What the Tech: How to get out of a hard-to-cancel digital subscription
By JAMIE TUCKER Consumer Technology Reporter
Have you ever found yourself trapped in a digital endless cycle, trying to unsubscribe from a service you no longer use?
You click, you search, you even brave the dreaded customer service chatbot, only to find yourself going in circles. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently had a plan to make canceling subscriptions as easy as signing up. It was called the “Click to Cancel” rule, and it promised to save consumers from frustrating overcharges and forgotten monthly fees. Imagine: a clear, prominent “cancel” button on every website and app, making the exit as simple as the entry.
No more convoluted menus, no more lengthy phone calls, just a straightforward way to opt out.
Unfortunately, this consumer-friendly initiative has been scrubbed from the FCC’s agenda, and there’s no word on its return.
This decision leaves millions of consumers feeling frustrated and, frankly, a little angry. Why does it matter so much? A 2023 survey revealed that the average person spends over $90 a month on subscriptions, a significant portion of which are often
unused and forgotten.
Take LinkedIn Premium, for example. Starting a trial is a single click. But when that trial ends, many users report never receiving a notification and find themselves automatically charged $70 every month. The process of canceling, they discover, is far more confusing than the initial sign-up. It’s a classic case of easy-in, hard-out.
Other websites have been criticized for similar practices. Have you ever tried canceling a subscription of a streaming channel from Amazon?
The New York Times came under scrutiny for requiring readers to cancel subscriptions only by a phone call to customer service. You can now cancel online but only after multiple confirmation clicks and offers to stay.
So, with the “Click to Cancel” rule on ice, what’s a consumer to do? We’re largely on our own, but there are still proactive steps you can take to avoid getting stuck with unwanted charges:
● Cancel Trials Immediately: On iPhones, you can cancel a trial right after signing up and still enjoy the full trial period. This ensures you won’t be surprised by an automatic charge.
● Manage Subscriptions on Android: For Android users, simply open the Play Store, tap “Payments and Subscriptions,” and you’ll find a dedicated section to manage your active subscriptions.
● Scrutinize Your Statements: Regularly review your credit card and bank statements. Look for recurring charges you don’t recognize or haven’t used in a while.
● Search Your Email: Your inbox can be a treasure trove of forgotten subscriptions. Search for terms like “Receipt” or “Subscription” to unearth hidden recurring payments.
● Consider Subscription Management Apps: While it might seem ironic, apps like Rocket Money can help you track and even cancel subscriptions on your behalf. Just be aware that, yes, these often come with their own subscription fee.
Why was the “Click to Cancel” rule scrapped? The answer, as often is the case, lies in politics and business interests. Opponents argued that the rule would place an undue burden on companies. So, for now, we’re left clicking in circles, navigating the maze of digital cancellations ourselves.
The good news is that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has proposed a similar rule, and it remains on the table. If it survives legal challenges, it would require companies to make canceling subscriptions as straightforward as signing up. Until then, vigilance and a proactive approach are your best tools in the fight against unwanted subscription charges.
