When is free really free?

So I was browsing the internet today just looking for a new ringtone for my cell phone. I found a few sites in the past where you can make your own from songs you have on your computer, but as it turns out, there were hidden charges that I didn't even notice until I got my bill. So today, being wiser to tricks like that, I began by downloading a free software that you can use to make rigntones. When the download was finished, i found out that i actually need to pay in order to RECIEVE the ringtones that I made. Fantastic. After another 30 minutes of searching I gave up. "Free" seems to be just a front for a scam nowadays, so readers beware.