How do I report a subscription or billing scam?
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, dispute the charges with your card issuer, and report to your state attorney general or the Competition and Markets Authority (UK).
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Subscription and billing scams range from free-trial traps that charge steep monthly fees after a buried terms disclosure, to outright fraudulent charges placed on your account by criminals who obtained your card details. Both are reportable and actionable.
In the US, report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC has taken action against many companies using deceptive free-trial-to-subscription tactics under the Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act (ROSCA). State attorneys general also accept these complaints and can pursue local businesses.
In the UK, report unfair subscription practices to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) via their online portal. Action Fraud handles cases where you believe your card was charged without any legitimate business relationship. The Financial Ombudsman handles disputes with your card issuer if they refuse a chargeback.
With your card issuer, file a chargeback for charges you did not authorise or that were applied under deceptive circumstances. Ask for a new card number if you believe the original was compromised. Review your statements monthly for small recurring charges that may have been added without your knowledge — a technique sometimes called 'cramming.'
Common red flags
- A free trial automatically converted to a paid subscription without a clear reminder
- Cancellation is impossible or buried in a complex process
- Small recurring charges appear on your statement from an unrecognised merchant
- You are charged in a foreign currency at an unexpected exchange rate
- A subscription service you did not sign up for charges your card
- Refund requests are denied despite cancellation within the trial period
What to do now
- Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or the CMA (UK)
- Dispute the charges with your card issuer and request a chargeback
- Cancel the subscription through every available channel and document it
- Request a new card number to prevent future unauthorised charges
- Check your full statement history for additional unknown charges
- See /scams/subscription-billing-scams for more tactics and options
Frequently asked questions
How far back can I dispute subscription charges?
Card chargebacks typically have a 60 to 120-day window from the statement date, varying by card network. If charges go back further, a formal complaint to the FTC or your bank's fraud team is the next step.
What if the subscription company says I agreed to the terms?
If the terms were buried, pre-ticked, or presented in a deceptive way, this may still be an unfair trading practice. Report to the FTC or CMA and dispute the charge as deceptive even if the company claims you consented.