A. To avoid confusion with subscription services, always read the fine print before signing up for any service. Look for terms like 'free trial' or 'subscription required' to understand the true cost of the service. If you have already signed up, check your account settings to see if you can cancel the subscription or downgrade to a free version if available.

B. Consider using reputable websites that offer free credit reports without hidden fees, such as AnnualCreditReport.com, which is authorized by federal law.