Cancellation services like abo-abmelden.com can be costly
Summary
Why is this warning issued?
This warning has been included because it is based on a report from Watchlist Internet. It is intended to protect other users from this scam. The assessed risk is elevated.
How the scam works
- You search online for a way to cancel a subscription (gym, newspaper, streaming, etc.).
- You land on abo-abmelden.com and select your company from a list.
- You fill out a form on which the 40 euro fee is not clearly visible.
- You click a button such as 'Jetzt bestellen' or 'Weiter' without knowing that this creates a paid contract.
- The cancellation is generated immediately and sent to the actual provider.
- You receive an invoice for 40 euros – you often only see the costs here.
- If you do not pay, dunning letters with additional fees or even demands from collection agencies follow.
How to recognise it
- Price of 40 euros per cancellation letter is not displayed transparently on an alternative form
- Costs are only hidden in the terms and conditions, not in the ordering process
- Order button is not clearly labeled as 'order with obligation to pay' (e.g., 'Weiter', 'Jetzt bestellen', 'Anmelden')
- Cancellation is generated and sent immediately and without being asked – before you even see the invoice
- Withdrawal is often refused with reference to 'immediate service provision'
- Provider is based abroad (USA), which can make reclaiming payments more difficult
- Dunning letters with additional fees in case of non-payment
- Reports from users that the cancellation does not reach the actual provider
How to protect yourself
- Object in writing: Refer to the Button Solution and assert that no payment obligation has arisen.
- If you have already paid: Request a refund of the amount in writing and also file a complaint with your bank.
- Do not be intimidated by dunning letters and threats from collection agencies. If you have objected, further claims are not legally enforceable.
- Try to cancel yourself first – doing it directly with the provider is usually free.
- Read the terms and conditions before ordering, even if it is tedious.
- Research reviews from other users in advance.
- Contact your consumer advice center for an individual assessment.
What you should never do
- Do not pay without checking if you were not clearly informed about the 40 euros.
- Do not pay dunning fees or collection charges if you have already objected to the claim.
- Do not be put off by the foreign company location (USA) or threats.
- Do not click on an order button that is not clearly labeled without reading the terms and conditions.
- Do not pay twice: Check whether your cancellation has reached the actual provider and, if necessary, cancel again yourself directly with them.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay the 40 euros?
If the costs were not clearly visible on the website and the order button was not clearly labeled as 'order with obligation to pay', no payment obligation has arisen under the Button Solution. You should object in writing.
What happens if I do not respond or do not pay?
Dunning letters with fees may follow. Do not be intimidated: If you have objected to the claim, further reminders are not legally enforceable and no dunning charges may be demanded.
Where did the providers get my data?
You most likely entered it yourself in the form on abo-abmelden.com. However, this does not mean that you have accepted a paid contract.
Can I get money I have already paid back?
Yes, you should request a refund of the amount in writing and also file a complaint about the payment with your bank.
Why is it difficult because the company is based in the USA?
A foreign company location can make reclaiming payments more complicated. However, do not be deterred by this and assert your claims in writing, if necessary with the support of your consumer advice center.
Affected data
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Original source
Find more information in the original source.
Watchlist Internet ↗Update history
- 04/09/2026Description updated
- 03/09/2026Warning added from an official source