Cancel ShortMax: Step-by-Step Guide

How to cancel your ShortMax subscription and reclaim your money

Understanding ShortMax and why you need a cancellation strategy

ShortMax is a short-form video and mini-drama streaming platform operated by SHORTTV LIMITED, a Hong Kong-based company that delivers bite-sized entertainment optimized for mobile viewing. You can purchase weekly passes (typically $9.99 to $19.99), monthly subscriptions (around $39.99), or one-time content access ($4.99 to $49.99) directly within the app. The critical problem: these subscriptions renew automatically, and simply deleting the app will not stop your charges from appearing on your credit card or phone bill. At Tocancel, we understand the frustration of discovering recurring ShortMax charges you thought you had canceled, and we have helped thousands of subscribers take back control of their accounts. Canceling ShortMax requires a formal, documented approach-which this guide walks you through step by step.

How ShortMax charges appear on your account

Your billing statement may show charges from SHORTTV LIMITED or from a third-party payment processor, depending on whether you subscribed directly through the app or through a regional carrier bundle in markets like Indonesia or Thailand. Because ShortMax uses in-app billing, your charges may appear under the app store (Apple App Store or Google Play) rather than under ShortMax's own company name. This confusion is exactly why many subscribers believe they have canceled when they have not-the charges continue silently in the background. You must take active steps to halt the recurring billing cycle.

Why users cancel ShortMax

Subscribers report canceling ShortMax for clear, consistent reasons: unexpected recurring charges on bank or phone bills, content variety that does not meet expectations, billing amounts that exceed promotional offers, accidental subscription activation, or a deliberate decision to reduce discretionary spending. Many users attempted to cancel through the app alone, only to discover that charges continued for weeks or months afterward. Others report that ShortMax promised "unlimited" or "ad-free" access but failed to deliver on those claims. The most common complaint is the difficulty of reaching customer support and obtaining written confirmation that a cancellation request has actually been processed. Understanding these patterns helps you take the right approach from the start.

Your consumer rights when canceling ShortMax

Federal law gives you specific, enforceable protections when you cancel subscription services, and Tocancel encourages you to know these rights before you contact ShortMax.

The restore online shoppers confidence act (ROSCA) protects you

Under the Restore Online Shoppers Confidence Act (ROSCA), enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), ShortMax must obtain your clear, affirmative consent before charging you for any subscription. The company must also provide you with a simple, easy-to-use mechanism to cancel your subscription at any time. ShortMax is legally required to honor your cancellation request promptly-which means within the billing cycle or as required by law. Your legal position is straightforward: if ShortMax continues to bill you after you submit a valid cancellation request, those charges are unauthorized and you can dispute them. Additionally, under the FTC Act, deceptive billing practices such as charging you after you canceled are illegal and subject to enforcement action.

Your right to dispute charges with your bank or credit card issuer

If ShortMax continues to charge you after you have submitted a cancellation request, you have the immediate right to file a dispute (also called a chargeback claim) with your bank or credit card company. This process compels ShortMax to prove they had your authorization for those charges. At Tocancel, we recommend you file a dispute if more than 5 business days pass without written confirmation that your cancellation has been processed. Your bank or card issuer will investigate on your behalf and can reverse unauthorized charges. Document everything: keep copies of your cancellation letter, email receipts, and the dates of any charges that appear after you canceled. This evidence gives your bank the strongest foundation to rule in your favor.

State consumer protection laws add extra safeguards

Depending on your state, you may have even stronger protections under state consumer protection statutes. States like California, New York, and Illinois have enacted strict rules around recurring billing, requiring companies to obtain explicit consent and honor cancellation requests within strict timeframes. Check your state attorney general's website to learn whether your state has passed a "negative option" law or equivalent. These protections often include the right to receive a refund of unauthorized charges within 30 to 60 days. Your rights are backed by law-use them.

ShortMax pricing and subscription tiers

Understanding what you are paying for helps you make the cancellation decision with confidence.

How to cancel your ShortMax subscription

ShortMax requires you to send a formal cancellation notice by postal mail or email to halt your recurring charges. This method may seem old-fashioned, but it creates a documented record-which is your legal protection if disputes arise later.

