funneltrapdoor

funneltrapdoor is a term that describes a specific type of online scam or deceptive marketing practice. It refers to a situation where a user is led through a series of steps or a "funnel" that appears to offer a desirable outcome, such as a free product, a discount, or an opportunity. However, at the end of this funnel, instead of the promised reward, the user encounters an unexpected obstacle or a requirement that significantly deviates from the initial offer, often involving a financial commitment or the surrender of personal information.

This practice can manifest in various forms. For instance, a user might click on an advertisement promising a free trial, only to find that to receive the free item, they must first purchase a related, often overpriced, product or sign up for a recurring subscription with hidden fees. Alternatively, the "trapdoor" element could involve a sudden and mandatory survey that, upon completion, reveals the original offer was a misunderstanding or requires an additional payment to proceed. The core characteristic is the manipulation of user expectation, where the final stage of the process subverts the initial promise in a way that is difficult to escape without incurring some form of cost or inconvenience. The term "funneltrapdoor" highlights the deceptive nature of being guided willingly into a situation that then springs an unwelcome surprise.