Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney in your area.
Subscription services have become ubiquitous - from streaming and software to meal kits and mystery boxes. Unfortunately, many make it deliberately difficult to cancel or continue billing after you've tried to stop. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken action against deceptive subscription practices - know your rights to fight back.
FTC Rule: The FTC's "click to cancel" rule requires that canceling must be as easy as signing up. Companies can't make you jump through extra hoops or call to cancel.
Common Subscription Problems
Cancellation Issues
- No clear way to cancel
- Requires phone call during limited hours
- Agents who won't process cancellation
- Cancellation "didn't go through"
- Hidden renewal dates
- Automatically converted to annual plan
Billing Problems
- Charged after cancellation
- Price increased without notice
- Free trial converted to paid
- Double billing
- Wrong amount charged
- Unauthorized family/additional charges
Service Issues
- Service not as described
- Content removed or reduced
- Quality degradation
- Features eliminated
- Access problems
Your Legal Rights
FTC Negative Option Rule
- Clear disclosure of terms before purchase
- Affirmative consent to charges
- Easy cancellation mechanism
- Canceling must be as easy as signing up
State Auto-Renewal Laws
Many states require:
- Clear disclosure of auto-renewal terms
- Consent before charging
- Reminder before renewal
- Easy online cancellation
- Confirmation of cancellation
Credit Card Protections
- Dispute unauthorized charges
- Services not provided
- Charges after cancellation
- 60-day dispute window from statement
Document Everything: Screenshot your cancellation confirmation. If you cancel by phone, note the date, time, rep name, and confirmation number.
How to Cancel Properly
Best Practices
- Find cancellation option in account settings
- Screenshot each step of the process
- Get confirmation email
- Save confirmation number
- Note the effective date
- Follow up if no confirmation received
If No Online Option
- Call during business hours
- Record date, time, rep name
- Request confirmation email
- Send follow-up email confirming call
- Check next statement
Written Cancellation
- Send email to support/billing
- Include account details
- State clear cancellation request
- Request written confirmation
- Keep copy of correspondence
If They Keep Billing
First Steps
- Contact company with proof of cancellation
- Demand refund for unauthorized charges
- Set deadline for response
- Document all communications
Escalation Options
- Credit card dispute: Most effective for recent charges
- Bank stop payment: For recurring ACH
- FTC complaint: ftc.gov/complaint
- State AG: Consumer protection division
- BBB: Better Business Bureau
Credit Card Dispute
- Call number on back of card
- Explain unauthorized recurring charge
- Provide cancellation evidence
- Request block on future charges from merchant
- File within 60 days of statement
Block Future Charges: Ask your credit card company to block all future charges from the merchant. This prevents them from billing you again.
Specific Subscription Types
Streaming Services
- Usually have clear online cancellation
- May try retention offers
- Check for annual vs monthly
- Access typically continues until billing cycle ends
Software/SaaS
- May have annual commitments
- Early termination fees possible
- Review contract terms
- Data export before canceling
Subscription Boxes
- Often require advance notice
- Skip option vs full cancel
- Check for minimum commitment
- Shipping cutoff dates
Membership Programs
- May have different tiers
- Annual fee structures common
- Cancellation vs downgrade
- Benefits during cancellation period
Free Trial Traps
Common Tactics
- Require credit card for "free" trial
- Short trial periods (7 days)
- Automatic conversion to paid
- Difficult cancellation process
- High price after trial
Protecting Yourself
- Set calendar reminder before trial ends
- Use virtual card numbers
- Cancel before trial expires
- Read terms before starting
- Screenshot trial terms
If Charged After Trial
- Contact company immediately
- Request full refund
- Cite lack of clear disclosure if applicable
- Credit card dispute if refused
Virtual Cards: Services like Privacy.com let you create virtual card numbers with spending limits. Use for free trials to prevent unexpected charges.
Getting Refunds
When You're Entitled
- Charged after proper cancellation
- Service not provided
- Unauthorized price increase
- Free trial conversion without consent
- Material change in service
Refund Request Tips
- Be specific about charges
- Reference cancellation date/confirmation
- Cite relevant laws if applicable
- Request specific refund amount
- Set deadline for response
Small Claims Court
When to Consider
- Significant charges accumulated
- Company refuses refund
- Credit card dispute unsuccessful
- Clear evidence of violation
What to Bring
- Cancellation proof
- Billing statements
- Communications with company
- Terms of service (at signup)
- State auto-renewal law citations
Stop Unauthorized Subscription Charges
Generate a demand letter for subscription billing disputes and refunds.
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