Forced retention of payment methods - Revision history

Bananabot: Added archive URLs for 1 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-23T04:48:58Z

Added archive URLs for 1 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:48, 23 February 2026
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	===Amazon===		===Amazon===
	{{Main\|Amazon sued for enrolling and charging customers into Audible without consent}}		{{Main\|Amazon sued for enrolling and charging customers into Audible without consent}}
	A class-action lawsuit is currently pending against Amazon for enrolling customers into Audible and charging them the $14.95 monthly subscription fee without notice or consent. Grace Sherk, the plaintiff, claims this act by Amazon was only possible due to the company holding customers' payment and billing information by default<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2025-04-23 \|title=Amazon Audible faces class action over unauthorized subscriptions \|url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/amazon-audible-faces-class-action-over-unauthorized-subscriptions/ \|website=Top Class Actions}}</ref>. When combined with Audible's failure to enact [[click-to-cancel]], customers' were locked into monthly payments until they could resolve the issue with customer service.		A class-action lawsuit is currently pending against Amazon for enrolling customers into Audible and charging them the $14.95 monthly subscription fee without notice or consent. Grace Sherk, the plaintiff, claims this act by Amazon was only possible due to the company holding customers' payment and billing information by default<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2025-04-23 \|title=Amazon Audible faces class action over unauthorized subscriptions \|url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/amazon-audible-faces-class-action-over-unauthorized-subscriptions/ \|website=Top Class Actions \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250826232032/https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/amazon-audible-faces-class-action-over-unauthorized-subscriptions/ \|archive-date=26 Aug 2025}}</ref>. When combined with Audible's failure to enact [[click-to-cancel]], customers' were locked into monthly payments until they could resolve the issue with customer service.
	==References==		==References==
	[[Category:Common terms]]		[[Category:Common terms]]
	<references />		<references />

AnotherConsumerRightsPerson: removed unnecessary spacing + {{main} formatting.

2025-09-22T19:33:53Z

removed unnecessary spacing + {{main} formatting.

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:33, 22 September 2025
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	{{Incomplete\|Issue 1=Not a reference in sight.}}		{{Incomplete\|Issue 1=Not a reference in sight.}}

	'''Forced retention of payment methods''' is when online platforms and payment processors store user payment credentials, often without a clear or easily accessible way to revoke them. In many cases, cards or payment authorizations remain attached to an account unless a new method is added or until the account itself is deleted. This design restricts users’ control over their financial data and could potentially result in unwanted recurring charges.		'''Forced retention of payment methods''' is when online platforms and payment processors store user payment credentials, often without a clear or easily accessible way to revoke them. In many cases, cards or payment authorizations remain attached to an account unless a new method is added or until the account itself is deleted. This design restricts users’ control over their financial data and could potentially result in unwanted recurring charges.

	The issue disproportionately affects individuals with limited financial resources, as well as non-profit or low-budget users, who may lack the legal or technical knowledge required to challenge such systems.		The issue disproportionately affects individuals with limited financial resources, as well as non-profit or low-budget users, who may lack the legal or technical knowledge required to challenge such systems.

	==How it works==		==How it works==
	In most cases, forced retention of payment methods is implemented through user interfaces that do not allow stored payment data to be removed unless a replacement method is added. Some platforms go further, requiring the deletion of the entire account in order to erase billing credentials.		In most cases, forced retention of payment methods is implemented through user interfaces that do not allow stored payment data to be removed unless a replacement method is added. Some platforms go further, requiring the deletion of the entire account in order to erase billing credentials.
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	Overall, these systems are designed in a way that favors continued billing and makes revocation difficult, non-obvious, or impossible without contacting support.		Overall, these systems are designed in a way that favors continued billing and makes revocation difficult, non-obvious, or impossible without contacting support.

	==Why it is a problem==		==Why it is a problem==
	Forced retention of payment methods causes long-term risks for consumers by removing their ability to control how and when they are billed. When a person cannot revoke stored card data or stop an ongoing billing authorization, unwanted charges become more likely. This risk increases when services use automatic renewals or hide cancellation options.		Forced retention of payment methods causes long-term risks for consumers by removing their ability to control how and when they are billed. When a person cannot revoke stored card data or stop an ongoing billing authorization, unwanted charges become more likely. This risk increases when services use automatic renewals or hide cancellation options.
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	These obstacles are often made worse by unclear interfaces, delayed menus, or wording that makes it difficult to understand how to stop payments.		These obstacles are often made worse by unclear interfaces, delayed menus, or wording that makes it difficult to understand how to stop payments.

