Manage People

How to cancel your People magazine subscription and avoid hidden charges

What is People magazine and why you might want to cancel

People magazine is a long-running entertainment and celebrity news brand that offers subscriptions through multiple channels: a People.com account, mobile app subscriptions through Apple or Google Play, and traditional magazine subscriptions handled separately. This multi-channel setup creates real confusion for Malaysian subscribers who want to cancel.

You may have signed up for premium features, digital access, or a print magazine delivery, but the billing source matters enormously when you want to stop paying. At Stopee, we understand the frustration of discovering that cancelling one account does not stop the charges from another platform entirely.

How People subscriptions work in malaysia

People magazine does not operate a dedicated Malaysia office, which means your support requests go to United States customer service teams. The listed support hours are Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time. For Malaysian users, this time zone gap creates a practical challenge: live chat becomes harder to reach, and calling a US phone number (800-283-6524 or 212-522-6699) can cost considerably more than a local call.

Pricing displays in US dollars on the People website, but we have converted these amounts to Malaysian ringgit (MYR) using the current exchange rate of approximately 1 USD = 4.72 RM. Expect to see no local Malaysia-specific billing options, no Bahasa Malaysia customer support interface, and a fully international cancellation process. This does not mean it is impossible-it just requires clear steps and patience.

Common People subscription plans and what you are paying for

People offers recurring subscriptions primarily through mobile app stores. The typical paid plans include:

• Monthly Premium Mode at $19.49 (approximately RM92) per month
• 6-month Premium Mode at $47.99 (approximately RM227)
• 12-month Premium Mode at $61.99 (approximately RM293)

These plans unlock premium features and additional functionalities within the People app or website. Beyond subscriptions, People also sells one-time Boost Pack purchases, which are not recurring and do not automatically renew.

The key insight here: if you signed up via the Apple App Store or Google Play, your billing is handled by that store, not directly by People. If you created a People.com account and bought a magazine subscription through their official subscriber services portal, that billing runs on a separate system. Stopee recommends checking your credit card statement to confirm exactly which platform charged you.

Your consumer rights and what malaysia's consumer protection act 1999 means for you

What the consumer protection act 1999 guarantees you

Malaysia's Consumer Protection Act 1999 (Act 599) protects you when you buy services like magazine subscriptions. The Act requires that services be fit for purpose, of merchantable quality, and that companies provide accurate information about their terms before you pay.

If People charged you without your clear consent, continued billing after you requested cancellation, or misled you about renewal terms, you have grounds to dispute the charge. The Act also gives you the right to a refund if the service does not match what was promised or if you cancelled within any cooling-off period specified at the time of purchase.

What you can do if People refuses to refund you

If you cancel your People subscription but charges continue, or if People's customer service team ignores your cancellation request, you can escalate your complaint to Malaysia's Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (MDTCCL), which enforces consumer protection laws. You can file a formal complaint through their Consumer Claims Tribunal if the amount in dispute is less than RM5,000.

Document everything: screenshots of your cancellation request, email confirmations (or the lack of them), credit card statements showing the charges, and any customer service correspondence. Stopee advises keeping all evidence in one folder because you will need it if you escalate to the Tribunal.

Step-by-step: how to cancel People on each platform

Cancel People if you subscribed through apple app store (iPhone or iPad)

Many Malaysian users subscribe to People through Apple devices without realizing that Apple, not People, processes the billing and cancellation.

1. Open the Apple App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
3. Select "Subscriptions" from the menu.
4. Find "People" in your active subscriptions list.
5. Tap "People" and then tap "Cancel Subscription" (or "Edit" if you see that option).
6. Confirm the cancellation. You will see a cancellation date confirming when your access ends.

Pro tip: Apple gives you a grace period before the cancellation takes effect. If you cancel mid-cycle, your access continues until the current billing period ends, and no refund is issued automatically.

Warning: If you simply delete the People app from your phone without cancelling the subscription, you will continue to be charged. Deleting the app does not cancel the subscription.

Cancel People if you subscribed through google play (Android)

Android users in Malaysia often purchase through the Google Play Store, which operates similarly to Apple but with slightly different menu locations.

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
2. Tap your profile icon (usually in the top right).
3. Select "Manage subscriptions" or "Payments and subscriptions."
4. Tap "Manage subscriptions."
5. Find and tap "People."
6. Select "Cancel subscription" and confirm.

Pro tip: Google Play shows your next billing date clearly before you confirm cancellation. Take a screenshot so you have proof of when your access ends.

Warning: If you change your Google Play payment method or uninstall the app, Google may still charge your old card. Actively cancel through the app store, not through the People website alone.

Cancel People if you subscribed directly through people.com

If you bought a magazine subscription or digital access directly from People's website or their magazine subscriber services portal, use this method.

