DisputeKit / California
How to cancel a subscription that won't let you cancel in California
California's Automatic Renewal Law requires a business to let consumers cancel an automatic renewal or continuous service easily, and a consumer who signed up online must be able to cancel online.
What the law says
Under the same law, goods, wares, merchandise or products sent without the consumer's affirmative consent to the automatic renewal terms are deemed an unconditional gift.
Cancel in writing
A written cancellation notice sent by email and certified mail creates a dated record that you cancelled. Ask for written confirmation and a refund of any charge made after your cancellation date.
If charges continue, dispute them with your card issuer and file a complaint with the California Attorney General, Consumer Complaint.
Steps
- Note the date you first tried to cancel
- Send a written cancellation notice
- Demand a refund of later charges
- Dispute charges with your card issuer if they continue
Common questions
What if they say I can only cancel by phone?
California's Automatic Renewal Law requires a business to let consumers cancel an automatic renewal or continuous service easily, and a consumer who signed up online must be able to cancel online. A written notice also protects you if a phone cancellation is never processed.
Can I get charges after cancelling refunded?
You can demand them in writing and dispute them with your card issuer. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, a billing-error dispute must reach the card issuer in writing within 60 days after the first statement showing the charge.