Legal Question in Consumer Law in California

Free Trial Subscription Has Strings

I recently purchased a genealogy computer software program. On the box, it said that the program comes with a free one-year online subscription to one area of a genealogical research sites records section.

After installing the program, I learned when I tried to start my free subscription, that the company requires that I enter my credit card information. Their site says my card won't be charged until after the one-year subscription is up.

My question is why do they need to know my credit card information if my subscription is free? Is this legal? At the very least, it seems deceptive advertising to me.


Asked on 8/02/05, 8:37 am

3 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: Free Trial Subscription Has Strings

It's not illegal, but if I were you I wouldn't do business with them. I would at the very least google them to see if others have consumer complaints that have been posted online somewhere.

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Answered on 8/02/05, 10:10 am
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: Free Trial Subscription Has Strings

I didn't read the question carefully enough. If the outside of the box says you get a free subscription, that's what you should get, or you should get your money back. Please submit this issue to Ed Foster's GripeLine at gripe2ed.com and see what if any response you get.

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Answered on 8/02/05, 10:12 am
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: Free Trial Subscription Has Strings

http://www.gripe2ed.com/scoop/comments/2005/5/6/04215/90242/0/post

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Answered on 8/02/05, 10:15 am


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