s almost always a way to get out of the contract, even if you have to jump through a few hoops to do so.
Useless added fees on services
This one is incredibly common. From your cable bill to your phone bill, businesses like to add tons of little fees to your bills. The secret here is that these fees aren’t very big, but they add up over time. The best way to deal with this scam is to look at your receipt and to dispute every single one of these charges with a representative. Most will crumble quickly if you ask questions, leaving you with more money in your pocket.
The best way to deal with most of the common legal scams is to pay attention. Read your contracts and don’t be afraid to make a phone call if necessary. You can get out of most of these situations, but it generally takes a fair bit of work on your part.