DisputeKit / Virginia
How to cancel a subscription that won't let you cancel in Virginia
Virginia law (Va. Code § 59.1-207.46) requires a seller making an automatic renewal or continuous service offer to provide a cost-effective, timely and easy-to-use cancellation mechanism that is at least as easy to use as the one the consumer used to sign up, offered through each method the consumer may use to sign up, without requiring the consumer to talk to an agent unless sign-up also required one.
What the law says
Under Va. Code § 59.1-207.47, goods, wares, merchandise, or products sent under an automatic renewal or continuous service without the consumer's affirmative consent are deemed an unconditional gift to the consumer.
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 Virginia Attorney General, Consumer Protection Section.
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?
Virginia law (Va. Code § 59.1-207.46) requires a seller making an automatic renewal or continuous service offer to provide a cost-effective, timely and easy-to-use cancellation mechanism that is at least as easy to use as the one the consumer used to sign up, offered through each method the consumer may use to sign up, without requiring the consumer to talk to an agent unless sign-up also required one. 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.