HP Instant Ink - Is it a scam?

[r1igby]

I bought a Hewlett Packard Laserjet printer 9 months ago which has finally run out of the ink that came with it. I have now bought a new toner cartridge (an HP one), but it now refuses to print due to an "account error", so I go to my account which tells me I need to sign up to "Instant Ink" (which involves setting up a monthly direct debit), which I really don't want to do as my need for printing is not a regular thing, sometimes I can go for months without needing to print anything, sometimes I may want to print a hundred sheets at a time.

It looks like, although I have paid outright for a printer and the ink to go with it, that the manufacturer will not let me use it unless I pay a monthly fee on top of what I have already paid.

Does anyone know how to get my printer working again? Is this even legal?

I feel like HP are holding me to ransom with a particularly immoral business strategy.

[Valsimot]

In laser printers instant ink is not mandatory, it's an option that you can choose, or not.