An Xfinity customer got a free watch offer, but now, they said they have to pay an additional monthly fee to cover its cost.
Here's what to know
According to the Reddit thread, the original poster said they agreed to a watch promotion after being told it was free, only to later find a charge of "$10 per month for the watch over 36 months." They said that could add up to $360 and added that they would have turned down the offer if that had been made clear upfront.
"I'm not asking Xfinity to give me something I wasn't offered. I'm asking them to honor the promotion as it was represented to me when I agreed to it," the OP wrote.
Replies in the thread pointed to a different explanation for the charge.
One person explained that a monthly statement credit may offset the device itself, and the separate $10 amount is for cellular service on the watch. Several commenters made the same point.
"Anytime Comcast/ Xfinity has a 'free' promotion… it's not free," another commenter wrote. "At the very least it comes with a 36 month string attached."
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More background
Misunderstandings like this can make it harder for people to trust the companies they buy services from.
For many households, an extra $10 charge may not sound significant. But over 36 months, and potentially combined with other fees, it can become a hefty expense.
Some Reddit users in the discussion described the separate service plan as the real catch.
"Every time I chat with the Xfinity support they try to give me a 'free Apple watch,' I knew the catch, you need to have a separate data plan for the watch," one person said.
Another added, "They also make you pay taxes and fees with it. Such a full on scam."
What can be done?
Customers can slow the process down before accepting any "free device" offer. Ask for the full order summary in writing, and get a better understanding of the fine print whenever possible. Keeping screenshots or emails of communication with customer support can also help.
Where can I learn more?
Misleading promotions are unfortunately also common in other sectors.
• A homeowner said EnergySage was instrumental in avoiding a shady solar pitch from an installer.
• Solar experts say free solar panel advertisements often hide lease terms and other long-term costs.
• A Samsung customer's trade-in dispute left them pleading for action over a confusing policy.
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