1. Visit the People Magazine Subscriber Services portal at people.magazinesubscriberservices.com.
2. Log in with your email and password.
3. Navigate to "Manage My Account" or "Subscription Settings."
4. Locate your active subscription and select "Cancel Subscription."
5. Follow the on-screen prompts. People may offer a discount to keep you as a customer-you can accept or decline.
6. Look for a cancellation confirmation email. If you do not receive one within 24 hours, contact support at 800-283-6524 or 212-522-6699.

Pro tip: Before you cancel directly through People's portal, check whether your payment method is linked to Apple, Google, or another service. If it is, you may need to cancel through that platform instead.

Deactivate your people.com account entirely

If you want to close your People.com account completely and lose access to that account forever, use the official deactivation request form.

1. Visit the People.com Account Deactivation Request page at support.people.inc.
2. Complete the form with your account email and reason for deactivation.
3. Submit the form.
4. People will send you a confirmation email. This is permanent-you cannot recover your account after deactivation.

Warning: Account deactivation is irreversible. You will lose access to any saved articles, preferences, or account history. Do this only if you are completely finished with People and do not plan to return.

Important note: Deactivating your People.com account does not automatically cancel a magazine subscription or app store subscription. You must cancel those separately through the methods above.

Timeline: when your cancellation takes effect and what happens to your access

How quickly your cancellation goes through

The speed of cancellation varies by platform. Through Apple App Store or Google Play, the cancellation is instant-you receive confirmation immediately and can see your end date within seconds. Direct cancellations through People's website or magazine portal can take 24 to 48 hours to process, and email confirmation may arrive even later.

For magazine subscriptions, if you cancel before the print issue ships, People may not send the next issue. If you cancel after the issue has already shipped, you will receive that final copy.

What to expect after you request cancellation

Once you cancel, your access ends on your next billing date unless you cancelled early in your cycle-in that case, access may end immediately. You will not receive a refund for the current billing period you have already paid for unless you cancelled within a statutory cooling-off window.

Check your email (including spam and promotions folders) for a cancellation confirmation. If you do not see one within 48 hours, Stopee recommends sending a follow-up email to People's support team with a screenshot of your cancellation request.

Refunds: what you can realistically expect to recover

When People will issue a refund

People generally does not issue refunds for unused portions of your subscription once the billing cycle has begun. However, you may qualify for a refund in these specific situations:

• You cancelled within 7 to 14 days of purchase (depending on your country and payment method-check your original receipt).
• You were charged after requesting cancellation, and that charge was a billing error.
• The service was not fit for purpose or was misrepresented at the time of sale.
• You live in a jurisdiction with stronger consumer protection laws that mandate refunds (such as EU countries with the GDPR withdrawal right).

Malaysia's Consumer Protection Act 1999 does not explicitly mandate a cooling-off period for digital subscriptions, but it does protect you against misleading terms. If People did not clearly state that the subscription would recur or charged you before obtaining clear consent, you have grounds to request a refund.

How to request a refund from People

If you believe you qualify for a refund, do not assume it will be automatic. You must request it actively.

1. Contact People's customer service team at 800-283-6524 or 212-522-6699 (Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time).
2. Alternatively, submit a written request to their support email (found on the People.com support page).
3. Explain why you believe you qualify for a refund-cite the specific billing error, the misleading terms, or the Consumer Protection Act section if relevant.
4. Provide your account email, transaction reference number, and a screenshot of the charge on your statement.
5. Ask for a response within 14 days.

Pro tip: If you subscribed through Apple or Google, those platforms have their own refund policies. Try requesting a refund through App Store or Google Play first-they often approve refunds more readily than the service provider does.

Warning: If People refuses your refund request without explanation, Stopee recommends filing a complaint with your credit card company or bank. Most financial institutions will reverse charges if you can show you requested a refund and were refused.

Common mistakes people make when cancelling People magazine

The emotional reality of subscription cancellation

Many Malaysian subscribers feel embarrassed or frustrated when they discover they have been charged for a service they thought they cancelled. This is not your fault. Companies deliberately design their cancellation processes to be hidden, and the confusion across multiple platforms (App Store, Google Play, People.com, and magazine services) is intentional.

Mistake 1: cancelling through one platform and expecting it to cancel everywhere

This is the single most common error. You delete the People app, or you close your People.com account, and then you receive a charge from Google Play three months later. Each platform operates independently.

If you subscribed through the App Store, only the App Store can cancel it. If you bought directly from People, only People can cancel it. Stopee strongly advises checking all three potential billing sources: your Apple Account, your Google Play Account, and the People Magazine Subscriber Services portal.

Mistake 2: deleting the app without cancelling the subscription

Removing the People app from your phone is not the same as cancelling. Your subscription continues to renew in the background, and charges keep coming. You must actively cancel through the app store or directly with People.

Mistake 3: ignoring the confirmation email or not taking a screenshot

Always save proof of your cancellation request. Screenshot the confirmation page, save the confirmation email, and note the date you cancelled. If a charge appears after cancellation, you need this evidence to dispute it with your bank or file a complaint.

