But the example's disclosure in the link was not hidden in fine print at all. It is in boldface and uses the largest font on the paper: THIS IS NOT A BILL. THIS IS A SOLICITATION. There are scams out there but this one seems more like a dark pattern. You don't have to be that astute to identify it--you just have to be able to read and not go on autopilot.
Victims don't deserve to get scammed, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't exercise caution.
Often tricking people is not legally ok, also even tricking people that is not deemed criminal may not be allowed by a civil court, if you cared to take it to court of course.
although the picture is very blurry, by my reckoning, that part is roughly the sixth largest font on the page, the top three being "Website Listing Service", "Web Listings Inc", and "DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES", "SUBSCRIPTION INCLUDES", and "INQUIRIES". there is absolutely no way that "THIS IS NOT A BILL" is the largest text.
You guys are looking at a different image than I am then. The disclaimer is huge, very prominent and also in the center of the page. There are many more better examples of scams out there--this one is mild.
Also for a mail sent in feb 2017, the service listed clearly says from March onwards. A bit of a dark pattern yes, but honestly with all the scams out there this really doesn’t seem like a particularly scammy one
Victims don't deserve to get scammed, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't exercise caution.