When Barbara Francis was thinking about buying a car, she decided to check her credit score. She said she thought it would cost her $1, but found she was automatically enrolled for an identity theft monitoring service that included a monthly fee.
Francis said she logged onto the website for Experian, the largest of the three major credit reporting agencies.
The company offers a credit report and FICO score for just $1, but to Francis’ surprise, the company deducted $24.99 from her checking account.
She realized that when she ordered her credit report and FICO score, she was automatically enrolled in a seven-day trial membership of Experian’s identity theft monitoring service.
Once the trial ended, the membership would cost her $24.99 a month.
Francis was still within the trial period and tried to cancel by phone and email, but said she did not receive a response.
Then she contacted NBC Connecticut Responds.
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A few days after we intervened, Experian called Francis and refunded her money.
NBC Connecticut reached out to Experian for comment, but did not hear back.
Francis’ experience is good reminder to always read the terms and conditions before signing up for anything online.
If you do enroll in a free trial, make sure you cancel within the time frame set by the company and request written confirmation.