Quick Answer: The FTC is suing JustAnswer for deceiving consumers who thought they were paying $1-$5 for expert advice but were secretly enrolled in subscriptions costing up to $79/month. If you’re stuck in an unwanted subscription, you have rights—and options to get your money back.
Looking for quick legal or financial advice online? Be careful what you click. The FTC just exposed a subscription trap that caught hundreds of thousands of consumers.
On January 13, 2026, the Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit against JustAnswer LLC and its CEO Andrew Kurtzig, alleging the company used “dark patterns” to trick people seeking expert advice into expensive recurring subscriptions.
Every weekday I read the enforcement actions, filings and fine print the outlets skip, and turn them into the one or two moves that actually improve your position — a rate worth moving for, a fee you can refuse, a deadline to beat before it costs you.
In the latest issue (Sep 11): You drive to the dealership to pick up the car. There is no car. There was never a car.
I write Your Money Actually most weekdays — actionable money information you will not find anywhere else, and the small decisions that compound. It is free, I sell nothing, and I take no money from any company I write about.
How the Scam Worked
Here’s the playbook, according to the FTC’s complaint:
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- The Hook: Ads promised access to lawyers, doctors, mechanics, or financial experts for just $1 or $5
- The AI Gathering: An AI chatbot called “Pearl” collected your information and questions
- The Trap: A signup form with the monthly fee buried in fine print above a big “Confirm now” button
- The Surprise: Immediate charges of $28 to $79 per month—continuing until you figured out how to cancel
The FTC’s Words: The complaint describes this as “rampant consumer deception” targeting people unable to stop unwanted charges.
The Numbers Tell the Story
The lawsuit claims JustAnswer operated multiple sites beyond JustAnswer.com, including AskALawyer.com, AskAVeterinarianOnline.com, AskWomensHealth.com, and Pearl.com—all using the same deceptive playbook.
Why This Matters If You’re in Debt
People drowning in debt are often desperate for answers. “Can I be sued?” “What are my rights?” “Is bankruptcy my only option?”
That desperation makes you a target. Services like JustAnswer know you’ll click on a $1 promise of expert legal advice. And once they have your card number, they’re counting on you being too overwhelmed to notice another $79 charge among your bills.
Steve’s Take: The people who can least afford surprise charges are the ones most likely to search for cheap legal advice online. That’s not a coincidence—it’s predatory targeting.
Red Flags to Spot
The JustAnswer lawsuit is a textbook example of subscription traps. Watch for these warning signs:
- Unusually low “introductory” or “join” prices ($1, $5) for professional services
- Required credit card for “free” trials or low-cost access
- Fine print near the “confirm” button (always read above AND below)
- Difficulty finding cancellation options
- Chatbots gathering your info before showing pricing
What the Law Says
The FTC alleges JustAnswer violated the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA), which requires companies to:
- Clearly disclose ALL material terms before collecting billing info
- Get your express informed consent before charging your account
- Provide simple ways to cancel recurring charges
Any company violating these rules is breaking federal law—not just being “shady.”
Stuck in a Subscription? Here’s What to Do
Step 1: Try to Cancel Directly
Document everything. Screenshot your cancellation attempt. Save emails. Note the date, time, and any confirmation numbers.
Step 2: Dispute the Charge
If the company won’t cooperate, file a dispute (chargeback) with your credit card company. You have 60 days from the statement date to dispute. Call the number on your card and follow up in writing.
Step 3: Report It
File a complaint at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your complaint becomes part of the evidence the FTC uses for cases exactly like this one.
Before You Sign Anything: If you’re considering hiring any debt relief, legal advice, or financial services company, run their contract through the Contract Decoder first. It’s free—and it’s your last chance to spot red flags before you commit.
JustAnswer’s Response
The company claims it “clearly publishes pricing and model upfront” and offers easy cancellation. The FTC disagrees—strongly enough to file a federal lawsuit.
That’s for the courts to decide. What you can decide is whether to hand over your credit card to any service promising professional advice for a dollar.
The Bottom Line
TL;DR: If expert advice seems too cheap to be true, it probably is. The real cost is hidden in subscription fine print. Before you sign up for any service—especially when you’re stressed about money—slow down, read every word, and ask yourself: “What’s the catch?”
Not sure what your debt options actually are? Take the Find Your Path quiz for a personalized assessment—no credit card required, no subscriptions, no tricks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is JustAnswer a scam?
The FTC lawsuit alleges JustAnswer used deceptive practices to enroll consumers in expensive subscriptions without proper consent. Whether it’s technically a “scam” is for the courts to decide, but the FTC calls it “rampant consumer deception.” If you’re considering using the service, proceed with extreme caution.
How do I cancel my JustAnswer subscription?
JustAnswer claims you can cancel via their 24/7 toll-free number, live chat, email, or one-click on their website. Document your cancellation attempt with screenshots and confirmation numbers. If they continue charging you after cancellation, dispute the charges with your credit card company.
Can I get a refund from JustAnswer?
You can request a refund directly from JustAnswer. If they refuse and you believe you were charged without proper consent, file a chargeback with your credit card company within 60 days of the statement date. You can also file a complaint with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
What is a dark pattern?
Dark patterns are website design tricks that manipulate you into doing things you didn’t intend—like signing up for subscriptions, sharing data, or making purchases. Common examples include hiding cancellation buttons, pre-checking consent boxes, and burying important terms in fine print.
What is ROSCA and how does it protect me?
The Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA) is a federal law requiring online sellers to clearly disclose subscription terms, get your express consent before charging, and provide easy cancellation. Companies violating ROSCA face FTC enforcement action, fines, and consumer refunds.
Dealing With Debt? Understanding your options is the first step. See how all your debt relief options compare — including ones most sites won’t tell you about. The Find Your Path quiz gives a recommendation based on your actual numbers, and the Scam-O-Meter checks any company’s complaint history before you sign. Federal Reserve research shows bankruptcy filers recover faster than those who don’t file.
