The Great Freebie Check
A free, playful cost-checking quiz for children ages 3–11. Explore free apps, trials, fees and fine print in five clues.
Sample trail: Cost-Clue Crew (ages 6–8)
Reveal trials, in-app purchases, hidden fees and auto-renewals.
Clue 1. Why might a “free trial” ask for a payment card? Options: It may charge after the trial ends; It uses the card as decoration; It checks the weather.
Answer: It may charge after the trial ends. Many trials use card details so the company can charge if the trial is not cancelled in time. Source: US Federal Trade Commission · Free trials and auto-renewals
Clue 2. What can “auto-renew” mean? Options: The subscription continues and charges again; It stays free forever; The app deletes itself.
Answer: The subscription continues and charges again. An auto-renewing offer can keep charging until it is cancelled. Source: US Federal Trade Commission · Free trials and auto-renewals
Clue 3. A fee appears only on the last checkout screen. What is the problem? Options: The real cost was hidden until late; The button is the wrong colour; The page loaded slowly.
Answer: The real cost was hidden until late. The FTC lists hiding fees until late in checkout as a manipulative online design. Source: US Federal Trade Commission · Manipulative online designs
Clue 4. Which two things can a free app still do? Options: Sell extra virtual items; Collect information; Promise never to use data; Stay completely cost-free forever.
Answer: Sell extra items and collect information. Free apps may offer in-app purchases and may collect information such as contacts or location. Source: US Federal Trade Commission · Living Life Online
Clue 5. A grown-up is checking a free trial. Put the steps in order: Set a reminder before the deadline; Read the price, length and cancellation terms; Decide whether to sign up.
Answer: Read terms, decide, set a reminder. The FTC recommends knowing the terms and noting the cancellation deadline before a trial turns into charges. Source: US Federal Trade Commission · Free trials and auto-renewals
The interactive quiz above also has trails for ages 3–5 and 9–11, plus more free Smart Internet and India quizzes—no sign-in required.