Cashback and coupon sites often seem too good to be true – get paid just for shopping online? Sign me up! But not so fast. Some rewards subscriptions turn out to be total scams designed to trap users into unwanted recurring fees. One such program raising red flags is Smarty Cashback.
This article will uncover whether Smarty is a legitimate rewards program or an underhanded bait-and-switch scheme to knowingly avoid. After an in-depth investigation into their claims, user reviews, and questionable practices, you’ll have the facts to make an informed decision before signing up. Don’t get duped by counterfeit cash back gimmicks – protect your wallet and data.
Overview of Smarty Cashback Program
Smarty advertises itself as a smart shopping assistant that automatically applies coupons and earns cashback to save online shoppers time and money. The Smarty browser extension pops up deals while you browse participating retailer websites. You can also earn increased rewards by signing up for a paid SmartyPlus subscription.
On the surface, they markets as an easy way to save on your existing purchases. But under the hood, many report deceptive tactics and intact difficulty canceling without ongoing monthly charges. Before joining any rewards site, it’s vital to verify legitimacy.
How the Smartycashback.com Scam Works?
Based on in-depth research and user reports, the Smarty cashback program utilizes misleading ads and confusing sign-up processes to overcharge participants against their will. Their scammy structure unfolds in a few common ways:
- Placing ads with tempting rebate offers on third-party sites that divert users to Smarty.
- Burying unrelated subscription fees and terms in the small print that get easily missed.
- Making the account cancellation process difficult hidden to keep charging monthly fees.
- Refusing refund requests and ignoring complaints about unauthorized billing.
- Failing to provide the advertised cash back rewards within the stated timeframe.
- Generating fake positive reviews to coverup mounting grievances.
Essentially, Smarty lures in victims with the promise of easy free money. But the real motive is trapping users into recurring subscription costs that prove extremely hard to escape.
User Reviews and Complaints
A deep analysis of customer feedback across review platforms exposes some alarming experiences with Smarty’s cashback subscription service.
Here are a few direct quotes from many disgruntled users:
They charged for over a year, though I never used their service even once. When I contacted them to pay all my money back, they refused to do so and said: ‘our policy won’t allow us’
I feel deceived. Definitely a scam. It is NOT straight forward that this is a subscription situation, nor do they tell you how much is being charged.
It’s clearly a deception they stole from me. Why Google allows apps like this to be on here is beyond me. AGAIN ITS A RACKET THEY WILL STEAL FROM YOU.
Unless you want to be scammed I would avoid this all together. I had a rebate coming everything was all good they contacted me when I emailed them but as soon as they charged my credit card that I did not authorize they cut off all communications.
The overwhelming consensus from Smarty’s past members is that the program enrolls you in recurring monthly fees disguised as a one-time cash back reward. Avoiding this nightmare requires identifying the scheme early and immediately canceling your account.
Is Smarty Real or a Fake Cashback Fraud?
Given the shady marketing tactics, reef of transparent pricing, secretive billing practices, and impossible cancellation policies – Smarty gives every indication of being a cashback subscription scam designed to dupe consumers.
While no company publicly admits fraud, the evidence against Smarty is nearly impossible to ignore. At best it relies on deception and trickery. At worst it knowingly commits theft through unauthorized credit card charges. Neither qualify as a legitimate business.
Perhaps a very small number of users eventually get the advertised rebates, keeping the facade alive. But for most, they represents a bait-and-switch credit card harvesting operation under the false pretense of easy rewards.
Website: | Smarty Cashback |
E-mail id: | [email protected] |
Contact No: | (877) 808-0810 (310) 593-4557 |
Owner Name: | Anonymous |
Address: | 302 Washington Street #150-7081 San Diego, CA 92103 (USA) |
Site Url: | smartycashback.com |
Trust Score: | 0/10 |
User Complaints Report: | As per consumer complaints, it looks like a Fake Reward site. Beware about it. |
Our Recommendation: | Avoid the Cashback Site and Report FTC. |
Have you been the victim of a fraud? Share your review in the comments below to warn others!
Tips to Identify Online Reward Scams Trap
The number one rule with rewards sites is avoiding anything that seems deceptive or too good to be true. But other signs of shady programs include:
- Difficult cancellation and account deletion processes.
- No phone number or unresponsive customer service.
- Hidden terms and recurrent billing without consent.
- Overly positive reviews contradicting negative feedback.
- Requiring excessive personal data for small rebates.
- Not receiving cashback within the promised timeframe.
- Advertising on unrelated platforms posing as affiliates.
The best way to steer clear of cash back frauds is sticking with reputable programs, reading all terms thoroughly, and scrutinizing red flags. If something seems sketchy, trust your gut and avoid providing payment information.
What to Do If You Get Scammed by a Cashback Site
If you realize too late you’ve been conned by a cashback scam like Smarty, act quickly to halt further financial damage:
- Immediately cancel any credit cards associated with the account to block future charges.
- Dispute the charges with your credit card company or bank.
- File claims reporting the fraud to your state attorney general and the FTC.
- Leave negative reviews warning others about the swindle.
- Consider legal action depending on the amount lost.
- Be more vigilant about cash back offers in the future.
While you may not recoup your stolen funds, you can stem future bleeding and add your story to expose the scam publicly. Don’t let them continue getting away with it.
Frequently Asked Questions About SmartyCashback.com
1. Is Smartyplus Rewards legitimate or a scam?
Based on extensive research into users’ experiences, Smarty exhibits all the characteristics of a cashback fraud operation designed to charge hidden fees, not provide rewards.
2. How does it work?
Smarty scams people by placing ads offering rewards that trick users into entering payment details and unintentionally signing up for recurring subscription plans with deceptive billing practices.
3. What happens when you sign up for the Cashback Offer?
Signing up for Smarty results in sneaky monthly charges to your credit card under the guise of “membership fees” unrelated to receiving the advertised cashback rewards.
4. How can I cancel Smartyplus Membership?
Cancelling Smartyplus is difficult by design, but contacting your bank to block charges and reporting the fraud seems the most effective way escape without ongoing billing.
5. Is the site worth it?
No, smartycashback.com is not worth it due to excessive hidden fees exceeding the rewards and inability to actually earn the promised rebates for most users. It’s a trap disguised as a rewards program.
The Bottom Line
Some important Key highlights to be remember after examining the deceptive practices:
- Smarty lures users in with cashback reward offers but overcharges recurring fees.
- Negative reviews reveal unauthorized monthly billing hard to cancel.
- Deceptive marketing and difficulty getting rewards indicates a fraudulent operation.
- Avoid cash back scams by identifying shady practices and sticking to legit programs.
- If already victimized, cancel your credit card and report the fraud immediately.
In closing, exercise extreme caution with any website offering easy cashback like Smarty. Look out for hidden monthly subscriptions disguising as one-time rewards programs. Protect your finances and data by avoiding questionable services with bait-and-switch schemes. Stick with reputable cash back companies, read the fine print, and trust your instincts to spot red flags early before becoming another victim.