The prosecution: Billy
“Unlike the kettle or the Wi-Fi, my contact details aren’t for everyone to use. Plus, it’s annoying.
My housemate, Ronnie, is a cheapskate. I get it—times are tough—but sometimes he takes it too far. He always uses my phone number to get a second free trial with gyms or streaming services, and I can’t stand it. He’ll just shout from the other room, ‘Hey, what’s that login code?’
Unlike the kettle or the Wi-Fi, my contact details aren’t for communal use. I want to protect my good name, but he thinks it’s funny. It got particularly annoying recently when he started using my email to get discounts meant for new customers. My inbox is flooded with welcome emails and reminders that ‘my’ trial is about to expire.
I find myself wondering if companies flag this kind of thing and if my number is now linked to shady behavior. I get texts at odd hours confirming sign-ups to services I never joined. It’s like my identity has been used without my permission. I’m not against a good freebie, but once I’ve had my turn, I’m done. Ronnie, though, loves to milk everything. He uses my Netflix too. He brags that he never pays for streaming.
The worst part is how casual he is about it. He’ll laugh and tell me to relax, that everyone does it. But I think it’s embarrassing that at 33, he’s still asking his mom for her number to get a free meal delivery.
Ronnie creates multiple fake names tied to my number and his mom’s, like we’re running some low-stakes scam. I find myself wondering if companies notice this kind of thing and if my number is now associated with dodgy behavior.
It makes me feel like I’m part of something I never agreed to. I’m protective of my good name. I recently got a letter in the mail about a second free bootcamp class—again, I knew nothing about it.
It’s not about the money or even the principle of free trials; I just don’t want to have to explain Ronnie’s lies. I need to stop being so accommodating. We live together, so it’s hard to set boundaries since everything is shared. It’s a free-for-all in our flat when it comes to cleaning products, clothes, and food, but I’d like my name to be off-limits.
You be the judge – send us your domestic disputes.”
The defence: Ronnie
“I’m trying to stretch things a bit because money is tight. That doesn’t cost Billy anything.
Life is expensive for so many of us right now: rent, food, everything. If there’s a way to save a bit of money, I’m going to take it.
These companies aren’t struggling; they want people to sign up for free trials hoping we forget to cancel. I’m just playing the game a bit smarter, using my name and everyone else’s. I’ve never put in Billy’s actual credit card details, just his phone number and email. What’s wrong with that?
It’s not like I’m being pushy. I did try to get him to sign up for a credit card once using my referral link, and he refused, so I dropped it.
None of this costs him a penny—it’s just his name, which, no offense, isn’t a big deal. He works in admin; it’s not like he’s a famous detective. If he had a serious problem, he could just say no clearly instead of acting like I’ve committed some crime after the fact. Half the time he just sighs or rolls his eyes.
We share Wi-Fi, milk, and our living space. From my side, using Billy’s name and email for extra sign-ups is practical. Why pay twice for something when there’s a workaround?
Years ago, I used my brother’s gym membership, and we were both caught and banned, but I wouldn’t do that to Billy. He says I’ll get him in trouble. For example, he might go to a gym I’ve already signed up for, and they’ll find his phone number in the system under my name. But no one’s watching that closely.
We also have different interests, so that doesn’t really happen. He doesn’t want to do bootcamp. Years ago, I used my brother…”I once used a friend’s gym membership, and we both got caught and banned. But I wouldn’t do that to Billy. I know where the line is with him.
I get that the constant emails might be annoying—that’s fair. But that feels like a solvable problem: just unsubscribe. It doesn’t have to turn into this whole thing about “respect” and “boundaries,” as if I’m some kind of villain.
Honestly, I’m not trying to take advantage of Billy. I’m just trying to stretch things a bit further while everything’s tight.
The jury of Guardian readers
Should Ronnie be named and shamed?
What’s Ronnie’s number? We should spam him with verification codes and offers to see how much he enjoys it. Personal information should never be shared without explicit consent. Protecting Billy’s “good name” might seem trivial, but it’s not up to Ronnie to decide. His number is up.
— Abigail, 35
This economy isn’t so bad that a 33-year-old needs to use other people’s identities to get freebies. Billy is right—his contact details aren’t communal property. It’s time for Ronnie to free Billy’s inbox (and maybe get multiple email addresses for himself).
— Charlotte, 32
Ronnie’s level of entitlement is outrageous. He doesn’t understand that personal details aren’t his to misuse, and his behavior shows a lack of respect and awareness of boundaries. Time to grow up and pay your way, Ronnie. Nice things usually cost money—that’s life.
— Sonia, 46
Ronnie should absolutely stop doing this. Personal details aren’t a shared resource, and Billy has the right to choose who he shares his with. It’s not just about the extra inbox clutter—Ronnie being careless with Billy’s details could leave Billy vulnerable to fraud.
— Kim, 44
You don’t even have to read past the headline to know that Ronnie is guilty of impersonation and fraud.
— Letetia, 55
Now you be the judge
In our online poll, tell us: is Ronnie a freeloader?
The poll closes on Wednesday 13 May at 9am BST.
Last week’s results
We asked whether Lucas should change the way he makes sandwiches.
14% of you said yes – Lucas is guilty
86% of you said no – Lucas is innocent
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about your flatmate using your personal information for free trials covering the key points you requested
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 Is it a big deal if my flatmate uses my email to sign up for a free trial
Yes it is Even if it seems small they are using your personal information without your permission This is a breach of trust and could lead to spam or security issues for you
2 Whats the worst that could happen from a free trial signup
Your email could get flooded with promotional emails that are hard to stop If they use your real name address or a saved payment method you could be charged for a subscription you never agreed to
3 My flatmate says its just an email Is that okay
No Your email is personal data Using it without asking is like using your mailbox without permission Its about respect not just the data itself
4 How do I tell my flatmate to stop without starting a fight
Stay calm and direct Say something like Hey I noticed you used my email for a trial Please stop using my info for anything without asking first It makes me uncomfortable
IntermediateLevel Questions
5 Can my flatmate get in legal trouble for doing this
Potentially yes In many places using someone elses personal information without consent can be a form of identity theft or fraud especially if they use it to gain a service or benefit The risk is low for a single free trial but its still a legal gray area
6 What if they used my credit card or debit card for a free trial
This is a serious issue That could be considered unauthorized use of your financial information You should contact your bank immediately cancel the card and consider reporting the incident to the police if the flatmate refuses to stop
7 How can I protect my information from my flatmate
Use a password manager to store your logins and never share them
Enable twofactor authentication on your email and bank accounts
Log out of shared devices every time you use them
Keep sensitive documents in a locked drawer
