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Two Hours in a Digital Queue Only to Be Charged Interest?

I Was Excited to Buy the Galaxy S25… Until I Saw My Credit Card Bill

On January 24, 2025, I joined thousands of eager customers flooding Samsung.com to pre-order the Galaxy S25 smartphone. The servers were so overloaded that I waited nearly two full hours just to complete my transaction.

Because of personal financial constraints, I opted for a 12-month installment plan, reassured by Samsung’s promotional banner that emphasized “interest-free installment options.” I genuinely believed I was making a smart and safe choice.

But about a month later, while reviewing my credit card statement, I was stunned. The purchase had been processed with interest it wasn’t interest-free at all.

📺 YouTube Video (4 PM Upload)
Watch the full breakdown here: https://youtu.be/B9HPmYW8MgM

Confused and Frustrated, I Contacted Customer Support

I immediately reached out to Samsung.com’s customer service. I carefully explained the situation, pointing out that the advertisement clearly stated “0% installment available” and that I would not have opted for a 12-month plan otherwise. I asked the agent, if unable to help directly, to escalate the issue to a higher department.

But the response I received was cold and final:
“Unfortunately, we cannot process any changes.”

Technically, I still had a few days left within the 14-day return period. But I had bought the device in good faith, trusted the brand, and had no intention of returning it I simply wanted the terms I believed I had agreed to. So I didn’t return it.

The Real Issue: Was This a Violation of the Fair Labeling and Advertising Act?

This isn’t just a misunderstanding it may point to a serious flaw in consumer protection, especially in regard to Korea’s Fair Labeling and Advertising Act (표시광고법).

This law exists to protect consumers from deceptive, exaggerated, or misleading advertisements. It requires that key terms, such as installment interest rates, be clearly visible and understandable at the time of purchase.

However, the reality on Samsung.com was:

• No clear list of interest-free eligible credit cards was provided at checkout.

• No warning appeared to notify me that my selected card would incur interest.

• I only learned the truth after the transaction was complete.

This process prevents informed decision-making. It could arguably be seen as withholding important financial information, which is a central violation under the FLAA.

“Card Conditions May Vary” That’s the Excuse?

When I asked for clarification, the only response I received was that “interest-free eligibility depends on the card issuer.”

But why wasn’t that stated clearly at the point of sale?
Why wasn’t I given a prompt confirming whether or not my card qualified?

Surely Samsung’s system can detect the card brand and issue a notice like:
“Warning: This card does not qualify for interest-free payments.”
But instead, the system processed the payment and sent me the shock a month later.

I Had to Borrow Money to Pay It Off

I was angry. I had chosen the installment plan because of the financial hardship I was already facing. The additional interest was not just disappointing it was a serious burden.

Feeling betrayed and frustrated, I borrowed money from a friend and paid the entire amount upfront before more interest could accumulate.

But all I felt was emptiness.
“None of this should have happened,” I thought.

What I Learned from This Experience

This experience taught me a few hard truths:

• Never assume “interest-free” means interest-free always double-check.

• Don't trust advertising without transparency at checkout.

• Even major brands can create confusing or misleading payment structures.

Most importantly, it showed me how easily consumers can fall into loopholes if the system isn’t designed with fairness in mind.

Consumer Protection Should Be the Standard Not a Perk

I didn’t return the Galaxy S25 because I liked Samsung and trusted their product quality. But what I received instead was a harsh reminder: Trust is earned, and it can be broken.

If “0% installment” is only valid for certain cards, that information must be clear before purchase not hidden in fine print or post-purchase emails.

Final Thoughts: I Will No Longer Pre-Order from Samsung.com

This entire experience has led me to one decision I will no longer pre-order from Samsung.com unless their system changes.

It’s not enough to sell great hardware. Brands must treat their customers with fairness, clarity, and respect.

Promotions that look like perks shouldn’t become financial traps.

Have You Had a Similar Experience?

Did you trust a promotional offer and later feel misled?
Have you faced unclear payment terms from major retailers?

Feel free to share your story in the comments below.

#GalaxyS25 #SamsungPreOrder #InterestScam #MisleadingAdvertisement #FairLabelingLaw #ConsumerProtection #KoreaConsumerLaw #SamsungComplaint #PreOrderDisaster #S25InstallmentIssue