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The hidden cost of subscriptions: How auto-renewal can catch you out

Auto-renewal is a common practice in the subscription industry, where customers are automatically enrolled into a subscription after a free trial period.


This can be a convenient way to subscribe to services, but it can also lead to people being charged for subscriptions they no longer want or use.


In the UK, the government is considering new rules that would require companies to send "reminder notices" to customers to make sure they are aware they remain subscribed.


Consumer groups are calling for auto-renewals to be banned altogether, arguing that they are unfair to consumers.


Some companies have already taken steps to make it easier for customers to cancel subscriptions, such as providing clear instructions on how to do so.


You may have seen the article on the BBC today that talks exactly about how consumers are being tricked into subscriptions.


In this summary, we will highlight the key points from the article and tips on how you can avoid falling for the trap of auto renew subscriptions.

  • Auto-renewal is a common practice in the subscription industry, where customers are automatically enrolled into a subscription after a free trial period.

  • This can be a convenient way to subscribe to services, but it can also lead to people being charged for subscriptions they no longer want or use.

  • The UK government is considering new rules that would require companies to send "reminder notices" to customers to make sure they are aware they remain subscribed.

  • Consumer groups are calling for auto-renewals to be banned altogether, arguing that they are unfair to consumers.

  • Some companies have already taken steps to make it easier for customers to cancel subscriptions, such as providing clear instructions on how to do so.

Here are some tips for avoiding being tricked into subscriptions:

  • Read the terms and conditions carefully before signing up for any subscription.

  • Make sure you know how long you are committing to and what the cancellation policy is.

  • Set a reminder for yourself to cancel the subscription before the free trial period ends.

  • Check your bank account regularly for any unauthorized charges.

If you have been tricked into a subscription, you can contact the company to cancel it.


You may also be able to get a refund if you cancel within a certain period of time.


Or let Little Birdie the UK's best subscription management app cancel all of those unnecessary and unwanted subscriptions.

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