Migliaccio & Rathod LLP is investigating whether Sam’s Club has complied with California consumer protection laws governing the automatic renewal of paid memberships, including requirements that consumers receive timely notice before renewing their memberships.
Sam’s Club offers annual Club and Plus memberships that may automatically renew using a payment method on file. Members that are enrolled in the Auto Bill Program, which charges membership fees to Sam’s Club Mastercard, do not receive a renewal notice.
Sam’s Club states that members receive an email reminder approximately 14 days before renewal. However, California’s Automatic Renewal Law generally requires companies offering covered annual memberships to notify consumers between 15 and 45 days before renewal. These notices must clearly disclose important information, including the renewal terms, amount to be charged, and how to cancel.
Migliaccio & Rathod LLP is investigating whether Sam’s Club has provided California members with the notices required by law, including whether certain members have been charged without adequate advance warning.
What Consumers May Have Experienced:
- Unexpected annual membership renewal charges;
- Membership fees charged without clearly understanding or agreeing to automatic renewal;
- Failure to receive required renewal reminders;
- Difficulty turning off automatic renewal or obtaining refunds.
Potential Claims May Include:
- Violations of California’s Automatic Renewal Law;
- Violations of California’s Unfair Competition Law;
- Unjust enrichment or restitution claims arising from allegedly unauthorized membership charges.
Signs You May Be Affected:
- You are a California consumer who purchased a Sam’s Club membership and enrolled in Auto Buying Program;
- Your membership renewed automatically without your knowledge or clear consent;
- You did not receive a required reminder before your membership renewal;
- You had trouble canceling automatic renewal.
If you are a California consumer who experienced unexpected Sam’s Club membership renewal charges or difficulties canceling your membership, Migliaccio & Rathod LLP would like to hear from you. Please complete the contact form on this page, send us an email at [email protected] or give us a call at (202) 470-3520.