When this problem arises
- A free trial creates undisclosed charges
- A no-cost offer requires an unexpected purchase
- Fees appear after a supposedly free service
Potential legal protections
Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act addresses unfair or deceptive practices in covered consumer transactions. A private claim requires more than dissatisfaction: the conduct, reliance where required, and resulting loss must be assessed.
Evidence to preserve
- Offer screenshots and terms
- Enrollment confirmation and receipts
- Billing records and cancellation messages
What to do now
Preserve the full offer, including visible conditions, and identify each unexpected charge. Ask for an explanation or refund in writing while keeping a record of your response.
Keep a dated timeline of contacts, payments, and events. Whether a claim is available and what relief may be appropriate depend on the documents, applicable law, and facts of your situation.
Read the consumer law overview →
Related consumer problems
- Bait-and-switch advertising
- Refusals to honor a warranty
- Defective and unsafe products
- Negative-option subscription traps
- Door-to-door sales pressure
- Utility and telecom billing disputes
Frequently asked questions
- Does this situation automatically mean I have a legal claim?
- Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act addresses unfair or deceptive practices in covered consumer transactions. A private claim requires more than dissatisfaction: the conduct, reliance where required, and resulting loss must be assessed.
- What should I include in my case evaluation?
- Describe what happened, when it happened, who was involved, and the loss or ongoing problem. Mention whether you have offer screenshots and terms, enrollment confirmation and receipts, billing records and cancellation messages. Keep the originals; do not include sensitive records in the initial form.
- Should I wait for the company to resolve my complaint?
- A complaint or negotiation does not necessarily extend legal deadlines. Court papers and notices may require an earlier response. Seek timely review while preserving correspondence and records of any promised resolution.