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 Hulu ($7.99-$17.99/mo) subscribers in Maryland, citing applicable state and federal law.
Maryland's Automatic Renewal Law (Md. Code, Com. Law § 14-1321) gives you specific protections when dealing with Hulu subscriptions:
Penalties: CPA violation — AG enforcement plus private right of action
Applied to Hulu (Website) in Maryland
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.
Maryland note: Md. Code, Com. Law § 14-1321 requires Hulu to provide an easy cancellation mechanism.
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 · Difficulty: easy
Hulu-specific tips
No refunds. Access until end of billing period.
Under Md. Code, Com. Law § 14-1321, you may be entitled to a full refund if Hulu didn't properly disclose auto-renewal terms at signup.
These apply to Hulu in every state, including Maryland:
SubScrub auto-cites Md. Code, Com. Law § 14-1321 + sends legally-backed letters