Free Trial - Free Gift up front

["Pop" Stran]

Both the "Free Trial" (Reduced Price) test membership con and the "Free Gift just for trying us out" scam are intended do do just one thing: Pump more sales of a product that too few people have seen as a worthwhile purchase/ investment.

Any program or product that is offered for free, or at a ridiculously reduced price should make you wary anyway...and any that requires your registering your creditcard ("You pay just $3.99 for shipping of your Free Gift!") during the signup process is a definate marketing con.

Immediately drop to the bottom of the page, and hit the "Terms-Conditions" link...Browsing the terms will turn up the truth: You're agreeing to a monthly membership fee that was never mentioned in the email or on the hype page.

["Pop" Stran]

This con continues to pop up, even more often than the Nigerian prince who needs to transfer million$ to your American bank to escape oppression.
Falling under the 'foot in the door' category, the "Free trial" is a way to put your creditcard on file for uncontrolled (and often unscrupulous) future charges ('Cramming) by the seller and/or their partners.