The digital age has brought us many conveniences, but it has also opened the door to new forms of exploitation. One of the most pervasive is the con of automatic renewal payments. The root of the problem lies in the system that conditions us to mindlessly accept terms and conditions, often without a second thought.



Whether it’s approving the latest software update or simply reserving a restaurant table, we’re all too familiar with the endless ‘I agree’ checkboxes. These terms and conditions can – in theory – be read elsewhere, but hardly anybody does. And that’s not by chance but by design. Most are as long as a novel and full of legal jargon. It’s no wonder that, according to a Deloitte survey, over 90% of consumers accept terms and conditions without reading them, highlighting just how widespread this issue is.



A particularly sneaky tactic is the so-called ‘free trial’. Whether it’s for seven days, fourteen days, or a month, the process is always the same. You’re required to subscribe, provide your payment details upfront, and then cancel within the specified timeframe if you’re not satisfied. Of course, life gets busy, and before you know it, the trial period has lapsed. Suddenly, you’re hit with an automatic renewal notice for a service you didn’t even realise you’d agreed to continue.

This scenario is not hypothetical – it’s personal. In the last month alone, I’ve fallen victim to it twice.



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