Lawsuit Investigation Looks into Hungryroot for Possible Violations of Auto-Renewal Laws

Attorneys working with ClassAction.org are looking into whether a class action lawsuit can be filed against Hungryroot for possible violations of the auto-renewal laws of California and Oregon.

Specifically, they’re investigating whether Hungryroot clearly disclosed to consumers that its meal delivery subscriptions automatically renew, and whether the company has made its subscriptions difficult to cancel. In complaints posted online, some Hungryroot customers have said they were unexpectedly charged, and others complained that there was no clear cancellation method.

Auto-Renewal Laws: What Are the Requirements?

It’s believed that Hungryroot may have run afoul of state-specific auto-renewal laws enacted to protect consumers from unfair, deceptive and potentially predatory subscription models.

For example, automatic renewal laws in California state that companies who offer an automatically renewing subscription must clearly disclose the terms of the offer – including that it will automatically renew – before the customer accepts. If the offer includes a free trial, the customer must be clearly told how much they will be charged when the trial ends.

California law also says that consumers must be provided with a “cost-effective, timely, and easy-to-use mechanism for cancellation” of the automatically renewing subscription.

Auto-renewal laws in Oregon similarly require businesses to clearly disclose that a subscription will automatically renew and provide an easy cancellation method. If the offer includes a free trial, the consumer must also be told how to cancel before paying for any goods and services.

Customers Post Complaints About Auto-Renew Subscriptions, Cancellation Process

Customers have posted complaints about Hungryroot’s auto-renew subscriptions on review websites and online forums. Some reviewers said it wasn’t clear what they were signing up for, and others complained that the service was difficult to cancel even though Hungryroot advertises that customers can “cancel anytime.”

Below is a sample of Hungryroot complaints posted online [sic throughout]:

My subscription unexpectedly restarted (I had skipped all future deliveries in the portal). I only noticed when I saw an unexpected charge on my credit card, I received absolutely no communication from Hungry Root. The groceries in the order aren't even things I would have normally ordered. I requested the order be canceled within one day of the non-consensual order being placed, and over 5 days before delivery, and they still refused to cancel…” Scott, TrustPilot.com

What a rip off. Dont even try to join. They trick you into signing up by asking you questions. Then you cant cancel!!!!”
— Rick R., TrustPilot.com

Zero stars for these people……charged me 197.00 AFTER I canceled! There is no phone number to call to cancel. What a joke.”
— Barbara S., TrustPilot.com

…I changed my mind shortly after signing up and tried to cancel immediately, before ever receiving my first delivery. Unfortunately they make it very hard to contact their customer service. There is no phone number, no unsubscribe button on their emails and no cancel subscription option on their website if you want to cancel before getting the initial delivery. That should have been my first clue. Long story short, I emailed 3 TIMES to cancel, and despite all of my attempts, I was charged $161.85 for a delivery I DID NOT WANT NOR DID I AUTHORIZE…”
— Rachel C., TrustPilot.com

I signed up for HR on the 15th. My first order isn't coming until the 24th. After reading all of the bad reviews, I decided to cancel. Because I haven't received my first order yet, I can't cancel through the app. I have to contact customer service. It took forever to figure out how to get to their email. I found a phone number on a review site where you are only able to text them. The response said they would get back to me in the next 24 hours. This is very bad customer service!!”
— Kim S, TrustPilot.com

I have been trying to cancel my account and the site wont let me, even though I am still within the period to edit my order. It does not even allow me to cancel it to be effective after this order. I also followed the directions to skip a delivery and these did not work either. There is absolutely no way to get a hold of anyone. I am now in the process of disputing the charges with my bank…”
— Jennifer, TrustPilot.com

Worse customer experience ever! I requested a cancellation and they continued to charge me. Then claimed I had Not cancel, went thru this for two weeks and refuse to refund after I had messages to prove my request. Stay away!”
— Sweet Buddha, TrustPilot.com

How Could a Class Action Lawsuit Help?

A class action lawsuit against Hungryroot could help consumers get back some of the money they spent on auto-renew subscriptions that may not have been clearly explained or were difficult to cancel. A lawsuit could also potentially force Hungryroot to change how it does business.

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