	==Examples==		==Examples==
	===Amazon===		===Amazon===
	''Main ~~article: [[~~Amazon sued for enrolling and charging customers into Audible without consent~~]]''~~		{{Main\|Amazon sued for enrolling and charging customers into Audible without consent}}

	A class-action lawsuit is currently pending against Amazon for enrolling customers into Audible and charging them the $14.95 monthly subscription fee without notice or consent. Grace Sherk, the plaintiff, claims this act by Amazon was only possible due to the company holding customers' payment and billing information by default<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2025-04-23 \|title=Amazon Audible faces class action over unauthorized subscriptions \|url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/amazon-audible-faces-class-action-over-unauthorized-subscriptions/ \|website=Top Class Actions}}</ref>. When combined with Audible's failure to enact [[click-to-cancel]], customers' were locked into monthly payments until they could resolve the issue with customer service.		A class-action lawsuit is currently pending against Amazon for enrolling customers into Audible and charging them the $14.95 monthly subscription fee without notice or consent. Grace Sherk, the plaintiff, claims this act by Amazon was only possible due to the company holding customers' payment and billing information by default<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2025-04-23 \|title=Amazon Audible faces class action over unauthorized subscriptions \|url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/amazon-audible-faces-class-action-over-unauthorized-subscriptions/ \|website=Top Class Actions}}</ref>. When combined with Audible's failure to enact [[click-to-cancel]], customers' were locked into monthly payments until they could resolve the issue with customer service.

	==References==		==References==
	[[Category:Common terms]]		[[Category:Common terms]]
	<references />		<references />

Beanie Bo: Added relevant Amazon link. (Sorry for the piecemeal edits!)

2025-09-16T19:47:17Z

Added relevant Amazon link. (Sorry for the piecemeal edits!)

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:47, 16 September 2025
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	==Examples==		==Examples==
	===Amazon===		===Amazon===
			''Main article: [[Amazon sued for enrolling and charging customers into Audible without consent]]''

	A class-action lawsuit is currently pending against Amazon for enrolling customers into Audible and charging them the $14.95 monthly subscription fee without notice or consent. Grace Sherk, the plaintiff, claims this act by Amazon was only possible due to the company holding customers' payment and billing information by default<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2025-04-23 \|title=Amazon Audible faces class action over unauthorized subscriptions \|url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/amazon-audible-faces-class-action-over-unauthorized-subscriptions/ \|website=Top Class Actions}}</ref>. When combined with Audible's failure to enact [[click-to-cancel]], customers' were locked into monthly payments until they could resolve the issue with customer service.		A class-action lawsuit is currently pending against Amazon for enrolling customers into Audible and charging them the $14.95 monthly subscription fee without notice or consent. Grace Sherk, the plaintiff, claims this act by Amazon was only possible due to the company holding customers' payment and billing information by default<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2025-04-23 \|title=Amazon Audible faces class action over unauthorized subscriptions \|url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/amazon-audible-faces-class-action-over-unauthorized-subscriptions/ \|website=Top Class Actions}}</ref>. When combined with Audible's failure to enact [[click-to-cancel]], customers' were locked into monthly payments until they could resolve the issue with customer service.

Beanie Bo: Removed "Legal Framework" section. Laws were only vaguely related to the issue, and section was entirely subjective interpretations (breaking the original research rule)

2025-09-16T19:45:13Z

Removed "Legal Framework" section. Laws were only vaguely related to the issue, and section was entirely subjective interpretations (breaking the original research rule)

@@ Line 23: / Line 23: @@
 A class-action lawsuit is currently pending against Amazon for enrolling customers into Audible and charging them the $14.95 monthly subscription fee without notice or consent. Grace Sherk, the plaintiff, claims this act by Amazon was only possible due to the company holding customers' payment and billing information by default<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-23 |title=Amazon Audible faces class action over unauthorized subscriptions |url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/amazon-audible-faces-class-action-over-unauthorized-subscriptions/ |website=Top Class Actions}}</ref>. When combined with Audible's failure to enact [[click-to-cancel]], customers' were locked into monthly payments until they could resolve the issue with customer service.
-==Legal framework==
+==References==
 [[Category:Common terms]]
 <references />

Beanie Bo: Removed rest of what looked to be original research and personal gripes.

