Manage The Epoch Times

How to cancel the epoch times subscription and stop unwanted charges

Understanding the epoch times and why subscribers cancel

The Epoch Times is a U.S.-based independent news publisher offering print and digital subscriptions, investigative reporting, and streaming access. You can subscribe to weekly or daily print delivery bundled with unlimited digital access, or choose digital-only options with varying commitment periods. The service operates on auto-renewing billing cycles, which means your subscription automatically renews at the end of each term unless you actively cancel.

Subscribers choose to cancel for many reasons: unexpected renewal charges, overlapping subscriptions, budget changes, or simply losing interest in the publication. Whatever your reason, Stopee understands that canceling should be straightforward, and you deserve a clear path forward without frustration or hidden obstacles.

Why subscribers report trouble with epoch times cancellations

Real subscribers have shared experiences that reveal a troubling pattern. Many report that cancellation requests via email or phone disappeared into a void, leaving them charged for months afterward. Others discovered duplicate charges even after believing they had canceled successfully. These accounts highlight why documented, verifiable cancellation methods matter so much-and why Stopee recommends specific approaches over others.

Common subscription plans and what you might be paying

Before you cancel, identify which plan you're actually subscribed to by checking your most recent billing statement or account page.

The publisher advertises significant first-term discounts, but renewal charges return to full price automatically. If your billing date is approaching, timing your cancellation correctly can help you avoid an unwanted charge.

Your consumer rights and why they matter

Federal law protects you when dealing with automatic renewal services like The Epoch Times.

The restoration of Electro-Acoustic devices act (ROSCA) and the FTC's negative option rule

The Negative Option Rule, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), requires businesses to obtain clear affirmative consent before charging you for a recurring subscription. They must provide easy cancellation mechanisms, send reminder notices before billing, and honor cancellation requests promptly. If The Epoch Times fails to meet these requirements, you have legal standing to dispute charges and demand refunds.

Under FTC rules, the company cannot make cancellation unreasonably difficult. If you discover that cancellation requires jumping through unnecessary hoops, or if charges continue after you cancel, you can file a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov or contact your state's Attorney General office. Stopee encourages you to know these rights because they give you leverage if the publisher resists honoring your cancellation request.

State laws and additional consumer protections

Depending on your state, additional protections may apply. New York (where The Epoch Times headquarters is located) and many other states require businesses to honor cancellation requests made through the same channel used to sign up. California's Consumer Legal Remedies Act provides extra safeguards around deceptive billing practices. Keep this in mind if you encounter resistance: you have more legal protection than you might think.

Methods to cancel the epoch times subscription

You have several cancellation pathways, each with different levels of documentation and reliability.

Registered postal mail (strongest proof of cancellation)

Registered mail creates a dated, legally defensible record that you sent a cancellation request and that it was delivered. This method is especially valuable if you've had previous trouble with the company ignoring cancellation requests or if you need proof for a dispute.

1. Obtain the current mailing address for The Epoch Times customer service:
   • The Epoch Times, 229 West 28th Street, Floor 7, New York, NY 10001
2. Compose a formal cancellation letter including your full name, email address, subscription account number or phone number associated with the account, and the date of your request.
3. Write a clear statement: "I hereby request cancellation of my subscription effective immediately. Please cease all recurring charges to my billing method and send written confirmation to the address below."
4. Sign the letter by hand (if possible) and include a copy of your latest billing statement as proof of your subscription.
5. Send the letter via USPS Registered Mail with Return Receipt Requested. This costs approximately $8-$10 but provides proof of delivery.
6. Save your receipt and the return receipt card once it arrives back. Keep these documents in your records for at least 60 days.
7. Check your account 5-7 days after delivery to confirm cancellation status.
8. If you're still charged after the next billing cycle, escalate to your state's Attorney General office and reference your registered mail proof.

Pro tip: This method works best if you're canceling more than 7 days before your next billing date. If your renewal is imminent, combine this with a phone call to buy time while your letter is in transit.