Step-by-step cancellation process

1. Gather your account information
   • Locate your user ID or account email address associated with your ShortMax account
   • Note the phone number or payment method linked to your subscription
   • Write down your most recent billing date and amount charged
   • Take a screenshot of your subscription status within the app (shows you have an active subscription)
2. Prepare your cancellation letter
   • Write a clear, one-page letter with a direct statement: "I request immediate cancellation of my ShortMax subscription effective today."
   • Include your full name, account email, and user ID
   • State the date your request was sent
   • Request written confirmation of your cancellation
   • Keep a copy for your records before sending
3. Send your cancellation by postal mail (primary method)
   • Mail your letter to the official ShortMax address (see address section below)
   • Use certified mail with return receipt requested, or tracked delivery service
   • The tracking receipt proves you sent the request and when
   • Allow 5 to 7 business days for processing
4. Send backup cancellation via email
   • Email the same cancellation letter to [email protected] or [email protected]
   • Use a subject line: "Subscription Cancellation Request - Account [Your User ID]"
   • Request a read receipt or confirmation of delivery
   • Save all email correspondence in a dedicated folder
5. Monitor your account for confirmation
   • Check your email for a cancellation confirmation within 5 business days
   • Log into your ShortMax account and verify your subscription status has changed to "canceled" or "inactive"
   • Check your bank or credit card statement to confirm no new charges appear
6. If you receive no response, escalate your claim
   • File a chargeback dispute with your bank or credit card issuer if charges continue after 10 business days
   • Submit a complaint to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov with copies of your cancellation requests and proof of continued charges
   • Contact your state attorney general's office consumer protection division

Timeline: what to expect after you cancel

Knowing when charges should stop and when to take action protects you from silent, continuing billing.

Days 1 to 3: your cancellation request is submitted

You send your cancellation letter by mail or email. ShortMax receives your request. During this period, continue to monitor your account login status and billing activity. Do not assume that silence means approval.

Days 4 to 7: expect written confirmation

ShortMax should send you email or postal confirmation that your cancellation has been processed. If you do not receive confirmation by day 7, send a follow-up email to both support addresses. At Tocancel, we recommend you document the lack of response in writing.

Days 8 to 14: verify charges have stopped

Check your account status within the ShortMax app. Your subscription should show as "canceled," "inactive," or "no active plan." Review your bank or credit card statement to confirm no new ShortMax charges appear. If you were charged weekly or monthly, the next billing date has now passed without a charge-this confirms cancellation worked.

After day 14: take formal action if needed

If ShortMax continues to charge you after your cancellation request and confirmation period, you have clear grounds to dispute those charges. File a chargeback with your bank, providing copies of your cancellation request, confirmation email (if received), and the unauthorized charges as evidence.

Refunds and recovering past charges

You have the right to reclaim money charged after your valid cancellation request.

Unauthorized charges after cancellation

If ShortMax charged you after you submitted a cancellation request, those charges are legally unauthorized. Under ROSCA and the FTC Act, you have the right to request a refund of those charges. Contact ShortMax's billing department directly and state: "I canceled my subscription on [date]. I have proof of my cancellation request. I request an immediate refund of all charges dated [date range] to [your account]." Give ShortMax 10 business days to respond. If they refuse or do not respond, file a chargeback with your bank.

How to file a chargeback for unauthorized charges

Contact your bank or credit card company and state clearly: "I canceled my ShortMax subscription and was charged again. This is an unauthorized recurring charge." Provide your cancellation letter, email proof, and the dates and amounts of disputed charges. Your bank will open an investigation and typically reverses the charges within 30 to 60 days. ShortMax then has a chance to dispute the reversal, but your documented cancellation request gives your bank strong evidence to side with you.

Refunds for accidental or promotional subscriptions

If you were charged during a free trial or accidentally activated a subscription you did not intend, request a refund citing the accidental activation. Many subscription services honor good-faith refund requests within 30 days of the unwanted charge. Document your request in writing and keep records of all correspondence. If ShortMax refuses, escalate to your bank.

Common cancellation mistakes and how to avoid them

Canceling a subscription feels straightforward until it does not-and the consequences can last for months.

Mistake 1: deleting the app instead of canceling

Deleting ShortMax from your phone does absolutely nothing to your billing status. The app removal is separate from your subscription account. Charges will continue to appear on your bank statement or phone bill even though the app no longer exists on your device. You must send a formal cancellation request; app deletion alone is not cancellation.

Mistake 2: assuming app-based cancellation worked

Some users report that ShortMax allows them to tap "cancel" or "manage subscription" within the app itself, but charges continue afterward. This creates a false sense of security. Even if the app confirms your cancellation, follow up with a written postal mail and email request to create an undisputed paper trail. Your bank and the FTC will want proof that you tried to cancel, and written documentation is the strongest evidence.

Mistake 3: not keeping copies of your cancellation request

If you send a cancellation letter by mail without keeping a copy, and ShortMax disputes receiving it, you have no proof. Always photograph or photocopy your letter before mailing. Use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery. Save all email cancellation requests and any responses in a dedicated folder. This documentation is your legal ammunition if ShortMax continues to bill you.

Mistake 4: ignoring charges that continue after cancellation

It is frustrating to see ShortMax charges reappear after you canceled, but silence and inaction will not stop them. Act immediately: send a follow-up cancellation email, contact your bank, and file a chargeback if necessary. The longer you wait, the more charges accumulate and the weaker your position becomes. Tocancel advises you to dispute unauthorized charges within 30 to 60 days of discovery for the strongest legal position.