2025-09-16T19:40:18Z

Removed rest of what looked to be original research and personal gripes.

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:40, 16 September 2025
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	===Amazon===		===Amazon===
	A class-action lawsuit is currently pending against Amazon for enrolling customers into Audible and charging them the $14.95 monthly subscription fee without notice or consent. Grace Sherk, the plaintiff, claims this act by Amazon was only possible due to the company holding customers' payment and billing information by default<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2025-04-23 \|title=Amazon Audible faces class action over unauthorized subscriptions \|url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/amazon-audible-faces-class-action-over-unauthorized-subscriptions/ \|website=Top Class Actions}}</ref>. When combined with Audible's failure to enact [[click-to-cancel]], customers' were locked into monthly payments until they could resolve the issue with customer service.		A class-action lawsuit is currently pending against Amazon for enrolling customers into Audible and charging them the $14.95 monthly subscription fee without notice or consent. Grace Sherk, the plaintiff, claims this act by Amazon was only possible due to the company holding customers' payment and billing information by default<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2025-04-23 \|title=Amazon Audible faces class action over unauthorized subscriptions \|url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/amazon-audible-faces-class-action-over-unauthorized-subscriptions/ \|website=Top Class Actions}}</ref>. When combined with Audible's failure to enact [[click-to-cancel]], customers' were locked into monthly payments until they could resolve the issue with customer service.

	~~==Pattern of friction and discouragement==~~
	Across all three services, the user describes a consistent pattern in which the resolution of unauthorized or unwanted billing was made progressively more difficult over time. The timeline reveals the following escalation:

	*'''December 2024''': First support requests made (Captivate, Book Like A Boss), including a request to remove card details. Initial steps were ignored or rendered ineffective.
	*'''March 2025''': Internal account audits and review of bank statements, trying to identify the source of charges.
	*'''May 2025''': Profile deletion and new contact attempts. In one case, this led to total data loss. In another, the request was unanswered, and the payment method remained.
	*'''June 2025''': A final step was taken: issuing a formal card cancellation to prevent further withdrawals.

	In all cases, the process demanded '''several months of monitoring, multiple contact attempts, and irreversible actions''' like deleting an account, without ever obtaining a clean or documented resolution from the services involved.

	This progression reflects a '''strategy of friction-based discouragement''', whether intentional or not. It increases the user’s emotional and administrative burden, causing delays, hesitation, or abandonment. Some actions (such as using a non-trackable support form, or hiding critical menu items in late-loading interfaces) further amplify this effect by amplifying the user's confusion and reducing trust in the process.

	==Legal framework==		==Legal framework==
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	This directive requires that any information related to billing, subscriptions or renewals be provided in a clear and accessible way. In all examples cited, such information was absent or concealed.		This directive requires that any information related to billing, subscriptions or renewals be provided in a clear and accessible way. In all examples cited, such information was absent or concealed.

			== References ==
	[[Category:Common terms]]		[[Category:Common terms]]
	<references />		<references />

Beanie Bo: Removed original research. Using "the user" instead of "I" or "me" does not take away the fact that it's original research.

2025-09-16T19:39:09Z

Removed original research. Using "the user" instead of "I" or "me" does not take away the fact that it's original research.

@@ Line 20: / Line 20: @@
 ==Examples==
 ===Amazon===
 A class-action lawsuit is currently pending against Amazon for enrolling customers into Audible and charging them the $14.95 monthly subscription fee without notice or consent. Grace Sherk, the plaintiff, claims this act by Amazon was only possible due to the company holding customers' payment and billing information by default<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-23 |title=Amazon Audible faces class action over unauthorized subscriptions |url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/amazon-audible-faces-class-action-over-unauthorized-subscriptions/ |website=Top Class Actions}}</ref>. When combined with Audible's failure to enact [[click-to-cancel]], customers' were locked into monthly payments until they could resolve the issue with customer service.

