The Unexplained Charge
A free A1-level English story for language learners, readable online in 7 languages, with an option to listen via the free Storyteller app.
A mysterious monthly charge on Cyrus's bank statement leads back to a forgotten free trial.
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Cyrus checks his bank account every Sunday morning. He looks through each charge from the week. One charge catches his eye.
It reads "Monthly Service - $14.99." Cyrus does not remember this charge. He does not remember signing up for anything.
He scrolls back through older statements. The same charge appears three months in a row. Cyrus feels puzzled and a little worried.
He calls the number listed next to the charge. A recorded voice answers the call. It asks him to enter his account number.
After a short wait, a person answers. "I see a charge I don't recognize," Cyrus says. "Can you tell me what it is?"
The worker checks his account. "This is a video app subscription," she says. "You signed up for a free trial in June."
Cyrus thinks back to June. He remembers a free trial for a movie night. He forgot to cancel it afterward.
"I only wanted the free week," Cyrus explains. "I simply forgot," he adds.
"I can cancel it now," the worker offers. "Do you want a refund for last month?"
"Yes, please," Cyrus says. The worker cancels the subscription right away. She adds fourteen dollars back to his account.
Cyrus thanks her twice and checks his other charges. Nothing else looks strange this time.
He hangs up and writes a note. "Cancel free trials right away," it says. He puts the note by his computer.
