When a $1 or $5 offer can lead to a recurring monthly charge
By PD | Consumer affairs
A small payment can feel like a simple decision. You have a question, a website offers expert help, and the advertised price is only $1 or $5. But what happens when that payment also starts a monthly subscription?
That is the central issue in the Federal Trade Commission’s lawsuit against JustAnswer LLC and its founder, Andrew “Andy” Kurtzig. Filed on January 13, 2026, the complaint alleges that consumers were enrolled in recurring plans without meaningful consent. [1, 2]
The distinction matters: these are allegations in a civil case, not a finding that Kurtzig committed fraud. The FTC case page, last updated July 20, 2026, lists the matter as pending. [1]
The price behind the offer
JustAnswer connects people with experts across subjects including law, vehicle repairs, health and technology. The FTC alleges that its $1 or $5 joining offers obscured a larger obligation: an immediate subscription charge ranging from $28 to $125, followed by monthly charges until cancellation. [2]
The billing sequence alleged by the FTC
$1 or $5 joining fee + $28 to $125 subscription charged at sign-up.
Then monthly until cancelled. [2]
The dispute turns on what consumers understood before they paid. The FTC says the site disclosed some subscription information, but did not make the terms clear and prominent enough to obtain affirmative consent. [2]
Why Kurtzig is named personally
The complaint names Kurtzig individually, alleging direct involvement in the disputed practices. It describes website tests, internal communications and consumer messages that the agency says alerted him to confusion about the purchase process. Those claims are part of the government’s case; his personal liability remains a matter for the court. [3]
The complaint also describes consumers disputing charges and seeking refunds after discovering they had subscribed. For the FTC, the significance is whether the company knew people misunderstood the offer and continued using the challenged enrollment process. [3]
A contested case
JustAnswer and Kurtzig have challenged the lawsuit. The FTC’s June 2026 litigation report records motions to dismiss filed on March 16, the agency’s opposition on April 27, and defendants’ replies on May 11. Those filings reflect a contested proceeding, not an established finding of wrongdoing. [4]
The lawsuit alleges violations of the FTC Act and the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act. It seeks an injunction, monetary relief and civil penalties. The FTC’s public case page still labels the matter pending; that status is attributed to its July 20 update rather than presented as a fresh court ruling. [1, 2]
What a customer should understand
The broader issue is informed consent. A customer should be able to tell whether they are paying once or joining an ongoing service, how much will be charged immediately, and what future payments will follow. An attractive headline price is only one part of that decision.
Before paying for an introductory offer, look for words such as membership, subscription, recurring and monthly. Read the full price and cancellation terms, and save the offer, checkout screen, receipt and confirmation email. Those records help establish what was presented at the time of purchase.
If an unexpected charge appears, keep the statement and any cancellation correspondence, then contact the merchant and card issuer promptly. A documented account is more useful than an unsupported accusation.
Follow the evidence
The JustAnswer case puts a familiar online experience under scrutiny: a low advertised price followed by a much larger financial commitment. The court will assess the allegations and the defendants’ arguments. For consumers, the practical lesson is immediate: understand the full payment arrangement before clicking, and preserve the records afterward.
Sources and photo credits
[1] FTC case page and public status. Last updated July 20, 2026; accessed September 29, 2026.
[2] FTC announcement, January 13, 2026. Read the filed complaint.
[3] Public unredacted complaint, filed April 20, 2026, including allegations concerning Kurtzig’s involvement.
[4] FTC June 2026 Federal Court Litigation Status Report, JustAnswer entry, page 58.
Photos: Andy Kurtzig’s personal website. Images appear for identification and background; neither depicts the litigation.
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