Small print. 

It’ll get you almost every time.

How many of us — be honest now — take the time to read all of the fine print before we check that tiny box indicating that we have indeed read the terms of service or terms of business or however they’re labeled and agree to all of them. 

I know I’m guilty. 

When dealing with a trustworthy business, you’re not going to have to stay awake at night wondering if you’ve agreed to something you shouldn’t have. But that still isn’t an excuse for our laziness.

What’s the big deal?

It’s in the small print where you learn that “free” CD chock-full of information on how to get government grants or leads on college scholarships or how to make a mint working from home — all for just a small shipping/handling fee! — enrolls you in a program with monthly fees that show up on your credit card.

So you can just call and cancel, right?

Sure, provided the “company” has a legitimate phone number. And a person to talk to. More commonly, however, you’ll get voicemail and no way to talk to a real person. Chances are there isn’t a real street address, either.

One Northern Colorado consumer learned that the only way out of the mess he inadvertently gotten himself into was to cancel his credit card. It’s a solution thousands of others are using as well.

To prevent small-print surprises, the best solution is to take the time and read it. All if it! And then get a BBB Business Reliability Report at www.wynco.bbb.org. It’s easy to do and it takes just a couple minutes online (or you can call us, too, at 970-484-1348 or 1-800-564-0371). Also, don’t discount BBB’s sage advice: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

After doing all of this, and you still want the item or service, then — and only then — should you check that little box.

What about you? Have you been a small-print victim?