Excessively tempting promotions sometimes conceal paid subscriptions -

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Some direct sellers want at all costs to gain new customers, even without their knowledge.

Offers, in particular on the Internet, thus bait by proposing to gain products for free or to buy them at very attractive prices.

Except that at the time of registration, consumers do not pay attention to the general conditions of sale which hide a compulsory subscription to a paid subscription.

Targeted smartphones, household appliances and ready-to-wear

Far from being marginal, these sales techniques have recently been denounced by the Directorate General of Competition (DGCCRF).

The administration cites in particular the case of "offers for iPhones for one euro" or products such as "espresso coffee machines or drones, which are also the subject of advertisements with hidden subscriptions".

State services have observed a similar modus operandi on internet platforms offering discounts on shoes and clothing.

This time, you have to register as a "VIP member" to benefit from it, which at the same time triggers "a monthly automatic debit of a variable amount depending on the site".

To avoid falling into the trap, the DGCCRF recalls the elementary precautionary measures before any online purchase.

You have to beware of too tempting offers.

Any e-commerce platform must also display mandatory basic information (head office, contact details, RCS number, etc.) and clearly show the price of the products and any additional charges applied.

A summary of the commitment made must also appear at the time of subscription, in order to be able to correct your choice.

Take matters into your own hands

Did you click too quickly and regret your engagement?

The law gives you a period of 14 clear days to exercise your right of withdrawal for any contract concluded at a distance.

Unfortunately, many consumers do not notice these hidden subscriptions until sometimes after long months, when they take a close look at their bank statement.

It is therefore essential to regularly monitor your accounts to flush out any possible anomalies and limit their consequences.

Once the debit has been identified, the European Consumer Center France recommends sending a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt to the company in question to contest the validity of the subscription, demand its cancellation and request the reimbursement of the sums paid.

At the same time, contact your bank to oppose the direct debit and assert your right to "chargeback", a legal procedure which allows you to obtain a direct reimbursement by the financial institution.

In the event of a dispute, you can file a complaint with the Departmental Directorate for the Protection of Populations (DDPP) or contact the European Consumer Center free of charge if the web platform is based in the Union.

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