In recent weeks, our support team has received multiple reports about unexpected credit and debit card charges from a website called "transcribe.org".
In an effort to protect anyone using online transcription services, we're publishing this advisory with what we know and what steps you can take:
What's happening
"Transcribe.org" advertises an AI transcription trial for $0.75. The checkout page prominently displays this price in large text with the label "one-time." However, after 7 days, users are automatically enrolled in a $49.95/month subscription. Many users don't realize they've been subscribed until they notice the recurring charges on their statements.
What to do if you've been charged without authorization
Act quickly. The longer an unauthorized charge goes unaddressed, the more difficult it becomes to recover the full amount.
- Call the number on the back of your card (or visit your card's website) and tell them you want to dispute the charge and file a chargeback. You can dispute multiple months of charges at once.
- Request a new card number. Disputing the charge alone may not stop future billing. A new card number ensures you can't be charged again.
- Check your statements going back several months. Dispute all unauthorized charges.
How to protect yourself
- Before entering payment information on any website, read the full terms near the checkout button — not just the headline price.
- Be cautious of "trial" offers that require a credit card upfront, especially when the trial price seems unusually low. When a trial price seems too low, it may be designed to get your card on file.
- Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for unfamiliar charges.
More resources
- How to dispute a credit card charge: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/disputing-credit-card-charges
- Free trials, auto-renewals, and your rights: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/getting-and-out-free-trials-auto-renewals-and-negative-option-subscriptions
- How to stop subscriptions you never ordered: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/05/how-stop-subscriptions-you-never-ordered
- Report fraud to the FTC: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
If you have questions or need help, reach out to our support team at turboscribe.ai.
