MADE IN ALBERTA

MADE IN ALBERTA

Adobe and Microsoft Subscription Nightmares: A Cautionary Tale

Here's my story and what I learned about protecting yourself from subscription overcharges. Like many professionals, I signed up for Adobe and Microsoft subscriptions expecting straightforward experiences. Instead, I faced customer service loops, unexpected charges, and difficult cancellations.

The Adobe Saga

It started when I noticed unexpected charges from Adobe on my bank statement. What should have been a simple monthly subscription of around $13 had mysteriously doubled to $27.29. When I tried to cancel, I discovered I'd be hit with a $64 cancellation fee.

After a lengthy customer service chat, Adobe initially only offered to refund a single month's overcharge. They repeatedly tried to keep me subscribed by offering "special deals" rather than addressing the overcharging issue. Even after firmly stating I wanted to cancel everything, they continued pushing new offers instead of processing my cancellation and refund request.

This image was found from a hilarious youtube video by Animole.

The Microsoft Experience

My issues with Microsoft followed a similar pattern of unexpected charges, but their approach was different. When I contacted their support team about mysterious charges, they requested full bank statements. No customer should have to expose their private banking details to dispute incorrect charges.

What I Learned: Protecting Yourself

Through these experiences, I discovered several crucial ways to protect against subscription overcharges:

  1. Use Virtual Card Numbers

    • Services like Neo Financial (in Canada) offer virtual cards

    • Set specific spending limits for each subscription

    • Control exactly how much can be charged

    • Ability to instantly cancel cards if issues arise

  2. Document Everything

    • Screenshot all subscription agreements and pricing

    • Save confirmation emails

    • Record all customer service interactions

    • Track every charge immediately

  3. Monitor Your Statements

    • Check charges monthly at minimum

    • Don't assume automatic payments are correct

    • Challenge unexpected increases immediately

    • Keep a spreadsheet of expected charges

Moving Forward: Better Subscription Management

After these experiences, I've implemented several changes in how I manage my subscriptions:

  • Created dedicated virtual cards for each service

  • Set up automatic notifications for any charges

  • Keep detailed records of all agreements

  • Review terms and conditions thoroughly before signing up

  • Never agree to annual commitments with monthly billing

The Takeaway

While Adobe and Microsoft provide industry-standard services, their billing practices and customer service responses left much to be desired. My advice for other consumers:

  • Stay vigilant with all subscription services

  • Use protective measures like virtual cards

  • Don't be afraid to challenge unexplained charges

  • Be prepared to firmly decline "special offers" when trying to cancel

  • Never share more personal information than necessary to resolve billing issues

  • Keep detailed records of all subscription agreements and communications

Remember: you have the right to understand exactly what you're being charged for, and companies have an obligation to explain their charges clearly.

I'll update this post as the situation develops with any additional refunds or resolutions.