Cancel subscription trap: What you can do

Cancelling a subscription trap is often time-consuming and the circumstances annoying. It is particularly important to observe the cancellation and termination periods.

Cancel a subscription trap – the most important tips

With these tips you have a checklist at hand for cancelling unwanted subscriptions.

• Inform yourself about your rights: Read the terms and conditions of the contract and find out about your rights as a consumer. In many cases, you have the right to cancel a contract within a certain period of time. For example, you have 14 days after signing the contract to cancel it.

• Check the contract: Make sure that the contract is valid and that all conditions have been met. If the contract is incorrect or incomplete, you may be able to challenge it.

• Document everything: Keep a written record of all communications with the company and keep copies of all relevant documents. This can help support your case if legal action is taken.

• Cancel in writing: Send the company a written notice of termination by registered mail with return receipt requested. This will give you proof of your notice.

• Set a deadline: Send the company a written notice of termination and set a reasonable deadline for the termination of the contract. Give the company enough time to respond to your notice. Make sure that you respect the notice period. This is often specified in the contract.

• Cancel the direct debit mandate: If the company has access to your bank account, revoke the direct debit mandate to prevent further debits.

• Revoke the payments: If the company continues to debit money from your account even though you have cancelled, you can ask your bank to reverse the payments.

• Report the incident: Inform the consumer advice centre or other relevant authorities about the incident. They can help you and, if necessary, take legal action.

• Get legal advice: If you have difficulties cancelling the contract or getting your money back, you should contact a lawyer or a consumer advice centre. They can help you with legal questions and problems. If you have legal expenses insurance, check whether it covers the case and get legal advice here if necessary.

• Use online rating portals: Share your experiences with other consumers on rating portals or in forums. This way you can warn others about the subscription trap and possibly get more information from other affected people.

• Stay persistent: Don’t let up and remain persistent in your approach. Often companies try to scare customers off and keep them in the contract with technical terms, elaborate processes or waiting periods. Stay persistent in your notice.