Mistake 5: not involving your bank early enough

If ShortMax does not respond to your cancellation request within 10 business days, or if charges continue after cancellation, involve your bank immediately. Your bank has tools and legal authority to reverse charges and investigate fraud that you do not. Do not wait weeks hoping ShortMax will fix the problem on its own.

After your cancellation is confirmed

Cancellation is a relief, but your work is not quite finished-stay vigilant for a few weeks to ensure charges truly have stopped.

Monitor your statements for 30 days

After your cancellation is confirmed, check your bank and credit card statements weekly for the next 30 days. Look for any charges labeled "ShortMax," "SHORTTV," or unfamiliar charges around the amount you were paying. Billing system glitches occasionally cause charges to reappear even after cancellation. If you spot a post-cancellation charge, contact your bank immediately and provide your cancellation proof.

Remove stored payment methods if possible

Log into your ShortMax account one final time and delete any stored credit card or payment method information. This prevents accidental reactivation or new charges. If you are unable to access your account after cancellation, contact ShortMax support and ask them to confirm your payment method has been removed.

Opt out of promotional emails

ShortMax may send reactivation offers, discounts, or "come back" promotions to your email after cancellation. Unsubscribe from these emails to avoid temptation or accidental reactivation. Each email typically includes an unsubscribe link at the bottom.

Escalation: what to do if ShortMax refuses to cancel

A small number of subscribers report that ShortMax either ignores cancellation requests or disputes that they were ever sent. You have legal recourse.

File a complaint with the federal trade commission

The FTC actively investigates unauthorized recurring billing and deceptive practices. Visit reportfraud.ftc.gov and file a detailed complaint. Include your cancellation letter, email receipts, copies of unauthorized charges, and timeline of your attempts to cancel. The FTC cannot recover your money directly, but complaints create a public record and can trigger an FTC investigation of the company. If many consumers file complaints about the same company, the FTC has authority to pursue enforcement action and impose penalties.

Contact your state attorney general

Your state attorney general's consumer protection division investigates violations of state recurring billing and consumer protection laws. File a complaint with your state AG's office, providing the same documentation you sent to the FTC. State AGs have recovered millions of dollars for consumers harmed by unauthorized recurring billing. At Tocancel, we have seen state AGs take action against companies that refuse to honor cancellation requests.

Pursue a chargeback through your bank

After you have sent a cancellation request and ShortMax has either not responded or refused to cancel, file a chargeback dispute with your bank for all unauthorized charges. Provide your cancellation request, proof of mailing or email delivery, and the dates and amounts of disputed charges. Your bank will initiate an investigation and typically reverses charges within 30 to 60 days. ShortMax then has 7 to 14 days to dispute the reversal, but your documentation gives your bank the evidence to rule in your favor.

Cancellation address and contact details

Use these addresses and email contacts to submit your formal cancellation request.

Postal mail address for cancellation

ShortMax Billing Department
SHORTTV LIMITED
[Main office address to be confirmed - contact support for current mailing address]

Send your cancellation letter by certified mail or tracked delivery. Request a return receipt to prove delivery.

Email addresses for cancellation

Primary support email: [email protected]
Secondary support email: [email protected]

Send your cancellation letter to both addresses. Use the subject line: "Subscription Cancellation Request - Account [Your User ID]" and request a read receipt.

In-app support (secondary method)

If ShortMax offers an in-app support or help section, submit a cancellation request through that channel as well. Screenshot the submission confirmation. This creates an additional record of your cancellation attempt.

Comparison: cancellation methods and effectiveness

Different cancellation channels offer different levels of protection. Choose the most documented approach available.

Key takeaways and your action plan

You have the legal right to cancel your ShortMax subscription and stop recurring charges. ShortMax is required by federal law to honor your cancellation request and to provide you with a simple way to cancel. If they fail to do so, or if they continue to charge you after you canceled, those charges are unauthorized and you have the right to dispute them with your bank, file a complaint with the FTC, or escalate to your state attorney general.

Here is your action plan:

1. Gather your account information and take a screenshot of your active subscription
2. Write a clear cancellation letter stating your intent to cancel immediately
3. Send your letter by certified mail and email to both support addresses
4. Wait 5 to 7 business days for confirmation
5. Monitor your statements for 30 days to ensure charges have stopped
6. If charges continue, file a chargeback with your bank and a complaint with the FTC

Do not accept delay or refusal. Tocancel has helped thousands of consumers recover money from unauthorized recurring charges and reclaim control of their subscriptions. Your rights are backed by law, and companies like ShortMax are required to respect them. Tocancel's mission is to empower you with the information and confidence you need to cancel any subscription service you no longer want. Take action today, follow the documented steps in this guide, and do not let unauthorized charges continue. Tocancel is here to remind you: you have the power to stop this billing, and the law is on your side.