Hard-to-Cancel Subscription Scams via App Stores
How deceptive apps use confusing app store subscription flows to lock users into recurring charges that are difficult to identify and cancel.
Part of: Hard-to-Cancel Subscription Scams
Last reviewed: 8 June 2026
App stores are the dominant distribution channel for subscription-based apps, and their subscription management systems — while functional — are not always intuitive for the average user. Deceptive app developers exploit this by designing onboarding flows that rush users into subscribing, burying pricing information, and relying on the fact that most users do not know how to locate and cancel subscriptions through the app store rather than the app itself.
The result is a large population of users paying monthly or annual fees for apps they no longer use and cannot easily cancel. Some apps deliberately design their in-app cancel flow to lead to a dead end, knowing users must cancel through the platform's subscription settings instead.
How this scam works on app stores
A free app is downloaded and used briefly. During onboarding, a free trial is offered with prominent acceptance and inconspicuous opt-out options. After a few days, a charge appears on the user's card — from the app store platform, not the app's own name, making it hard to identify. The app's own settings offer no cancel button, and searching online reveals that cancellation must be done through the app store's subscription management.
Some apps also send retention offers when you attempt to cancel — discounted billing periods that reset the subscription rather than ending it — further extending charges. Annual billing models mean users discover the renewal only when a large sum is taken.
Common red flags
- Free trial requires payment details and does not clearly state the post-trial charge amount
- Cancel function inside the app does not actually cancel the subscription
- Subscription charge on your card statement comes from the app store, not the app's known name
- Renewal notification arrives with very little notice before a large annual charge
- Difficulty finding the subscription in your app store's management settings
- App reviews mention inability to cancel or unexpected charges
How to protect yourself
- After downloading any free-trial app, immediately locate the subscription in your app store settings
- Set a calendar reminder for the day before the trial ends
- Review your app store subscription list monthly for unrecognised active subscriptions
- Cancel through the App Store (iOS: Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions) or Google Play (Account > Payments > Subscriptions), not through the app itself
- Use a virtual card with a spending cap for app store purchases to limit exposure
How to report it
- Report the app to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for deceptive subscription practices
- Request a refund through the app store's report-a-problem function
- Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov (US) or your national consumer protection body
Frequently asked questions
How do I cancel a subscription I cannot find in an app?
On iOS, go to Settings, tap your Apple ID, then Subscriptions. On Android, open the Google Play Store, tap your profile, then Payments and subscriptions. The subscription will be listed there even if the app provides no cancel option.
Can I get a refund for a subscription I forgot about?
Both Apple and Google offer refund request mechanisms. Apple's is at reportaproblem.apple.com; Google's is through the Play Store order history. Success depends on the time elapsed and the number of previous refunds requested.