How to stop subscriptions you never ordered

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Many subscription offers are tempting, especially if they offer a free trial period before you commit. But what if you’re getting a magazine subscription you never ordered? How do you stop it?

The FTC is hearing from folks who are being charged for subscriptions they don’t want and never ordered. When contacted, some magazines say that people must speak to a different company. People also report getting error messages when they try to cancel online.

To stop a subscription you’re enrolled in:

First, know that you never have to pay for something you didn’t order. If you get it in the mail, you never have to return it. If, somehow, they got your billing info, that unauthorized debiting — a crime.

Contact the company that runs the subscription you want to cancel. If the company has instructions on how to cancel, follow those. Keep a copy of your cancellation request, along with notes about any conversations you had and how and when you canceled.

Watch your bank or credit card statements. Check for charges on your debit or credit card after you canceled the subscription. If a company won’t stop charging your account after you’ve tried to cancel a subscription, file a dispute (also called a “chargeback”) with your credit or debit card.

• Online: Log onto your credit or debit card online account and go through the dispute process.
• By phone: Call the phone number on the back of your card and tell the company why you’re filing a dispute.

Follow up with a letter to your credit or debit card company. Follow up in writing by sending a letter to the address listed for billing disputes or errors. Use this sample letter.

If you’ve been charged for a subscription you didn’t agree to, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or your state attorney general.

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