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How to Stop Unauthorized Microsoft 365 PayPal Charges for a Closed Account
Question details
The user needs to stop an ongoing subscription charge from Microsoft 365 via PayPal for an account that was already closed.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Stopping recurring unauthorized payments and contacting Microsoft Support when the user cannot sign in due to a closed account.
- Observed behavior
- A recurring £59.99 charge continues to be deducted through PayPal even though the associated Microsoft account was closed in 2022.
Gather your PayPal transaction IDs, the exact dates of the unauthorized charges, and your original Microsoft account email. Ensure you do not share any sensitive payment details in public community forums.
Cancel the Automatic Payment Directly in PayPal
The fastest and most reliable way to prevent future unauthorized charges is to revoke Microsoft's billing permissions directly within your PayPal account.
Since your Microsoft account is already closed, you cannot cancel the subscription from the Microsoft dashboard. Stopping the authorization from the payment provider's end will block all future charge attempts.
Navigate to the PayPal website and log in to the account where the unauthorized charges are occurring.
Click on the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner, then select the 'Payments' tab.
Click on 'Manage automatic payments' to view a list of merchants authorized to bill your account.
Locate 'Microsoft' or 'Microsoft 365' in the active list, click on it, and select 'Cancel' to permanently revoke their ability to charge your PayPal account.
Contact Microsoft Billing Support Without Signing In
Reach out to Microsoft's customer support using their web portal to investigate the prior charges and request a refund.
Avoid Unexpected Subscription Fees with WPS Office
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- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click 'Download WPS Office Free'.
- 2. Install the Suite: Run the lightweight installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup in minutes.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office to immediately view, edit, and save your existing .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund for Microsoft 365 charges made after my account was closed?
Yes, but it depends on the payment provider's policies and Microsoft's billing department. Opening a dispute directly through PayPal is usually the most effective first step for unauthorized charges on a closed account.
Why did Microsoft keep charging me after I closed my account?
If a recurring subscription was not properly canceled prior to the account closure, or if the account closure process failed to process on the billing end, automated payment agreements with providers like PayPal may remain active.
How can I contact Microsoft if I cannot sign in?
You can use the Microsoft Support website (support.microsoft.com/contactus), select 'Get Help', and follow the prompts for 'Contact Support' under the 'Microsoft 365 and Office' category. You will be provided options for live chat or a phone callback without needing to log in.
Is it safe to share my PayPal transaction ID in the Microsoft community forums?
No. You should never share sensitive information such as transaction IDs, credit card numbers, email addresses, or passwords in a public forum. Always provide this information privately to official support agents.
