Xfinity user says 'free' watch offer turned into a $10 monthly charge for 36 months

"They also make you pay taxes and fees with it. Such a full on scam."

An Xfinity customer said they were offered a watch at no cost, but later discovered an extra monthly charge tied to the promotion.

What happened

In a Reddit post, the customer said they accepted a watch promotion after being told it would be free, only to later see a charge of "$10 per month for the watch over 36 months." They said that could total $360 and that they would have passed on the offer if the terms had been made clear from the start.

"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.

Other users in the thread offered a different explanation for the billing.

One commenter said a monthly credit may cover the device itself, while the separate $10 charge could be for cellular service on the watch. Several others echoed that view.

"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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Additional context

Situations like this can make it more difficult for customers to trust the companies they do business with.

For many households, an extra $10 a month may not seem like much. But over 36 months, especially when added to other fees, the cost can become significant.

Some Reddit users 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 customers do?

Before agreeing to any "free device" promotion, customers can ask for the full order summary in writing and review the fine print carefully. Saving screenshots or emails from customer support can also help later if questions arise.

Related examples

Promotions that appear misleading are also common in other industries.

• A homeowner said EnergySage helped them avoid a questionable solar pitch from an installer.

• Solar experts say ads for free solar panels often conceal lease terms and other long-term costs.

• A Samsung customer's trade-in dispute led them to seek help over a confusing policy.