TRADING standards officers in the region are warning against online "free trials" when shopping online.

Middlesbrough officers warned they had seen a marked increase in complaints in cases where free trials of different products were offered.

Some websites which offer the trials give a UK address - but are often based outside the country and only use the address for shipping goods.

The offers include slimming pills such as Raspberry Ketone, Nutra Coffee Cleanse and Garcinium that offer a 14-day trial at no charge, or only payment for postage and packing.

But once the free trial is active, if it is not cancelled within 14 days the credit or debit card used to authorise the payment is charged amounts of £90 or more without the customer being told.

Middlesbrough Council's Principal trading standards officer Jim McCluskey said that in some cases consumers were met with abuse or aggressive behaviour when they have sought a refund.

He warned: “Before agreeing to a free-trial always read the small print and see if there is an auto-ship procedure.

“If there is then we suggest you go no further or risk having to part with your money for goods you don’t really want."

For more information contact Citizens Advice Consumer Services on 03454 040506.