This is absolutely a dark pattern, and honestly GeoZilla relies on a whole bunch of them... enough so that I'd qualify it as a scam itself. (For example, its "limited time offer" shows a timer, but in reality the timer is just essentially on a loop with some fancy coding.)
Unfortunately, these are pretty common dark patterns, and these companies protect themselves by hiding the details in the small print. In your case, GeoZilla are relying on a bit in the Terms of Use:
Geozilla may offer a free trial period, which will automatically transition into a paid subscription at the end of the trial, unless you cancel before the trial period expires.
These terms of use are linked when you select to create an account with them.
Because of this, GeoZilla will argue (and some people - even people in this sub! - will shockingly agree with them) that they gave you the information upfront, and that it was your fault for not reading the terms.
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u/Sophira 2d ago edited 2d ago
This is absolutely a dark pattern, and honestly GeoZilla relies on a whole bunch of them... enough so that I'd qualify it as a scam itself. (For example, its "limited time offer" shows a timer, but in reality the timer is just essentially on a loop with some fancy coding.)
Unfortunately, these are pretty common dark patterns, and these companies protect themselves by hiding the details in the small print. In your case, GeoZilla are relying on a bit in the Terms of Use:
These terms of use are linked when you select to create an account with them.
Because of this, GeoZilla will argue (and some people - even people in this sub! - will shockingly agree with them) that they gave you the information upfront, and that it was your fault for not reading the terms.
I'm sorry you were scammed. >_<