What is a common tactic used by fraudsters in automatic debit program scams?

In automatic debit program scams, fraudsters often secure the victim's bank account information without consent as a common tactic. This typically involves deceptive practices where the scammer persuades the victim to provide sensitive information under false pretenses or through manipulation. Once they gain access to this information, the fraudster can initiate unauthorized withdrawals from the victim's bank account, leading to financial loss without the victim's awareness or consent.

The other tactics mentioned may have their place in various fraud schemes but are not as directly connected to automatic debit program scams. For instance, while offering free trials can entice consumers and lead to potential scams, it is not the primary tactic used in the context of automatic debits. Monitoring bank accounts for unusual activity is more about fraud detection rather than a method employed by the fraudsters themselves. Sending unsolicited checks typically relates to other types of scams, such as check fraud, rather than specifically to automatic debits. Thus, the focus on obtaining bank account information without consent directly aligns with how these automatic debit scams operate, reinforcing why this answer is correct.