Getting some cool ringtone downloads is probably one of the first things that most people do as soon as they take their new cell phone out of the box.

There are some many possibilities and many people consider their ringtones a reflection of their own unique identity.

Sure, its easy to get the latest tones from any of your favorite artists online from any number of download services, but there are a few things you should know before you do it.

For starters, it is pretty easy to get ripped off by unscrupulous companies.

Usually the sceario goes something like this:

You click on an ad for free ringtones and go through to the site. It asks for your cell number and it then sends you a text which you confirm.

Everything goes along just fine and you enjoy your new ringtone, then next month you get a bill for $9.99 or some other amount.

Huh?

$9.99 for a ringtone that was supposed to be free?

Yep, it sure is. And so many unsuspecting cell phone owners have been signing up to free ringtone downloads services and then getting charged by them that it has become a huge and very common problem.

Sure, consumer groups and governments are trying to get things fair again, but that takes time and in the meantime you are getting ripped off.

So what can you do?

Well, avoiding such scams altogether is much better than trying to fix the situation when they already have your money.

That means reading the contract that you are signing up for before you give your cell phone numer to any online service.

Yes, some a legitimately free, but others have a hidden membership charge. Make sure you read all of the fine print on the site that you are signing up with. They are required to divulge any costs associated with their ringtone downloads on their front page.

Now, if you have already signed up and recieved a unexpected bill, then you have some work to do.

Firstly, get in contact directly with the company to cancel your subscription. Inform them that you plan to report their misleading practices to the Better Business Bureau and/or the ombudsmen.

Many will fold at that point and give you a refund.

If they dont then you need to follow through, by calling the BBB or ombudsman to file a complaint.

It isnt a perfect scenario but at this early stage in the ringtone industry, it is unfortunately buyer beware.

Dont fall prey to the ringtone downloads scams out there.