One of the more common complaints is the "free" trial offer scheme. In this type of case, you see a supplement, weight loss product or beauty product online advertised with a "free" trial offer. You give your credit card or debit card information for the nominal shipping fee (usually $4.00 to $5.00). A few days or weeks later, you are shocked to find recurring monthly charges of $80.00 or more each month for repeat shipments of the product. You do not recall authorizing the recurring shipments and charges. When you return to the website you find that the recurring monthly payments were authorized in the small print on a back page or less noticeable section of the website. You call up to cancel any future transactions. You feel like you do not have the right to a refund because the payments were authorized in the small print. However, you might actually have a case.

The consumer protection act protects consumers from deceptive trade practices. A failure to provide "clear and conspicuous" disclosure about the material terms of a purchase, such as recurring charges, is a deceptive trade practice and violation of the consumer protection act. If you feel that you were tricked because the important terms to the purchase were hidden on a back page or in small print, then please feel free to contact Harmony Law. We may be able to help.