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 LinkedIn Premium ($29.99-$59.99/mo) subscribers in Newark, New Jersey. New Jersey's Automatic Renewal Act protects you.
New Jersey's Automatic Renewal Act (N.J. Stat. § 56:12-16) gives Newark residents specific protections when dealing with LinkedIn Premium:
Penalties: Consumer fraud violation — treble damages plus attorney fees
Applied to LinkedIn Premium (LinkedIn settings) for Newark 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: LinkedIn settings · Difficulty: medium
LinkedIn Premium-specific tips
Refund within 7 days of purchase.
Under N.J. Stat. § 56:12-16, Newark residents may be entitled to a full refund if LinkedIn Premium didn't properly disclose auto-renewal terms.
SubScrub auto-cites N.J. Stat. § 56:12-16 for Newark residents