Why are free iphone apps not FREE?

Every time I click on the icon "free", it wants my credit card info?
False advertisement, I hate it.
Btw. Any of you know where to find truly free iphone apps?

There's a whole section of Free Apps in iTunes--yes totally free. ITunes requires a CC number to process your Apple ID case you buy something. Worst case buy a $15 iTunes card and load it to your account.

Trick is put in the CC number, attempt to download. If it works you can remove it. I have all of mine.
Best luck.
Here's how:
http://ipad.about.com/od/ipad-family/ss/iTunes-Tips-Remove-Credit-Card-Set-Allowance.htm