DisputeKit / Maryland
How to cancel a subscription that won't let you cancel in Maryland
Maryland's automatic renewal law (Commercial Law § 14-1329) requires a business to provide a cost-effective, timely, and easy-to-use way to cancel and immediately stop recurring charges, at least as easy to use as the sign-up method and available through the same medium; online cancellation must be easy to find and may not require contact with a live or virtual representative unless one was used to sign up.
What the law says
A violation of that law is an unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practice under the Maryland Consumer Protection Act.
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 Maryland 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?
Maryland's automatic renewal law (Commercial Law § 14-1329) requires a business to provide a cost-effective, timely, and easy-to-use way to cancel and immediately stop recurring charges, at least as easy to use as the sign-up method and available through the same medium; online cancellation must be easy to find and may not require contact with a live or virtual representative unless one was used to sign up. 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.