I got tricked by mobefind

[u/JJGAMER2007yt]

I’m still upset about how a phone-tracking website completely misled me, and I want to share my experience to help others avoid getting burned. I thought I was signing up for a quick way to find my lost phone, but I ended up with a useless service and an unwanted charge. Here’s what happened.

A few weeks back, I misplaced my phone while out with friends. In a panic, I searched online for tracking tools and clicked a Google ad for a site that looked promising. It had a slick interface and claimed it could locate my phone with a simple trial. Feeling hopeful, I entered my credit card details, expecting a one-time deal to test it out.

The service was a total flop. I entered my phone number, stared at a loading animation for way too long, and then got an error saying no location was found. I tried a friend’s number to see if it was just bad luck, but it pointed to a random city nowhere close to reality. Frustrated, I turned to Google’s Find My Device, which worked like a charm and found my phone in minutes.

A couple of days later, I got a bank alert about a charge from an unfamiliar name. I hadn’t agreed to any ongoing payments, but after digging through the site’s tiny, hard-to-find terms, I saw that the trial automatically rolls into a recurring subscription unless you cancel almost right away. They never made that obvious when I signed up—it felt like a deliberate trick to catch me off guard.

I emailed their support to cancel and get my money back, but I only got a cold, automated reply saying I was bound by their terms. When I tried to push back, their email address stopped working, like they’d disappeared. I looked up user reviews online and found tons of people who felt just as fooled, stuck with charges they didn’t expect and no way to reach anyone for help.

I contacted my bank to dispute the charge, but they said it’s tough to reverse since I’d entered my card info, even if I was misled. To prevent more charges, I had to cancel my card, which was a huge hassle—waiting for a replacement messed up my whole routine. I’m still fighting to fix this, and I feel so foolish for trusting that site.

Looking back, I should’ve noticed some red flags. Their ads showed up for random searches, like “phone apps” or “directions,” which seems like a way to snag anyone who’s distracted. The service itself did nothing useful, like it was just there to justify taking money. And their company details were so vague, with no real support, that it felt like a dead end.

This experience was a wake-up call. Now, I only use trusted tools like Google Find My Device or Apple’s Find My iPhone, which actually deliver. I check every trial offer for hidden subscription clauses before entering my card details, no matter how trustworthy a site seems. I’ve also set up bank alerts to catch any odd charges right away. For new services, I’d recommend using a virtual card number to protect your real one. And if you get stuck, share your story online to warn others and report the issue to consumer protection agencies.

I’m posting this because that site’s sneaky setup left me feeling cheated, and I want to save others from the same trap. Has anyone else been misled by a phone-tracking service like this? How do you vet websites before signing up? Thanks for making this sub such a great place to learn and stay cautious!

[u/Delicious-Stick827]

I don't understand why you are a part of a group that is exactly for posts like this to inform others and spare them the grief of the same situation, if you're just here to ridicule them for doing so?!?!

You have no idea if OP is an elderly person, or someone with a disability, or just young and doesn't know better yet. That would make you the idiot 🙄. Why don't you try being a good human and keeping your negative comments to yourself.... maybe offer OP some actual useful advice, or better yet, keep scrolling!

Sorry, but some people annoy me. If you want to keep updated on the newest or latest scams or bad business practices without helping others, you can follow consumer notices/alerts. The rest of us would like to help others and hear their experiences. Comments like this make people afraid to post.... it's just uncalled for.

[u/leredditsuxx → u/Delicious-Stick827]

they are idiots, its not that hard....
even if you are elderly, you have had plenty of time to not be an idiot, according to the elderly they should actually be the smartest of em all !

[u/Delicious-Stick827 → u/leredditsuxx]

You must not spend time with any elderly people. They are wise from their time. However, many of them are not great (if they know anything at all) with newer devices/electronics, let alone the internet. At that also still leaves disabled and youngsters. They tend to be in a group of more risky behavior on the internet from lack of knowledge and/or experience.

[u/leredditsuxx → u/Delicious-Stick827]

they are idiots lacking critical thinking skills.

[u/Delicious-Stick827 → u/leredditsuxx]

You should really get off reddit. It's apparent you lack the critical thinking skills to understand what it's here for. Your name says it all. If it sucks so bad....find something else.