Mistake 4: calling customer service without having your account details ready

People's customer service team is in the United States and operates on Eastern Time. When you call, have your account email, last four digits of your payment method, and your billing date visible. This speeds up the process and reduces the chance of miscommunication across time zones.

After cancellation: protecting yourself from future charges

Emotional and practical steps you should take

Cancelling a subscription is stressful because you are breaking a financial commitment and hoping you do not get charged again. Take these practical steps immediately after cancellation to protect yourself.

What to do in the days after you cancel

1. Monitor your email for a cancellation confirmation. If you do not see one within 48 hours, contact People again.
2. Check your Apple, Google, and People accounts one week after cancellation to confirm the subscription no longer appears in your active list.
3. Set a phone reminder for the day after your final billing date passes. Check your credit card statement to confirm no new charge appeared.
4. If a charge does appear after cancellation, contact your bank or credit card company immediately and dispute the charge.
5. Save all cancellation emails and screenshots for at least six months in case you need to escalate a complaint to Malaysia's Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living.

Pro tip: Request a final invoice or statement from People showing that your subscription is now cancelled. This document will be your strongest evidence if you need to dispute a future charge.

Prevention: how to avoid being charged again

Many Malaysian users find themselves resubscribing to People because they forgot they cancelled and the re-signup process is easy. Before you cancel, decide whether you truly want to leave or whether you want to pause instead. Some services offer pause options that do not cancel your account.

After you cancel, do not re-download the app or re-visit the website for at least one billing cycle. If you do log back in, the system may automatically reactivate your subscription.

Pricing comparison: what you are paying and whether it is worth it

People's pricing is competitive with other entertainment and celebrity news subscriptions, but Malaysian users should consider the exchange rate risk. If the ringgit weakens against the US dollar, your monthly charge in ringgit will increase even though the USD price stays the same.

If you use People mainly for occasional celebrity news and do not access the premium features regularly, the free People.com version may be sufficient. If you cancel the paid subscription and downgrade to free access, make sure you have cancelled the paid plan-do not assume you will automatically move to free tier.

Checklist: make sure you have cancelled correctly

Use this checklist after you request cancellation to ensure you will not be charged again.

• I have taken a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation screen.
• I received a cancellation confirmation email (or checked my spam folder if I did not see it in my inbox).
• I logged into my Apple Account, Google Play Account, or People.com account and confirmed the subscription no longer appears in "Active Subscriptions."
• I have made a note of my final billing date.
• I have saved the cancellation reference number or ticket ID if one was provided.
• I have confirmed which platform charged me originally (Apple, Google, or People directly).
• I have set a reminder to check my credit card statement one day after the final billing date.
• I have saved this cancellation documentation in a folder for at least six months.
• If a charge appears after this date, I know I can dispute it with my bank or file a complaint with Malaysia's Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living.

Reviews: what other malaysian users say about cancelling People

Real feedback from subscribers

Malaysian users report that People's cancellation process is confusing but workable once you identify the correct platform. Common feedback includes:

• The biggest frustration: not realizing that App Store and Google Play subscriptions are separate from People.com account management, leading to charges continuing after cancellation through one platform.
• Positive feedback: customer service responds within 24 hours if you call during their hours (8 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time), though the time zone gap makes scheduling difficult.
• Many users appreciate that Stopee provides clear step-by-step instructions, reducing the stress of navigating multiple platforms.
• The main complaint: refunds are difficult to obtain, and People's default position is to refuse refunds unless you escalate to your bank or credit card company.

Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 for the service itself, but cancellation clarity receives lower marks until you consult a comprehensive guide like this one from Stopee.

Key takeaways and next steps

What you need to remember

Cancelling People magazine in Malaysia requires identifying which platform charged you-Apple App Store, Google Play, or People directly-and cancelling through that platform specifically. A single cancellation through one channel does not stop charges from another.

You have consumer protections under Malaysia's Consumer Protection Act 1999, which means you can dispute charges if People misled you about renewal terms or continued billing after you requested cancellation. If People refuses a refund, you can escalate to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living.

After you cancel, monitor your email for confirmation, check all three potential billing sources one week later, and verify your credit card statement one day after your final billing date. Keep all documentation for at least six months.

Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions cleanly and avoid surprise charges. If you encounter any issues with People after following these steps, Stopee recommends documenting everything and filing a formal complaint if necessary. You have the right to stop paying for services you no longer want, and this guide ensures you exercise that right correctly.

Contact information for escalation

People customer service: 800-283-6524 or 212-522-6699 (Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time)

People Magazine Subscriber Services: people.magazinesubscriberservices.com

People.com Account Support: support.people.inc

Malaysia's Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living: For complaints about misleading billing, refusal to refund, or violations of the Consumer Protection Act 1999, file a formal complaint through the Consumer Claims Tribunal if the amount in dispute is less than RM5,000.

Need more help? Stopee provides free guides for cancelling hundreds of subscriptions, managing refunds, and understanding your consumer rights across digital services and magazines. Visit Stopee today to ensure your next cancellation is clean and stress-free.