How to spot a real free deal on Amazon

Free is free — but only if you check before you buy. Use this quick checklist.

Verify the price, not the label

Look at the actual price on the product page. A listing can show a crossed-out price while the current one is still $9.99. On OptRead every free listing is confirmed at the time it is added, and the expiring soon page flags the ones that will change.

Watch for the usual traps

Check for regional pricing differences, sample-only downloads (the sample is free, the book is not), and promotions that ended overnight. When in doubt, tap the price to see the full purchase options before confirming.

A minute of checking keeps the surprise at zero — and leaves you with a genuinely free book.