The FTC says Instacart didn’t deliver on their promises

You’ve probably seen ads online, on TV, or on social media for subscription offers. They could be for anything from gifts and groceries to snacks and magazines. Some say you can try the subscription for free — but it might not be true. Some will auto-renew if you don’t cancel first, which might come as a surprise. Sometimes you’re signed up for a subscription without even knowing it.

Problems with subscriptions or membership fees can happen when a business doesn’t clearly explain that it will keep billing you unless you do something. And that’s what the FTC alleges happened with Maplebear Inc., doing business as Instacart. According to the FTC, Instacart violated the law when, among other things, it charged people annual membership fees for its subscription service after they’d completed free trials — without getting their consent.

If you’re thinking of signing up for a free trial or subscription, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Read all the details before signing up. See if the business will keep charging you unless you tell them to stop.
• Look for pre-checked boxes. Some businesses use these hoping you won’t notice that you’re agreeing to be billed later. Uncheck the box if you don’t agree with what it says.
• Make sure you know how to cancel. When signing up, look for an explanation of how to cancel. Businesses must provide simple ways for you to cancel an unwanted subscription. Don’t sign up for a subscription if you aren’t sure how to cancel it.

If you’re charged without your consent and the company won’t refund your money, dispute the charge with your credit or debit card company right away. Then tell the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.