Charged without Consent: The Manipulation Tactics Behind Subscriptions

Kavin Ramasamy, Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, Junior

In today’s digital world, subscriptions are everywhere, from streaming platforms to meal kits to fitness apps. What began as a convenient way to access services has evolved into a sophisticated system designed to keep users locked in. According to the International Consumer Protection Enforcement Network (ICPEN), “75% of subscription services use at least one manipulative tactic to increase user retention, such as hiding cancellation options or quietly renewing free trials.” (ZDNET, 2024) Others go even further, employing emotional guilt. For instance, users opting out of a newsletter might be prompted to click “No thanks, I don’t need to work out.” These “dark patterns” exploit emotion and inattention, contributing to what CNET has dubbed “subscription creep”. “In fact, U.S. adults now spend an average of $91 per month on subscriptions, and nearly half have admitted to forgetting to cancel a free trial—often more than once a year” (CNET).

Managing these recurring expenses doesn’t require cutting everything out; it just needs more visibility and control. “I usually recommend clients allocate no more than 20% of their income on total discretionary expenses—dining out, travel, gifts, subscriptions, etc.,” says Lupita Lechuga, RICP and financial advisor. A great starting point is consolidating all subscription payments onto one credit or debit card. This method makes it easy to scan a monthly statement and spot unwanted or forgotten charges. Many banking apps also flag recurring charges and categorize them as subscriptions, making it even simpler to track. Creating a quarterly reminder to review and reevaluate subscriptions, especially free trials, is another smart move to curb unnecessary spending.

For consumers, like high school senior Joseph Dai, these strategies have made a huge difference. “I didn’t realize how many things I was still paying for until I looked through my bank statement. I was subscribed to three different video platforms and only used one. Now I review everything every two months.” With rising costs and stealthy billing tactics, understanding how subscriptions operate and taking the time to audit them can be the difference between financial stress and financial control. After all, convenience shouldn’t come at the cost of your budget.

Interviewees:

Lupita Lechuga, RICP, Financial Advisor

Joseph Dai, Senior, Whitney Young 

Works Cited:

“7 Sneaky Tricks Subscription Services Use to Lock You in - and How to Avoid Them.” ZDNET, www.zdnet.com/article/7-sneaky-tricks-subscription-services-use-to-lock-you-in-and-how-to-avoid-them/. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025. 

“‘subscription Creep’ Is Real. Consumers Are Paying over $1,000 Each Year, CNET Survey Finds.” CNET, www.cnet.com/personal-finance/subscription-creep-is-real-consumers-are-paying-over-1000-each-year-cnet-survey-finds/. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.