What can I do if a subscription service signs me up for extra charges I never authorized?

I'm sorry to hear that you're dealing with this frustrating situation. Have you kept any records of the charges or communications with the company regarding your subscriptions?

Have you attempted to dispute the charges with your bank or credit card company?

Is there anything else the Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they'll be able to help with your subscription issue.

Hey there! I'm Ray, an attorney with many years of experience. I understand you're dealing with a situation where you've been signed up for multiple subscriptions without your consent and are being charged, but the company claims they have no record of your subscription. Have you considered any steps to address this directly with your bank or credit card company?

Based on your situation, there are several legal arguments and consumer protection laws in the United States that could potentially support your case:

Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices (UDAP laws): These laws exist in every state and are designed to protect consumers from fraudulent or deceptive business practices. If a company signs you up for additional subscriptions without your explicit consent, it may be considered a deceptive practice.

Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA): This federal law protects consumers when they are charged for unauthorized electronic fund transfers. If you did not authorize these additional subscriptions, you might have protections under this act.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): This federal agency enforces laws that protect consumers in the financial sector. They can provide guidance on how to handle unauthorized charges and may take action against companies that violate consumer rights.

Let me know if you have any questions or clarifications, if not I'll move forward with guidance.

This is a common predatory tactic used by dubious online billing networks. They employ "bundled billing" or "hidden opt-ins" to link multiple monthly subscriptions to your card, making it difficult to cancel by claiming they "can't find your account." You don't have to keep paying them. If the company refuses to cooperate or is stonewalling you, you should bypass them and deal directly with your financial institution.

Here's a step-by-step guide to stop this and protect your money:

1. Gather Your Evidence. Before contacting your bank or credit card company, prepare the details of the charges:

• Exact names on the merchant charges: Predatory sites often bill under generic corporate names (e.g., "WebBilling Support" or "VOD-Help") instead of the website name you visited.
• Exact dates and amounts of every unauthorized charge.
• Proof of your attempt to cancel: Note the date and time you contacted customer support, and keep copies of any emails or screenshots where they claimed they "have no record of your subscription."

2. Contact Your Credit Card Company or Bank. Call the customer service number on the back of your card. Inform the representative that you are dealing with a fraudulent or unauthorized recurring billing merchant that refuses to cancel the services:

• Initiate a Chargeback or Dispute the Charges: Under the Fair Credit Billing Act (15 U.S.C. § 1666), credit card holders have the right to dispute billing errors, including charges for goods or services not authorized. Dispute the charges for the four subscriptions you did not intentionally sign up for, as well as any charges incurred after you attempted to cancel the main subscription. Explain that the merchant is charging you while claiming they have no record of your account for cancellation. If the charges were made to a debit card instead, similar error resolution rights exist under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (15 U.S.C. § 1693) mentioned above.
• Request a "Stop Payment" on the Merchant: Ask the bank to place a hard stop payment order on that specific merchant ID to prevent future withdrawals from your account.

3. The Ultimate Safety Measure: Replace the Card. If these charges are on a debit card (linked directly to your bank account) or if the merchant uses aggressive billing networks that can bypass standard stop payments, the safest move is to cancel the card and request a new one with a new 16-digit number. It's also worth noting that many online subscription services, including recurring "negative option" plans like the ones described here, are subject to the Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act (ROSCA), a federal law requiring clear disclosure of billing terms and a simple way to cancel recurring charges. (15 U.S.C. § 8401) A company that makes cancellation difficult or denies a legitimate subscription may be running afoul of this law, which can support both a bank dispute and a complaint to the FTC.

Do you have any questions about this process?

I understand your concern about the mention of a class action lawsuit in the subscription terms. It's important to know that such threats are often used to intimidate consumers and may not hold legal weight. Here's how you can handle this situation:

1. Review the Subscription Terms. Carefully read through the terms and conditions of the subscription. Look for any clauses related to cancellation, disputes, or legal actions. Often, these terms are designed to scare consumers but may not be enforceable.
2. Document Everything. You've already done a great job by keeping screenshots of your attempts to contact the company. Make sure you have all the details of the charges, including dates, amounts, and any correspondence with the company.
3. Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Company. Explain the situation to your bank or credit card company. Provide them with the evidence of unauthorized charges and your attempts to cancel. Request a chargeback for the unauthorized subscriptions and ask them to block future charges from this merchant.
4. Consider Legal Advice. If you're worried about the legal threats, consulting with a consumer protection attorney can provide peace of mind. They can assess the validity of the company's claims and advise you on the best course of action.
5. Report to Consumer Protection Agencies. File a complaint with agencies like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). They can investigate the company's practices and may help resolve the issue.

Please let me know if you have further questions or need more assistance. Try the bank, that is your best shot to end this. They are unlikely to sue you.