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553 points bookofjoe | 1 comments | | HN request time: 0s | source
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55555 ◴[] No.43661106[source]
Adobe runs what must be one of the largest deceptive rebills. The vast majority of users signing up for a monthly plan do not realize that it is actually an "annual plan, billed monthly" and thus that if they cancel after one month (for example) they'll be billed for the remaining 11 immediately. I honestly don't know how they haven't faced FTC action for this, as it's been their primary model for 5-10 years now.
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devsda ◴[] No.43662187[source]
> actually an "annual plan, billed monthly" and thus that if they cancel after one month (for example) they'll be billed for the remaining 11 immediately

I don't know if this is a recent policy change, but it is not the complete amount but only 50% of the remaining annual amount as per their website[1].

If it were something involving physical goods or services I can understand, but 50% penalty is still a crazy amount for a hosted software service.

1. https://www.adobe.com/legal/subscription-terms.html

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r33b33 ◴[] No.43662620[source]
That's why you always use throwaway cards for this.
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reisse ◴[] No.43663301[source]
Of course it's highly unlikely they'll go in court for a single user, but if everyone starts doing this, they'll sue. It doesn't matter the payment failed, you still legally owe Adobe (or any other service) money.
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connicpu ◴[] No.43664105[source]
Reverse class action isn't a thing, there's no way to sue thousands of people all at once, so they'd have to bring their suit against every individual who did it. Costs would be guaranteed to be much higher than any possible recovery.
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baby_souffle ◴[] No.43664614[source]
Why would they sue? Just send it to collections and let them sort it out?
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jrockway ◴[] No.43666221[source]
Collections rarely does anything. I mean they will nag you, but you ask them to only contact you in writing, and it basically goes away. The collection agency could sue you, but it's rare. It involves putting together a realistic case (we are sure this person signed this contract and owes us $X) and that is expensive.

The billing your credit card 50% is a "well we tried" type thing. They're happy if it works out, but not unhappy if it doesn't.

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nrb ◴[] No.43666491[source]
In the US, a collection on your credit report can tank your FICO score by more than 100 points, affecting your ability to borrow at the best rate, rent a home, or get certain jobs. This would be a very risky move if the purchase was made in such a way that you are personally liable.
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willcipriano ◴[] No.43668758[source]
I've never heard of someone without your social security number having the ability to do anything to your credit.
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1. revicon ◴[] No.43692273[source]
A collection agency has no problem finding your SSN if they have your name.