Caracol Cream, Inc.

This company offers a 14 day trial offer on an anti-aging skin care cream. Customers accepting the trial offer agree to be billed shipping and handling fees of $4.95. Upon accepting the offer customers are agreeing to be placed on the Caracol Cream Preferred Customer Reservation List, meaning customers agree to automatically receive a monthly supply of Caracol Cream every thirty days and be billed the price of $59.95 plus shipping and handling of $8.95 for each monthly supply. To only be billed the $4.95 shipping and handling fee the trial offer must be cancelled, a Return Authorization Number must be obtained, and the unused portion of the cream must be returned within the 14 day trial period. After the trial period has expired, customers may cancel the shipments by calling the company within sixty days of placing the order for a refund of the product amount. All shipping and handling cost are non refundable.

FTC Guidelines for advertising this type of offer require that all terms and conditions of the offer, as well as cancellation instructions, be clearly and conspicuously displayed in at least 10 point type before asking for payment or obtaining the customer's consent. Clearly and conspicuously means, NOT disclosed in microscopic print accessed by a web blink to another site, but rather, disclosed along with the free trial solicitation.

Regardless, many consumers overlook the advisory, and are unaware of the charge until their next monthly credit card statement. Industry guidelines require marketers to provide a fast easy method of canceling, either by mail, phone, or website, Failure to do so may be a violation of consumer protection laws.

Most credit card issuers will allow the cardholder 60 days to dispute an unauthorized or inaccurate charge. Review your monthly statement carefully. If you discover a charge which is unfamiliar, investigate and dispute the amount with your card issuer as soon as possible to protect yourself from making unwanted purchases.