Phone cancellation (fast, but get confirmation in writing)

Calling The Epoch Times customer service allows you to speak directly with a representative, but without follow-up documentation, it can easily be disputed or forgotten.

1. Locate the customer service phone number by visiting help.theepochtimes.com or checking your billing statement.
2. Call during business hours with your subscription account details ready (account number, phone number on file, or email address).
3. Clearly state: "I want to cancel my subscription effective immediately and stop all recurring charges."
4. Ask the representative to provide a cancellation confirmation number. Write it down verbatim.
5. Request that they email a written confirmation of cancellation to your email address, including the effective date.
6. Do not hang up until they confirm they have sent the email.
7. Check your inbox within 15 minutes. If the confirmation email does not arrive, call back immediately and request it be resent.
8. Save this email confirmation indefinitely. Do not delete it.

Warning: Stopee has reviewed feedback from Epoch Times subscribers who say they were told their cancellation was processed over the phone, only to be charged again at renewal. Without written confirmation, you have no proof. Always demand email documentation before ending the call.

Email cancellation (document everything)

Email creates a timestamped record of your request, but only if you send it correctly and follow up persistently.

1. Locate the cancellation email address. Check your most recent billing statement or visit help.theepochtimes.com for the customer care email.
2. Compose an email with the subject line: "Subscription Cancellation Request - [Your Full Name]"
3. In the email body, include:
   • Your full name as it appears on the account
   • Email address associated with the subscription
   • Account number (if available) or phone number linked to the account
   • The date of your cancellation request
   • A clear statement: "I request immediate cancellation of my subscription effective today. Please confirm in writing within 24 hours."
4. Send the email from the same address associated with your subscription account.
5. Wait 24 hours. If you don't receive a confirmation email, send a follow-up with "URGENT: Cancellation Confirmation Needed" in the subject line.
6. Save both your outgoing emails and any responses in a dedicated folder. Take screenshots as backup.
7. If you receive no response within 48 hours, escalate by calling and referencing your email attempt as evidence that the company is not honoring the FTC's requirement for accessible cancellation.

Pro tip: Use "Read Receipt" on your email client if available, so you can prove the recipient opened your request. Screenshot the delivery and read receipts for your records.

Pricing breakdown and what happens to your remaining balance

Understanding The Epoch Times' refund policy helps you plan your cancellation timing.

The publisher's standard policy states that no refunds are issued for completed billing periods. However, if you cancel within 14 days of your initial sign-up (especially if you were offered a free trial or introductory rate), you may have grounds to request a full refund. Additionally, if you cancel and are charged again without explicit re-consent, those subsequent charges are illegal under the FTC Negative Option Rule, and you can dispute them with your bank.

What happens after you cancel with stopee's guidance

Cancellation doesn't end the moment you submit your request-monitoring what happens next is equally important.

Access during and after cancellation

Once your cancellation is processed, you retain access to The Epoch Times subscription content through the end of your paid billing period. After that date, your login will no longer work, and your account will show as "inactive" or "canceled" in the customer service system. Digital access, streaming, and print delivery all terminate on the final day of the billing cycle.

Monitoring your billing statements for weeks afterward

Do not assume cancellation is complete after you submit your request. Stopee recommends checking your credit card or bank statements for the next 60 days. Watch for:

• Any charges labeled "Epoch Times," "EpochTimes," or variations of that name
• Charges from payment processors or subsidiary companies that might process on behalf of The Epoch Times
• Auto-renewal charges that appear despite your cancellation request

If you spot an unauthorized charge after cancellation, document it immediately and prepare to dispute it with your credit card company. This is one reason Stopee emphasizes keeping your cancellation confirmation email or registered mail receipt for at least 90 days.

