While going through last month's credit card statement, I noticed an unfamiliar name. A streaming service I signed up for just to watch one show six months ago is still charging me every month.

When I tried to cancel, I couldn't find a button; I was only directed to call customer service. Signing up took two clicks, but escaping felt like navigating a maze.

However, this experience could soon be illegal in New York City. Starting October 1, the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) will enforce the Click to Cancel rule.

This rule was adopted by the DCWP on July 10 of this year. The city government claims it is the first of its kind in the United States.

The key point is simple: if you can sign up with a click, you should be able to cancel with a click.

To elaborate, the cancellation process must be as easy as the sign-up process, and cancellations must be possible through the same method used to sign up. For example, if you signed up via an app, you can't be forced to cancel only by phone or in person.

What if you signed up in-store? In that case, the business must also provide online cancellation options, such as through a website or email.

Those who have gone out of their way to cancel a gym membership will likely applaud this point. I can relate, having made those trips myself.

It's also prohibited to hang up on someone trying to cancel. Hiding cancellation methods or providing false information, as well as failing to confirm cancellation requests, are similarly banned.

Delaying the process without reason is also not allowed. However, the rules do not specify a numerical standard for how quickly cancellations must be processed.

The sign-up process has changed as well. Before asking for a credit card number, businesses must clearly display the fees, billing cycle, cancellation deadline, and cancellation methods.

If a product starts with a free trial or discounted rate, they must also inform consumers when and how much the price will change. This aims to reduce the traps of being lured in with a free offer only to be charged full price later.

The notification rules are quite specific. For free trials longer than a month, businesses must send a notice 3 to 21 days before the first paid charge's cancellation deadline.

For annual subscriptions that last more than a year and renew every six months, they must notify consumers 15 to 45 days before the deadline. Important changes, like price increases, must be communicated 5 to 30 days in advance.

It's also not allowed to charge consumers for shipping when returning items sent for free. This is directly stated on the city's official guidance page.

The rules apply to all automatically renewing or ongoing subscriptions, including streaming services, gyms, subscription boxes, and paid transitions from free trials.

There are exceptions. Banks, credit unions, companies regulated by the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS), and state-licensed security alarm companies are excluded.

Violating these rules can result in civil fines of $525 for the first offense, $1,050 for the second, and $3,500 for the third and subsequent violations. Each violation can be calculated separately, indicating that these rules have some teeth.

What's even more welcome for consumers is the refund policy. Companies may be required to refund any charges made after the first cancellation attempt.

So, take a moment to review your subscription list. Just checking your credit card statement, app store subscription menu, and email receipts can reveal several forgotten recurring charges.

When canceling, it's wise to keep evidence. A screenshot of the cancellation screen, a confirmation email, and the date and time of your call can be very helpful later.

If you encounter difficulties canceling, you can report it online at the Click to Cancel page on nyc.gov. They also accept mail or fax submissions, and you can include copies of receipts or contracts.

Sam Levine, the city's consumer protection commissioner, has asked citizens to be the eyes and ears of oversight. The more reports that accumulate, the more investigations can be conducted, and the more money can be recovered.

Once a report is filed, the DCWP may request additional information or assign a mediator. The business will then have to respond in writing to the report.

New York State already has a similar automatic renewal law (GBL 527-a). However, many believe that the city's rules have gone further with online cancellation requirements and the fine structure.

At the federal level, the FTC rule was invalidated last July by a federal appeals court due to procedural issues. This means the city has stepped in to fill that gap, which is quite interesting.

Of course, businesses will face significant burdens as they have to overhaul their screens and systems. Still, I don't think it's unreasonable to demand that cancellation be as easy as signing up.

This weekend, I plan to embark on a subscription cleanup adventure. Using my credit card statement as a map, I'll go through each subscription and cut out the ones I no longer use without hesitation.

If cancellation turns out to be another maze, I'm determined not to let it slide this time. Now that I know the way to the report button, I won't be caught off guard.