A questionable Instagram growth service called Trendgram has come under fire recently after numerous users complained about deceptive marketing practices and inability to cancel their subscription plans after a free trial period.
Trendgram contacts Instagram users directly via email, complimenting their content and promising increased visibility through its “organic” growth services. But users say after signing up, they are bombarded with fake-looking followers and find it impossible to cancel or get a refund from the company before being charged.
How the Trendgram Free Trial Scam Offer Works
Trendgram locates Instagram accounts through different unethical methods then sends direct emails praising the user’s content and engaging personality. The email offers a free trial of their follower growth service, which promises to get real, high-quality followers interested in their niche. Users need only enter credit card information to “verify eligibility” but will not be charged until after the trial ends.
However, users have reported that after signing up, they immediately notice low-quality spam bot followers that do not match their target demographic. Any attempt to cancel the free trial by emailing Trendgram receives no response, leading to understandable frustration and concern.
What to Do If You Receive the Email Offer
If you receive an unsolicited email from Trendgram offering a free trial, exercise extreme caution before providing any personal information or payment details. Check trusted online review sites to gauge other users’ experiences and see if accusations of inflated claims or refusal to cancel subscriptions come up as common complaints.
If you do decide to accept the trial offer, use a virtual credit card number or prepaid card when asked to “verify eligibility” so you retain control if you later decide to cancel. Do not provide details of your actual bank debit or credit card, as you may have difficulty disputing fraudulent charges.
Canceling Trendgram Before Being Charged
If you signup for the free trial and soon realize the followers you gain do not represent real engagement, immediately act to cancel service and have charges to your account blocked.
Send emails to every contact address at Trendgram you possess requesting cancellation. Follow up repeatedly if they do not respond after several business days. Screenshot both your cancellation requests and records showing no responses received.
Check the original offer details to see if you agreed to any minimum contract period; dispute any charges within that timeframe by filing a complaint with your bank or credit card provider’s fraud department. Provide evidence showing your attempts to cancel were ignored.
Some users have needed to cancel affected debit/credit cards entirely to ensure no recurring billing by Trendgram. Monitor closely to ensure they do not bill any other existing card numbers you may have on file.
Recovering from Instagram Follower Spamming
For those worried about long-term damage from bots and fake followers attracted by Trendgram’s “service,” don’t panic. Focus first on preventing any billing issues, then do a sweep of your newest followers.
Manually review accounts following you that match when Trendgram activated. Unfollow or block any that appear obviously fake, inactive or irrelevant to your target niche. This pruning combined with posting engaging content that resonates with your true target audience will organically grow your reach over time.
What This Scam Reveals About Vanity Metrics
While gaining followers feels rewarding and the desire for viral growth is understandable, business owners should beware of “vanity metrics” that can mask serious underlying problems with a product, brand or platform. Prioritize meaningful engagement over pure follower count to ensure sustainable success.
The Federal Trade Commission advises extreme caution with any unsolicited offers promising inflated social media growth. If an opportunity appears suspiciously easy or costs very little, scam risk skyrockets. Trust your instincts – if an offer raises red flags, avoid potential headaches down the road by simply ignoring or blocking contact.
