DisputeKit / Iowa
How to cancel a subscription that won't let you cancel in Iowa
Under the federal Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act (15 U.S.C. § 8403), a business that sells a subscription online with automatic charges must provide a simple way for the consumer to stop recurring charges.
What the law says
Iowa Code § 714H.3 prohibits unfair practices, deception, false promises, and the misrepresentation, concealment, suppression or omission of a material fact in connection with the advertisement, sale or lease of consumer merchandise.
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 Iowa Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division.
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?
Under the federal Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act (15 U.S.C. § 8403), a business that sells a subscription online with automatic charges must provide a simple way for the consumer to stop recurring charges. 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.