What the FTC's Click-to-Cancel Rule means for your subscription rights and exactly how to use it when a company won't let you cancel. This guide applies specifically to Microsoft 365 ($6.99-$12.99/mo) subscribers in Rochester, Minnesota. Minnesota's Automatic Renewal Law protects you.
Minnesota's Automatic Renewal Law (Minn. Stat. § 325G.201) gives Rochester residents specific protections when dealing with Microsoft 365:
Penalties: Private right of action plus AG enforcement
Applied to Microsoft 365 (Microsoft account website) for Rochester residents
Understand what the rule requires
The FTC Click-to-Cancel Rule (16 CFR Part 425, effective 2024) requires: (1) clear disclosure of all terms before signup, (2) cancellation must be as easy as signup, (3) no dark patterns to obstruct cancellation.
Document the violation
Screenshot the cancellation flow. If you signed up with a single click but cancellation requires a phone call or in-person visit, that's a violation. Screenshot the difficult steps as evidence.
Send a written demand citing the Rule
Write to the company: 'Under 16 CFR Part 425 (FTC Click-to-Cancel Rule), you are required to provide a cancellation mechanism as simple as your signup process. I am demanding immediate cancellation and confirming this in writing.'
File an FTC complaint
Go to reportfraud.ftc.gov. Select 'Online Shopping' or 'Subscriptions'. Submit screenshots of the violation. The FTC uses these to build enforcement cases.
File a state AG complaint
Your state Attorney General can act on FTC Rule violations under state consumer protection laws. Many states have dedicated consumer protection units. File a complaint at your state AG's website.
Method: Microsoft account website · Difficulty: medium
Microsoft 365-specific tips
Full refund within 30 days of renewal. Prorated after.
Under Minn. Stat. § 325G.201, Rochester residents may be entitled to a full refund if Microsoft 365 didn't properly disclose auto-renewal terms.
SubScrub auto-cites Minn. Stat. § 325G.201 for Rochester residents