Online offer that appears to be free at first glance but then turns out to be an expensive subscription. These offers aim to lure Internet users into quickly concluding a contract or purchasing a service.
Subscription traps are usually disguised as surveys or contests. The contractual clauses are hidden in the small print or the general terms and conditions. For text message subscription traps, the conditions are specified in the text message. When you register or confirm, you are entering into a long-term and expensive subscription contract. Sometimes credit card details are requested. If you provided your credit card details, contact your credit card provider straight away.
Specific measures
Preventive measures
How the NCSC can help
Further Information
- If you provided credit card details, contact your credit card company immediately to have the card blocked.
- If you have paid by mobile phone, contact your mobile phone provider and have them deactivate the service you have subscribed to.
- The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) recommends sending a registered letter to the provider immediately after discovering the error, in which you challenge the contract on the grounds of error and fraudulent misrepresentation. The letter should include at least the following: «I have been misled by your website. I therefore contest any contract that may have been concluded on the grounds of error and fraudulent misrepresentation.»
- Check your credit card transactions regularly. This will enable you to take immediate action through your credit card company in the event of fraudulent payments.
- Be sceptical about emails claiming that you have won something.
- Be particularly careful if you have to provide your credit card details in order to access a free offer.
- Find out more about the service provider by researching them on the internet. In many cases, there are clues in the offer itself as to whether it is legitimate or a scam.
- Have added-value service numbers blocked.
Your report via the online form helps the NCSC identify trends. This makes it possible for the NCSC to raise public awareness in a targeted way.
Last modification 09.10.2025
