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Sneaky user interfaces, such as unwanted bundleware default checkboxes are now expanding into digital newspaper subscriptions. The Boston Globe's site uses lightly-colored close buttons and increases the price as the user goes through the sales process, as well as includes some newsletter-signup defaults. These dishonest-by-design interface elements that are intended to trick or obfuscate users are called dark patterns.
What are some of the most egregious examples you have seen? Have you even been asked to implement a design you found morally distasteful?
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Sneaky Sales and Pricing Practices Online
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(Score: 1, Interesting) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday April 26 2016, @11:12PM
It isn't just direct debits. You can challenge any debits to your account (and, technically, credits too), which includes cash withdrawals, checks and transfers. However, most banks limit their liability to the minimum, which is 30 days after the statement date. I've successfully challenged all sorts of charges.
My favorite was a company that overcharged me and I bounced around on the phone for an hour, so I told the guy to put a note that I would challenge their next with my bank. That was after he told me I'd have to call back the next day at 8 AM to jump through even more hoops with a different department to get it straightened out. So, I hung up, called my bank and challenged it. Next day, the billing department calls me. I told them I was busy and they'd have to call me back between the hours of 1 and 4. Called me back at 12:30, so I told them they were early and put the phone next to the radio for 35 minutes. The person, somewhat exasperated wanted to work out a deal I didn't like, so I said no dice and hung up. Never did see the charge on my bank statement nor hear from them again.