In this day and age, auto-renew online subscriptions for goods or services have become just another part of life, but how much do you really know about the terms and conditions you are agreeing to when you click that little “I Agree” box at sign-up?
So many consumers take these subscriptions at face-value without thinking too much about their rights in these interactions. If you sign up for a free trial only to be charged more or earlier than you were led to believe, you don’t have to take that sitting down! If the online retailer makes it difficult to cancel your subscriptions (and far more difficult that it was to sign up for the subscription), you may have recourse.
Auto-Renew Basics
Auto-renewal subscriptions, such as with services like Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Prime, curated clothing, cosmetics, and food deliveries automatically renew at the end of their billing cycles unless canceled by the subscriber. This has the potential to offer convenience in featuring uninterrupted access to content, services, or goods. But you should remain vigilant about monitoring your subscriptions to avoid unwanted charges.
While auto-renewal offers convenience in the best cases, it is essential for users to assess their ongoing need for the service to avoid unnecessary expenses - or in worst case scenarios, poorly communicated increases in price or policies without their immediate knowledge.
Consumer Representation for Auto-Renewal Subscription Violations
Every day companies flout laws governing their business practices. Some offer online, auto-renew subscriptions and fail to abide by state laws governing required disclosures and procedures for canceling subscriptions. These acts fall within Auto-Renewal Subscription Violations that implicate various state laws.
Dimond Kaplan & Rothstein's consumer protection lawyers boast a track record of success. If you have been victimized, seek justice with a free consultation from our experienced attorneys.
Auto-Renewal Subscription Class Actions
In some cases, Auto-Renewal Subscription Class Actions have been filed against companies that fail to provide mandated disclosures about the auto-renewal subscription, including disclosures about “free” trial periods, the timing of renewal, pricing, and price increases. Auto-Renewal Subscription Class Actions also have been filed when companies make it too difficult to cancel an Auto-Renewal Subscription.
What is a Class Action?
Class action lawsuits can target a company for various reasons. Unlike individual lawsuits, class action lawsuits involve one or more plaintiffs filing claims on behalf of all other similarly situated victims.
Class actions can streamline and economize litigation. Class actions can offer an avenue for plaintiffs to pursue claims on behalf of a large group of victims where the damage for each individual may be too small to make an individual lawsuit economically viable. Even if part of a class, individual class members retain the option to opt out of a settlement and pursue their claims independently.
How Do I Know If I Am Eligible for an Auto-Renewal Subscription Class Action?
If you have recently been charged for a renewal of a subscription you believe you have just cause to dispute, you may be eligible to pursue a case in Auto-Renewal Subscription Class Action. Exploring online resources can be a valuable step in addressing auto-renewal subscription concerns, especially when conducting a search to reveal if a class action lawsuit has been initiated against a company linked to your subscription.
Reaching out to legal professionals can provide insight into your eligibility to participate in an Auto-Renewal Subscription class action. Consulting a lawyer can help you understand your rights and options for potential legal recourse.
What Allegations Are Common in Auto-Renewal Subscription Class Actions?
Common allegations in such cases can include:
- Unexpected charges
- Lack of adequate disclosures regarding the fact that the purchase is for a subscription or certain aspects of the subscription, such when a free trial will end or price increase policies
- Difficulty in canceling subscriptions
- Unauthorized renewals
Consumers encountering these issues may seek recourse through legal avenues, including potential participation in class action lawsuits with similarly affected individuals.
What Can an Auto-Renewal Subscription Lawsuit Cover?
When companies engage in deceptive practices like auto-renewing or auto-enrolling consumers in subscription services, they violate various consumer protections and laws. Holding companies accountable often requires consumers to pursue legal action.
In an auto-renewal claim or class action lawsuit, damages could encompass:
- Refunds for consumers for the amount paid in auto-renewed subscriptions
- Punitive damages aimed at penalizing the company for its unethical business practices
While individual claims are possible, consumer class actions are more common. When numerous individuals have fallen victim to the same improper business conduct, a class action lawsuit can consolidate claims and provide compensation for all victims.
Why Should I Hire an Auto-Renewal Subscription Attorney?
Hiring an Auto-Renewal Subscription attorney not only gives you peace of mind about having effective legal knowledge on your side, but also in knowing that you won’t be navigating a complicated court system without a guide. At Dimond Kaplan & Rothstein, P.A., we are professionals who specialize in navigating complex legal issues, ensuring fair treatment, and securing remedies for unjust corporate misconduct.
Our success in class action cases speak for themselves:
- $80 million was secured in a class action recovery from a brokerage firm that had sold fraudulent securities issued by a Ponzi scheme without conducting sufficient due diligence.
- $13 million was acquired in a class action settlement against a large bank related to the bank's involvement in the sale of securities by an unregistered broker-dealer.
- $8.9 million was obtained in a class action settlement against a depository institution. The lawsuit alleged that the institution failed to perform necessary due diligence, resulting in financial losses for investors.
Take control of your auto-renewal subscription cases by consulting Dimond Kaplan & Rothstein, P.A. Our experienced attorneys are ready to advocate for your rights and provide expert guidance.
Don't let unfair charges go unchecked — contact us today for a consultation.
