How do I stop a subscription scam and get a refund?
Cancel through your bank or card issuer (block future charges), then dispute past charges as unauthorized. Report to the FTC — subscription trap schemes are an enforcement priority.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Subscription scams come in two main forms: 'free trial' traps where buried terms authorize recurring charges, and outright unauthorized subscriptions added to your account without your knowledge. Both are addressable through your card issuer, though the process differs slightly.
For a free trial that converted to a recurring charge you did not intend, dispute the charges as 'misrepresentation' or 'no authorization for recurring billing.' Many issuers will reverse multiple months of charges if the terms were not clearly disclosed. The FTC has strict rules about what constitutes adequate disclosure for free trials under the Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act (ROSCA) — if the subscription terms were buried or unclear, this strengthens your dispute.
For completely unauthorized subscriptions — charges appearing from companies you never interacted with — file as unauthorized transactions and request a new card number. These are often the result of your card details being compromised or sold.
To stop future charges, ask your card issuer to block that specific merchant — this is called a merchant block or specific cancellation. For subscriptions, you can also contact the merchant directly (using contact details you find independently, not from the suspicious charge), but direct cancellation does not guarantee a refund for past charges.
Report subscription traps to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC has pursued major enforcement actions against companies using deceptive subscription practices and has distributed refunds to consumers in successful cases.
Common red flags
- Fine print on a free trial converts to a paid subscription unless cancelled
- Cancellation process is intentionally difficult or non-functional online
- Charge appears from a company name you do not recognize
- Monthly charge for a service you never agreed to starts after another purchase
- Customer service number provided in the charge is non-functional
- Multiple small charges from the same merchant in the same month
What to do now
- Dispute the charges with your card issuer as unauthorized or misrepresented
- Request a new card number to block future charges from this merchant
- File a complaint with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Report to your state attorney general's consumer protection division
- Review all recurring charges on your statements and cancel any you did not intend
Frequently asked questions
What is a 'negative option' or subscription trap?
A negative option is a billing model where your silence or inaction is treated as consent to continue a subscription. They are legal only when clearly disclosed. The FTC has strict rules — if the terms were buried or unclear, you have grounds to dispute.
Can I dispute several months of charges at once?
Yes — file a dispute for all charges within the timeframe your card issuer allows (often 60-120 days). For older charges, some issuers have extended windows if the subscription was never authorized. Contact your issuer about the full history.