When Free Items Are Not Really Free: Exposing Internet Freebie Scams

From Ringtones to Free Trials - What May Seem Free May Cost You a Fortune!

Get you free HD TV NOW! Want a free washer and dryer? How about free ringtones for your cell phone? Does it sound to good to be true? If it does, remember what your mother always told you, “If it sounds to good to be true…” 


The saying hasn’t changed, neither have amazing deals.
One of the biggest internet “free scams” has been costing people big time. Lets take a look at a few examples of items that you may be lured into.

First, here’s a site called Free Pay that today is offering a “totally free Ipod”.But at what cost do you get your Ipod? Well first you have to register. This means entering your general information – email, address, etc. Then you get to pick which Ipod you want. 

After entering your information you’ll be bombarded by popups, even if you have a popup blocker. First there’s a credit card offer, then a cell phone offer then an offer for gift cards. Not to mention that while you are going through pop up after pop up your personal email is being flooded with garbage. Once you have gotten through all of this you are asked to choose another free gift. It’s pretty amazing stuff, like a new Play Station 3 or a $500 Sears gift card. After that you have to give some more personal information, such as your address again, supposedly so they know where to ship your incredible gift. 

Next you will be asked to answer a series of questions like, “Do you want information on getting a college degree from home” or “Do you need to consolidate debt”.