Clash of Clans, Clash Royale, and Brawl Stars

Allegations: Misleadingly marketing games as “free” to play while encouraging players to purchase in-game items and avatars

‘Complimentary Bottle’ of Nugenix Total-T

Promotion for purported testosterone booster has some hard-to-believe claims.

Walmart+ Subscriptions

Allegations: Misleadingly marketing the terms of subscriptions

Trend Micro

Allegations: Deceptively marketing programs as free without adequately disclosing that they automatically switch to paid subscriptions unless consumers cancel

Fanatics

Allegations: Falsely advertising that orders purchased on the website ship for free or at a flat, low cost without adequately disclosing that there’s an added fee for shipping

Subscriptions for Frey Products

Allegations: Misleadingly marketing that consumers can “Try Frey for FREE” without adequately disclosing that they will be automatically enrolled in a subscription

Whatever Happened to Truth in Advertising?

Herb Weisbaum, Consumerpedia by Consumers’ Checkbook

Amazon Prime Day

You are not born an Amazon Prime subscriber.

TINA.org Reports Meal Kit Giant HelloFresh to FTC

MADISON, CONN. June 22, 2022 While millions of Americans struggle with rising food prices and empty store shelves, meal kit retailer HelloFresh advertises “delicious meals delivered to your door,” enticing consumers…

HelloFraud: TINA.org Files Complaint against Meal Kit Giant

False promises of “free meals” lead consumers to never-ending subscriptions.

HelloFresh “Free” Ads Database

HelloFresh

TINA.org found meal-kit company deceptively marketing “free” meals and using ROSCA-violating autorenewal subscriptions.

CATrends: Buy Now, Pay Later Services Send Users Further Into Debt

The result is that BNPL services that are advertised as free aren’t, class-action lawsuits allege.

TINA’s Take: How FIFA’s Online Version Exploits Consumers

Gimme the loot (boxes).

TurboTax’s Free Services

Allegations: Deceptively marketing TurboTax’s free tax filing services

FanDuel March Madness Promotion

Digging into the terms of this “$150 instant bonus” offer.

“Free” Gift Cards at Target

Allegations: Falsely marketing that consumers who spend $40 or more on toys and kids’ books could get a free $10 gift card when they’re actually charged $10 for the gift…

Deceptive Marketing and Other Information

CATrends: Hidden Food Delivery Fees

Be wary of claims of free or low-cost delivery.

Best Reader Tips of 2021

This year reader tips led to dozens of ad alerts, as well as a complaint to regulators.