Beanie Bo: Removed original research. Also removed screenshots that did not improve the article (and in fact, were highly distracting)

2025-09-16T19:37:56Z

Removed original research. Also removed screenshots that did not improve the article (and in fact, were highly distracting)

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:37, 16 September 2025
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	==Examples==		==Examples==
	~~[[File:Captivate Account Deletion Screen.png\|thumb\|460x460px\|Captivate Account Deletion Screen]]~~

	~~===Captivate.fm (Podcast platform)===~~
	Between December 2024 and May 2025, the user requested the removal of a stored credit card used for monthly billing. The platform required a replacement card to be added before the original one could be removed. As no alternative was possible, the only option left was to delete the entire account.
	This action resulted in the irreversible loss of all stored content, as well as any communication history with support. The user described this as a last resort to stop further charges, since no clear cancellation path existed within the account settings.
	~~[[File:Capture d'écran 2025-06-06 151815.png\|thumb\|948x948px\|Captivate billing history]]~~

Beanie Bo: Edited Incomplete Notice

2025-09-16T19:36:03Z

Edited Incomplete Notice

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:36, 16 September 2025
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	{{Incomplete}}		{{Incomplete\|Issue 1=Not a reference in sight.}}

	'''Forced retention of payment methods''' is when online platforms and payment processors store user payment credentials, often without a clear or easily accessible way to revoke them. In many cases, cards or payment authorizations remain attached to an account unless a new method is added or until the account itself is deleted. This design restricts users’ control over their financial data and could potentially result in unwanted recurring charges.		'''Forced retention of payment methods''' is when online platforms and payment processors store user payment credentials, often without a clear or easily accessible way to revoke them. In many cases, cards or payment authorizations remain attached to an account unless a new method is added or until the account itself is deleted. This design restricts users’ control over their financial data and could potentially result in unwanted recurring charges.
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	<blockquote></blockquote>		<blockquote></blockquote>



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	=== Amazon ===		===Amazon===
	A class-action lawsuit is currently pending against Amazon for enrolling customers into Audible and charging them the $14.95 monthly subscription fee without notice or consent. Grace Sherk, the plaintiff, claims this act by Amazon was only possible due to the company holding customers' payment and billing information by default<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2025-04-23 \|title=Amazon Audible faces class action over unauthorized subscriptions \|url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/amazon-audible-faces-class-action-over-unauthorized-subscriptions/ \|website=Top Class Actions}}</ref>. When combined with Audible's failure to enact [[click-to-cancel]], customers' were locked into monthly payments until they could resolve the issue with customer service.		A class-action lawsuit is currently pending against Amazon for enrolling customers into Audible and charging them the $14.95 monthly subscription fee without notice or consent. Grace Sherk, the plaintiff, claims this act by Amazon was only possible due to the company holding customers' payment and billing information by default<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2025-04-23 \|title=Amazon Audible faces class action over unauthorized subscriptions \|url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/amazon-audible-faces-class-action-over-unauthorized-subscriptions/ \|website=Top Class Actions}}</ref>. When combined with Audible's failure to enact [[click-to-cancel]], customers' were locked into monthly payments until they could resolve the issue with customer service.

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	[[Category:Common terms]]		[[Category:Common terms]]
			<references />

Beanie Bo: Removed non-english screenshots

2025-09-16T19:33:47Z

Removed non-english screenshots

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:33, 16 September 2025
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	~~[[File:Capture d'écran 2025-06-04 211345.png\|thumb\|283x283px\|PayPal menu loading delay[[File:Capture d'écran 2025-06-04 211352.png\|thumb]]]]~~

	===Cdiscount & PayPal (Retail / payment platform)===		===Cdiscount & PayPal (Retail / payment platform)===
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	~~[[File:Paypal cancellation pending.png\|thumb\|950x950px\|Paypal cancellation pending]]~~

AnotherConsumerRightsPerson: The main issue with this article is how it is being filled with pictures as the only sort of “citation”. The overflowing number of pictures here annoys me.

2025-09-16T19:13:57Z

The main issue with this article is how it is being filled with pictures as the only sort of “citation”. The overflowing number of pictures here annoys me.

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:13, 16 September 2025
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	===Book Like A Boss (Booking service)===		===Book Like A Boss (Booking service)===
	~~[[File:Capture d'écran 2025-06-06 152048.png\|thumb\|950x950px\|Book Like a Boss support requested]]~~
	In December 2024, the user replaced their card with a debit-only card, assuming no further charges could occur. However, the card continued to be billed monthly until May 2025. The interface offered no option to remove the card without adding another.		In December 2024, the user replaced their card with a debit-only card, assuming no further charges could occur. However, the card continued to be billed monthly until May 2025. The interface offered no option to remove the card without adding another.
	A message still visible in June 2025 states: ''"Want to change your card? No problem, just add another one."''		A message still visible in June 2025 states: ''"Want to change your card? No problem, just add another one."''