DisputeKit / New York
How to cancel a subscription that won't let you cancel in New York
New York General Business Law § 527-a requires a business making an automatic renewal offer to provide a cost-effective, timely and easy-to-use mechanism for cancellation.
What the law says
Under the same law, goods or services provided 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 New York Attorney General, Consumer Frauds Bureau.
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?
New York General Business Law § 527-a requires a business making an automatic renewal offer to provide a cost-effective, timely and easy-to-use mechanism for cancellation. 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.