SeraRelief CBD products
Be wary of “free trials” for CBD gummies and oils advertised on the internet.
Would you like to be charged $144.94 for a “free trial”? Well then, according to a TINA.org reader, eCig Brand may be the e-cigarette free trial for you.
Bob K. sent us an email warning about eCig Brand’s “free trial” offer:
During the last Christmas shopping season (2013), I purchased many items online, all reputable sites. One of the sites offered several special deals after a checkout, I didn’t remember which site though.
One of the offer was E-Cigs Trial Kit for free but shipping and handling was $4.95. I don’t smoke but I have a family member who smokes, so I bought the trial order. I didn’t get the shipment until toward end of January 2014. The shipment arrived late with another shipment of additional refills. I thought maybe it was all a part of the trial kit. Then I checked the debit card account and realized they charged $4.95 plus $99.99. I let it go thinking maybe there was a hidden clause for refill kit. But on following month, February, they charged my account again for another $83.98 and shipped another refill kit.
I could not find any receipt, no invoice, no email confirmation. I called the number on bank statement to get it cancelled. I am hoping the call I made today will really cancel this fraudulent refill subscription. When I called the number . . . a representative . . . helped me cancel the subscription. He was mildly pleasant to deal with and I received the several email confirming cancellation and refund notice. However email had few more surprises I will have to deal with. I would have to return unopened package with the packing slips then I would get a refund of $43.98. Out of $188.92 total charge, they will refund $43.98 and still charge me $144.94 for shipping, handling and restocking fee. Wow.
This is not the first poor experience TINA.org readers have had with an e-cigarette seller promising a free trial. Click here to read TINA.org’s investigation of emerging misleading marketing tactics within the e-cigarette industry
The lesson here, if any? Many companies promise “free” trials, but free doesn’t always mean free. Sometimes a free trial is just a way to get your credit card number, so a company can put you through the ringer. Think carefully before giving your credit card number to anyone.
Our Ad Alerts are not just about false and deceptive marketing issues, but may also be about ads that, although not necessarily deceptive, should be viewed with caution. Ad Alerts can also be about single issues and may not include a comprehensive list of all marketing issues relating to the brand discussed.
Be wary of “free trials” for CBD gummies and oils advertised on the internet.
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