You're Still Receiving Merchandise on a Canceled Subscription: What to Do When a Company Won’t Stop Charging You

You signed up for a subscription box or auto-delivery service months ago—maybe for vitamins, skincare, pet food, or tech gadgets. At some point, you decided to cancel. You followed the instructions, got the confirmation, and moved on… until the next package arrived, along with another charge to your credit card.

Unfortunately, this scenario is more common than it should be. Whether it’s poor communication, a glitch in the company’s system, or outright dishonesty, receiving products after you’ve canceled a subscription can quickly become expensive and frustrating.

So what are your rights? And how can you make it stop—for good?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to stopping unwanted subscription deliveries, disputing charges, and making sure you’re not billed for items you didn’t order.

Step 1: Review Your Cancellation Confirmation

Before you take further action, double-check the original cancellation process:

• Did you receive a cancellation confirmation email?
• Did the confirmation include a date, order number, or reference code?
• Was there a stated “final billing date” or time required for the cancellation to take effect?
• Did you cancel within the required notice period before the next shipment?

Some companies require 7–14 days notice before the next billing cycle, so a cancellation made after that may not stop the next shipment. However, if the time window has passed and you’re still getting charged, it’s time to take action.

Step 2: Contact the Company—In Writing

Reach out to the company via email or their official customer support portal. Provide:

• Your full name and account details
• The date you canceled
• A copy or screenshot of the cancellation confirmation
• The date of the unwanted delivery or charge
• A request for a refund and written confirmation that the subscription is fully canceled

Keep your tone calm and professional, but be clear that continued billing is unacceptable.

Example message:

Hello, I canceled my subscription on [date], and received confirmation (see attached). However, I was still charged and sent another package on [date]. Please refund the charge, provide a return label if needed, and confirm that my subscription is now fully canceled. I do not authorize further shipments or charges.

Always communicate in writing so you have a paper trail if the issue escalates.

Step 3: Refuse the Shipment or Return the Product

If the company continues to send you products you don’t want:

• Refuse the package at the door, if possible (delivery carriers will return to sender).
• If already delivered, do not open the box if you intend to return it.
• Contact the company and request a return label and shipping instructions.

Some merchants require customers to pay return shipping—which may be legal if stated in their terms, but it’s worth requesting that they cover the cost, especially if the continued shipments were their error.

Keep all receipts and tracking numbers if you return a package.

Step 4: Dispute the Charge with Your Credit Card Company

If the company won’t issue a refund or continues to charge your card, contact your credit card issuer or bank to dispute the charge.

Most credit cards offer strong consumer protection under the Fair Credit Billing Act, especially if:

• You were charged after canceling
• You were charged without authorization
• You did not receive proper goods or services

To initiate a dispute:

• Log in to your account or call your card issuer
• Explain the unauthorized or post-cancellation charge
• Provide your cancellation confirmation and emails
• Follow up with written documentation, if required

If approved, your card company will reverse the charge, and the merchant will be required to respond. If they fail to justify the charge, it becomes permanently reversed.

Step 5: File a Complaint with a Consumer Protection Agency

If the company ignores your requests or repeatedly charges you without authorization, file a complaint with one or more of the following:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): reportfraud.ftc.gov
• Better Business Bureau (BBB): bbb.org
• Your state attorney general’s office
• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

These agencies track patterns of abuse and often help mediate disputes or investigate businesses with shady practices.

If enough complaints are filed, the company may face legal action or regulatory penalties—and they’re more likely to resolve your issue to avoid public scrutiny.

Step 6: Block Future Charges

If the problem persists, or the company uses different business names to re-initiate charges, consider:

• Requesting a new credit card number from your bank
• Setting up merchant-specific blocks or alerts
• Using virtual credit card numbers for trial subscriptions in the future

Prepaid debit cards, app-based wallets (like Apple Pay or PayPal), and one-time card numbers can all be effective ways to avoid ongoing billing traps when testing a service.

Step 7: Understand Subscription Law Protections

Several states (including California and New York) have laws that protect consumers from auto-renewal traps, such as:

• Failure to disclose automatic renewals
• Hiding cancellation policies
• Making cancellations unnecessarily difficult

Federal and state laws may require:

• Clear upfront disclosures
• Easy cancellation processes
• Timely confirmation emails

If a business violates these standards, it may be engaging in deceptive or unfair trade practices—which are subject to fines and legal action.

Step 8: Consider Small Claims Court (for Persistent Issues)

If you’ve been repeatedly charged and have made multiple unsuccessful attempts to cancel and get refunded, and the amount is significant, you may file a small claims court lawsuit.

Before filing:

• Gather your documentation: receipts, cancellation proof, emails, photos of packages, and disputed charges.
• Check your local small claims court’s jurisdictional limit and filing process.
• Consider sending a final demand letter giving the company 10–14 days to respond before you file.

Many cases are resolved quickly once legal pressure is applied—and you don’t need an attorney in most small claims courts.

Final Thoughts

Subscriptions are supposed to be convenient—but when companies make it difficult to cancel, it becomes a legal and financial headache. The good news is that you don’t have to accept it.

You have a right to cancel, refuse charges, and receive refunds for unwanted goods. By documenting everything, staying persistent, and escalating when necessary, you can reclaim control of your finances and put a stop to unauthorized billing.

Remember: silence benefits the company—not you. Stand up, speak out, and make sure your subscription cancellation is honored for good.

Don’t Be Afraid To Get Help

If you’re facing legal questions, safety concerns, or emotional turmoil due to any of the situations described above—especially domestic abuse—don’t try to handle it alone. Professional guidance can make all the difference in ensuring your rights are protected and your next steps are clear. Whether you need legal advice, help with documentation, or assistance navigating local resources, speaking to an expert can bring peace of mind. Click here to get connected with professional support tailored to your situation.