Step-by-step process to dispute subscription charges you didn't authorize, including chargebacks, FCBA rights, and when to involve your bank. This guide applies specifically to HBO Max (Max) ($9.99-$16.99/mo) subscribers in Los Angeles, California. California's Automatic Renewal Law (ARL) protects you.
California's Automatic Renewal Law (ARL) (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17600) gives Los Angeles residents specific protections when dealing with HBO Max (Max):
Penalties: Consumers can recover actual damages plus $1,000 in statutory damages per violation
Applied to HBO Max (Max) (Website or app) for Los Angeles residents
Identify the charge source
Find the exact merchant name on your statement. Subscription companies often bill under different names (e.g., 'AMZN Digital' for Amazon Prime). Search the billing descriptor online if unfamiliar.
Contact the company first
Call or email the subscription company and state you are disputing the charge. Get their response in writing. Many will refund rather than face a chargeback, which costs them $20–50 in fees.
File a chargeback with your card issuer
Call the number on the back of your card. Say: 'I want to dispute a recurring charge under the Fair Credit Billing Act. The charge was unauthorized / continued after cancellation.' They are required to investigate.
Submit your evidence
Provide your cancellation confirmation, the unauthorized charge dates, and any communication from the company. The card issuer will request a response from the merchant.
Request merchant blocking
Ask your card issuer to add the merchant to a block list. This prevents future charges from that specific merchant ID, even if they try to re-bill.
Method: Website or app · Difficulty: easy
HBO Max (Max)-specific tips
No partial refunds.
Under Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17600, Los Angeles residents may be entitled to a full refund if HBO Max (Max) didn't properly disclose auto-renewal terms.
SubScrub auto-cites Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17600 for Los Angeles residents