NC H226

Prohibits persons, firms, and corporations from representing goods, property, or services as free or without cost unless recipients have no financial obligation at any time, including for shipping, restocking, or related expenses.

Requires that businesses cannot obtain credit card, debit card, or other payment information from recipients of free goods, property, or services for present or future charges.

Requires that recipients not be required to take affirmative steps to cancel or prevent receipt of nonfree goods, property, or services in the future.

Establishes violations of this section as unfair and deceptive trade practices under existing North Carolina law (G.S. 75-1.1).

Effective date: October 1, 2013.