Trade groups told the FTC a simple “Click-to Cancel” proposal to easily quit subscriptions could actually lead customers to miss out on hot new deals.
I think one of the worst examples of this assymetry is Microsoft’s Xbox Live subscription.
Using your console, you can easily turn it on and activate the subscription with your credit card. Using the very same console, it’s literally impossible to cancel - you need to log into a PC.
Kaspersky. Back when the russians started getting weird with things, and kaspersky… got dubious… I canceled my subscription and switched to a different AV. when it was about to expire, they sent a ‘we’ll automatically renew’. So I tried to log in- my credentials were invalid- I use a PW manager, so no. It wasn’t a bad password-
the password reset option wouldn’t work (literally wouldn’t send the validation link.)
Called their CS who told me that subscriptions were handled by a 3rd party in the US- Digital River.
Digital river said I should cancel it on their website.
got DR and Kaspersky’s CS on the same phone call. they finally complied and canceled the subscription.
A year later… “Your subsctiption will automatically renew!”
called them again. sent a letter. thought that was that until I saw they billed me anyhow.
tried to call them. they were giving me the run around.
Called the bank. to report fraud.
They were useless until I told them my next call would be FBI’s financial crimes people. Suddenly, that charge back became super easy.
I already don’t like Microsoft or its products, but how in the Holy Fuck is that legal? You can’t at least use the edge on Xbox for that same functionality?
I had a sub once to something, can’t remember what, but they forced me to call them to cancel.
I recently had to call AT&T to cancel their internet service when I was moving. There’s a link on their website that supposedly leads you to an unsubscribe option but in reality it just leads you to a broken page. I mentioned this while on the phone with the agent and he said “yes that’s correct you have to call us to cancel” like it was standard procedure.
