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 CrossFit Gyms (Boxes) ($100-$250/mo) subscribers in Modesto, California. California's Automatic Renewal Law (ARL) protects you.
California's Automatic Renewal Law (ARL) (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17600) gives Modesto residents specific protections when dealing with CrossFit Gyms (Boxes):
Penalties: Consumers can recover actual damages plus $1,000 in statutory damages per violation
Applied to CrossFit Gyms (Boxes) (Varies by gym — usually in-person or email) for Modesto 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: Varies by gym — usually in-person or email · Difficulty: medium
CrossFit Gyms (Boxes)-specific tips
Varies by location. Most are month-to-month.
Under Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17600, Modesto residents may be entitled to a full refund if CrossFit Gyms (Boxes) didn't properly disclose auto-renewal terms.
SubScrub auto-cites Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17600 for Modesto residents