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 Wall Street Journal ($4-$39.99/mo) subscribers in New York City, New York. New York's Auto-Renewal Law protects you.
New York's Auto-Renewal Law (N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 527) gives New York City residents specific protections when dealing with Wall Street Journal:
Penalties: Violations subject to AG enforcement and consumer private action
Applied to Wall Street Journal (Phone only) for New York City 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: Phone only · Difficulty: hard
Wall Street Journal-specific tips
No refund for current period.
Under N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 527, New York City residents may be entitled to a full refund if Wall Street Journal didn't properly disclose auto-renewal terms.
SubScrub auto-cites N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 527 for New York City residents