Complaint / Review
MSN Internet Access
Cancellation fee on 36-month subscription tied to $400 rebate

I responded to a $400 rebate offer when I bought my computer in December 1999. The offer gave me 30 days after the purchase of the computer to sign up with MSN Internet Access and get a $400 rebate. Thirty-eight months later, I told MSN that I don't wish to renew my subscription and that I want to cancel. I was told I have to pay a $35.00 cancellation fee because my 36-month subscription hasn't expired. An MSN representative told me that the subscription I had to sign up for to get the $400 rebate didn't start until I cashed the check they sent me. I cashed the check in March. MSN claims my contract isn't fulfilled until May, so I have to pay a cancellation fee or stay with them until May.

I told them I don't owe them anything, but they insist otherwise. I fulfilled my obligation by paying for 36 months' worth of service. How is it that MSN can now legally extort additional money from me? Or must I pay thousands of dollars to determine if what they are doing is legal? I'm being ripped off by MSN Internet Access.