INDIANAPOLIS — Subscriptions exist to make our lives more convenient or enjoyable.
But sometimes, the "click to confirm purchase" button is a lot easier to spot than the "click to cancel" button.
That is why the Federal Trade Commission adopted a new rule to make canceling more transparent.
James Kohm, with the FTC, said a person's inability to cancel easily is a problem that seemed to be growing with no end.
"The complaints were saying that I was put on hold for long amounts of time when I tried to cancel that (subscription), I had to go through many screens, and I thought I canceled, but they kept billing me," Kohm said.
He said since the proposal was announced, the agency received more than 16,000 comments from consumers, government agencies and consumer groups.
Kohm added that in addition to helping the consumer, the new rule should also help businesses.
"If you can cancel easily, then that will make room for honest sellers," Kohm said.
Most of the rule's changes should happen within the next 180 days.
In the meantime, you can see what subscriptions you are paying for on Apple products by tapping settings, your name at the top, then subscriptions.
For Androids, go to the Play Store app, tap settings, then subscriptions.
You should also regularly review your credit card statements to make sure nothing is slipping your mind.
If you feel a company six months from now is making it tough to cancel anything, file a complaint with the FTC.
Companies found violating the rule could face hefty civil penalties.