People can lose hundreds of pounds paying for subscriptions they don't want, according to warning shared by Citizens Advice Dorchester.

An analysis of 500 cases reported to the Citizens Advice consumer service between June and August 2017 found people lost an average of £160 from subscriptions they wanted to cancel, but weren’t able to.

Citizens Advice Dorchester is now sharing tips on how to avoid getting tied into a subscription and will be taking part in National Consumer Week - a campaign to help people understand their consumer rights which launched on Monday, November 27.

The analysis revealed that companies can make it hard to cancel a subscription with nine in 10 people prevented from doing so after initially asking. Common reasons for turning down a cancellation include being told to use a specific method, like the phone, or to give more than a month’s notice.

People also reported not being made aware they had signed up for a subscription in the first place, or that their contract would continue on an auto renewal basis.

With subscriptions now being offered across a range of goods and services, from beauty products to TV streaming, Citizens Advice Dorchester is urging people to check the small print before they sign up to one.

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, businesses can’t enforce terms on consumers that are unfair.

Ann Evans, advice services manager at Citizens Advice Dorchester said: “People can be made to feel like they’re going round in circles when trying to cancel a subscription.

“This research shows that companies are continuing to cash in on unwanted subscriptions by blocking people’s cancellation on the grounds of a technicality. It’s important for people to read any terms and conditions before signing up to a subscription, but they should also be on the lookout for companies who are deliberately throwing obstacles in their way when they try to cancel.

“Anyone who needs advice on how to cancel a subscription, or runs into difficulty doing so, should contact us for further help.”

The organisation has the following advice:

Check what your cancellation rights are

Remember you’ve got a cooling off period if you buy online

Follow the cancellation policy

Challenge unfair T&Cs

For further help contact your local Citizens advice office or ring the Citizens Advice Consumer line on 03454 04 05 06.