The Wall Street Journal: Difficult subscription cancellation process
“The Wall Street Journal makes it very easy to sign up for subscriptions online, but doesn’t allow users to cancel their subscription via the same method (online). They also have a “cancel via SMS” option on their subscription customer center which then collects your cell phone number. And, that cancellation via SMS is also not a valid to cancel your subscription. So not only do I need to call, wait on hold and provide them with my mailing address to cancel, they also now have my cell phone number. The harm is anguish, mental exhaustion and a forfeiture of my personal information.”
Disclaimer: examples in the Hall of Shame are generally drawn from public submissions and cited sources; they have not been independently verified and may contain inaccuracies. They are presented as illustrations of design patterns, not findings of fact, unlawful conduct, or intent.