If charges continue after cancellation

Contact your credit card issuer or bank to dispute the charges as unauthorized. Provide your cancellation confirmation (email, registered mail receipt, or call confirmation number) as evidence. The card issuer will typically reverse charges made after your documented cancellation request. Additionally, file a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, describing the situation and providing copies of your cancellation request and the unauthorized charges.

Common cancellation mistakes and how to avoid them

Canceling a subscription can feel emotionally frustrating, especially if you've already tried once and failed-take a breath, and use these lessons to protect yourself the second time around.

Mistake 1: assuming cancellation happened because you received an email confirmation

Not all emails are equal. An automated acknowledgment saying "We received your request" is not the same as "Your cancellation is complete." Stopee recommends waiting 5-7 days after your cancellation request, then logging into your account to verify the status shows "canceled" or "inactive." If it still shows "active," your cancellation has not yet been processed, and you need to follow up immediately.

Mistake 2: canceling via live chat without saving the transcript

Live chat conversations often disappear from your account history or are not retrievable later. If you use live chat, take a screenshot of the entire conversation, including the timestamp and the representative's name. Email yourself a copy. Without this documentation, you have no proof if the cancellation claim is disputed.

Mistake 3: waiting until the day before renewal to cancel

If you procrastinate, you risk the renewal charge being processed before your cancellation request is honored. The safest practice: cancel at least 7-10 days before your billing date. Most customer service systems process requests within 3-5 business days, so early cancellation is your insurance policy against unexpected charges.

Mistake 4: only using email without escalation if no response arrives

Email is convenient, but it has no guaranteed response time. If you don't hear back within 24 hours, don't wait. Pick up the phone. Combining email documentation with a phone call ensures you've covered both channels and created multiple records of your intent to cancel.

Mistake 5: not disputing charges immediately after discovering them

If you find unauthorized charges after cancellation, you typically have 60 days to dispute them with your credit card issuer (longer with some banks). Do not wait. Contact your card issuer the same day you discover the charge, provide your cancellation confirmation, and request a refund. The sooner you file, the stronger your case.

Checklist before and after you cancel

Use this step-by-step checklist to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

What readers say about canceling the epoch times

Real subscriber experiences offer valuable lessons. Many Epoch Times readers report that the publication offers quality investigative journalism, but the subscription cancellation process has been a source of frustration. A common theme in consumer forums is that email cancellation requests went unanswered, leaving subscribers to discover charges on their next billing cycle. Others describe having to call multiple times before reaching someone who could actually process the cancellation. These patterns underline why registered mail or phone calls with written confirmation have become the default recommendation-they create friction upfront but eliminate bigger problems later.

Stopee has helped thousands of consumers navigate subscription cancellations by prioritizing documented, verifiable methods. The feedback consistently shows that subscribers who follow a multi-channel approach (combining phone calls with email follow-ups) experience faster, more reliable cancellations than those relying on a single method.

Your path forward: next steps to cancel the epoch times

You now understand your rights under federal law, the methods available to you, and the exact steps to follow. The choice of cancellation method depends on your timeline and your need for documented proof. If your renewal is more than 7 days away, email with a phone follow-up works well. If renewal is imminent or you've had trouble in the past, registered mail provides the strongest protection. Whatever you choose, get written confirmation, monitor your account, and follow up if anything looks wrong.

Stopee is here to support you through this process. Our resources have guided countless consumers through subscription cancellations, and we know that clarity and confidence make all the difference. Remember: you have the legal right to cancel, the company has a legal obligation to honor it, and you deserve a process that respects your time and your money.

If you encounter resistance or unauthorized charges, use the FTC complaint process, your state's Attorney General office, or your credit card issuer's dispute system. Stopee recommends documenting every step so you have leverage if you need it.

Contact information for the epoch times cancellation

Mail your cancellation request to:

The Epoch Times
229 West 28th Street, Floor 7
New York, NY 10001

For phone or email contact options, visit help.theepochtimes.com or check your most recent billing statement. Stopee wishes you a smooth cancellation process and the peace of mind that comes with taking control of your subscriptions.