CONSUMERS are being warned not to sign up for product trials without reading the small print first after a deluge of complaints.

North Yorkshire’s trading standards officers receive more calls on the subject of free trials than anything else

But they say people who are attracted by the many internet pop-up adverts or links, offering slimming products, face creams and other products on free trial, should treat such offers with extreme caution.

They claim anyone responding to the adverts could find they are agreeing to subscribe to a regular delivery of the product at a cost typically between £50 and £100 per month.

Payments are then taken each month from the payment card that was used to pay for the postage charge to receive the “free” sample.

The payment authority unwittingly set up does not come with the same guarantees and safeguards as a direct debit – and consumers can find it difficult to cancel.

Head of consumer services Jo Boutflower said: “Consumers who have unwittingly signed up to these subscription schemes can find that their bank tells them that they need the trader’s permission to cancel the payment authority.

“This is not right. Our advice to anyone finding themselves in this position is to write, by letter or email, to the trader notifying them that they are cancelling the payment authority with immediate effect. They should contact their bank at the same time and instruct them to cancel the payment authority immediately

“If the bank refuses to cancel the payment authority, consumers can report them to the Financial Conduct Authority on 0800 111 6768.”

North Yorkshire’s executive member for trading standards, Chris Metcalfe, said: “Many of these scams are being operated from abroad but the county council will do all it can to tackle those operating from the UK and to share intelligence with overseas enforcement bodies to try and stamp them out.”