DisputeKit / North Dakota
How to cancel a subscription that won't let you cancel in North Dakota
North Dakota Century Code chapter 51-37 requires a business that sells merchandise or a service under an automatic renewal agreement to provide a cost-effective, timely, and simple procedure for cancellation, and to obtain the buyer's affirmative consent before charging the buyer's card or account.
What the law says
Under the same law, merchandise sent or a service provided after the buyer took an affirmative act to cancel, or under an automatic renewal that does not comply with the law, is considered an unconditional gift to the buyer; this covers both goods and services.
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.
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 North Dakota 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?
North Dakota Century Code chapter 51-37 requires a business that sells merchandise or a service under an automatic renewal agreement to provide a cost-effective, timely, and simple procedure for cancellation, and to obtain the buyer's affirmative consent before charging the buyer's card or account. 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.