Our State Magazine – North Carolina – Subscription Auto Renewal
The Lyon Firm is investigating potentially illegal automatic renewal schemes and deceptive billing practices on behalf of plaintiffs nationwide. If you have questions about an auto-renewal of your Our State subscription, contact The Lyon Firm to review.
Online automatic renewal programs are regulated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) under the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA), which requires clear disclosures of contract terms, informed consent before a purchase, and an easy method to cancel the charges. Violations of this law are regarded as unfair or deceptive acts or practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act.
Joe Lyon is a class action consumer fraud lawyer investigating Our State subscription auto-renewal claims, and other deceptive billing practice complaints for plaintiffs nationwide.
Our State Magazine: What are Automatic Renewal Law Violations?
There have been allegations that Our State Magazine may not entirely comply with state Automatic Renewal Laws, and may be liable for relevant violations. State law requires the following:
A person selling or leasing products or services to a consumer where the contract automatically renews unless the consumer cancels the contract must: (i) disclose the automatic renewal clause clearly and conspicuously in the contract or contract offer; (ii) disclose clearly and conspicuously how to cancel the initial contract, contract offer, or with delivery of products or services; and (iii) for any automatic renewal exceeding 60 days, provide written notice to the consumer by personal delivery, electronic mail, or first class mail, for at least 15 days but no earlier than 45 days before the date the contract is to be automatically renewed: (i) stating the date on which the contract is scheduled to automatically review; and (ii) notifying the consumer that the contract will automatically renew unless it is canceled by the consumer prior to that date. If the terms of the contract will change upon the automatic renewal of the contract, disclose the changing term of the contract clearly and conspicuously on the notification i at least 12 point type and in the bold print.
Can I File a Lawsuit for Deceptive Billing Practices?
Multiple states have updated consumer protection laws that prohibit companies from automatically renewing subscriptions without obtaining proper consent or clearly explaining the terms and conditions of the contract. Federal laws also protect consumers. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), businesses must take proper steps to ensure that charges to customers’ credit cards and accounts are authorized.
Any violations of the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Practices Act by Our State or another subscription-based entity may constitute an unlawful practice and affected individuals can contact an attorney to consider seeking compensation and justice.
