CINCINNATI, Ohio -- The radio is full of ads for free stuff, but some ads may cost you. How about two thousand dollars in free groceries for taking part in a research study?
It sounded good to Jackie Weaver. She called the company regarding their radio ad and became leery when she was asked for her credit or debit card.
"You are advertising something free on the radio and then when somebody calls you, you just hit them with all this other stuff," Weaver explained.
Weaver was smart enough to ask about all the hidden fees. Even if you're told there won't be any, go to the company's website and read the fine print. Or, ask for confirmation of their offer in writing so you don't get hit with hidden charges later.
The credit card number was for monthly pass cards that would have cost over $400 a year in fees if you don't cancel those pass cards when the trial expires. And all those grocery coupons? You can only get $10 in coupons at a time, and you have to pay a $2 dollar processing fee for each batch.
Most of these companies know the ways around the laws, so be careful and ask about the hidden cost.
