Cancelling the Times subscription help needed

housebuyer7

Hello, I signed up for a free trial to the Times subscription. A week before the first payment was due I tried to cancel but there was no option to cancel in the account part of the website. I googled how to cancel and the answer came up with an email or phone number to use. I sent a cancellation email request. I then didn’t hear anything and called today. They advised their T&Cs state to cancel you must call over the phone, and they cannot accept my written email request. I now owe the £15. My card details have expired though so they have not been able to take payment. What is the best course of action here? Update my card details and pay the £15 then cancel via phone or is there anything else I can do?

Pollycat

Are you sure you found the right 'TheTimes' website when you googled?
Seems to say you should call to cancel. 
However, there is a TimesDaily website that gives you the option to call or email. 
Maybe you emailed the wrong company.

giraffe69

When I cancelled (and never again) I had to call so they had the opportunity to try to get me to change my mind.

Emmia

You need to call to cancel. 

Personally, I think the law should be changed so that if you can sign up online, you can also cancel online. 

Defgary

housebuyer7 said:

Hello, I signed up for a free trial to the Times subscription. A week before the first payment was due I tried to cancel but there was no option to cancel in the account part of the website. I googled how to cancel and the answer came up with an email or phone number to use. I sent a cancellation email request. I then didn’t hear anything and called today. They advised their T&Cs state to cancel you must call over the phone, and they cannot accept my written email request. I now owe the £15. My card details have expired though so they have not been able to take payment. What is the best course of action here? Update my card details and pay the £15 then cancel via phone or is there anything else I can do?

I also got stung by the deceptive terms which says you must call (can’t cancel by email) at least two days before the end date.  They take payment the day the trial ends.  Refusing to refund. The welcome email doesn’t include a link to these terms and the FAQs link for how do I cancel doesn’t reference the terms or say you must cancel 2 days before the trial ends.  

Alderbank

Defgary said:

housebuyer7 said:

Hello, I signed up for a free trial to the Times subscription. A week before the first payment was due I tried to cancel but there was no option to cancel in the account part of the website. I googled how to cancel and the answer came up with an email or phone number to use. I sent a cancellation email request. I then didn’t hear anything and called today. They advised their T&Cs state to cancel you must call over the phone, and they cannot accept my written email request. I now owe the £15. My card details have expired though so they have not been able to take payment. What is the best course of action here? Update my card details and pay the £15 then cancel via phone or is there anything else I can do?

I also got stung by the deceptive terms which says you must call (can’t cancel by email) at least two days before the end date.  They take payment the day the trial ends.  Refusing to refund. The welcome email doesn’t include a link to these terms and the FAQs link for how do I cancel doesn’t reference the terms or say you must cancel 2 days before the trial ends.  

Provided they told you your next billing date I don't think it is deceptive.

The FAQ link says:

All your questions answered

Can I cancel my subscription?

You can cancel your subscription by calling Customer Services on 0800 018 5177. Call us Monday – Friday 8am to 7pm or at the weekends 8am to 4pm. If you wish to cancel your subscription after your minimum term, you must call us at least 2 days before your next billing date.

https://www.thetimes.com/subscribe/?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqfNwq5w4IjEL24AX0hPE3uBnkev8v8cmJusirrK_er3zmrNkJIpneaHDO1e1fE%3D&gaa_ts=6956b1ec&gaa_sig=Y-HL714JGaCMwjv0plwONdyygcUHA4KbVnWcom_efUQXK2qmwCf70iruhXjHlK1gwTiOh6sJvVRiRoAYzUvh4A%3D%3D

Bradden

I have a money saving tip  - If you sign up using a VPN you can get the same deals they do in the states. 
You can then email to cancel "care@thetimes.com" ..at which point they offer a deal to renew.