How to cancel Scan Hero: Your complete legal guide for Malaysia
How to cancel Scan Hero: your complete legal guide for malaysia
What Scan Hero is and why you might want to cancel
Scan Hero operates as a subscription-based document scanning application that converts your mobile device into a portable PDF scanner. The service enables users to capture, digitise, and export documents through premium features that extend beyond the free trial or basic tier. For Malaysian users, Scan Hero represents a recurring billing arrangement rather than a one-time purchase, which means understanding your cancellation rights under Malaysian consumer law is essential.
The subscription model in practice
You enter into a subscription contract the moment you accept Scan Hero's terms and initiate a paid trial or plan. The service typically offers three billing cycles: a weekly subscription at RM38 (approximately USD 7.99), a monthly premium subscription at RM71 (approximately USD 14.99), and an annual Pro plan at RM425 (approximately USD 89.99). The critical issue for most Malaysian users is that the app itself does not always make the billing mechanism obvious. Your payment actually flows through a third-party platform such as the Apple App Store, Google Play, or a web payment gateway, not directly to Scan Hero. Consequently, your cancellation action must target the correct billing channel, not just the app interface.
Why malaysian users struggle to cancel
Scan Hero support appears limited to a single knowledge base article hosted at scrapehero.com, with no published phone line, live chat, or email address for Malaysian customers. This absence of direct support creates friction when you need to cancel or dispute a charge. Furthermore, many users delete the app from their device and assume the subscription has ended, only to discover the next billing cycle has charged their account. This pattern reflects a common misunderstanding of how app subscriptions function in Malaysia. The app and the subscription are two separate entities. Deleting one does not terminate the other.
Your consumer rights and what malaysian law protects
The Consumer Protection Act 1999 (the CPA) forms the legal foundation for your cancellation rights in Malaysia and grants you specific protections when dealing with subscription services.
The consumer protection act 1999 and your position
Under the CPA, any subscription agreement you enter with Scan Hero is a consumer contract. The law requires that the contract be fair, transparent, and free from unconscionable conduct. Section 4 of the CPA defines unconscionable conduct as behaviour that takes advantage of your relative weakness in bargaining power, lack of knowledge, ability, or power. If Scan Hero or the billing platform makes cancellation deliberately difficult, obscures the renewal date, or charges you without clear prior consent, that conduct may breach the CPA. Additionally, the CPA grants you a right of cancellation within 14 days of purchase for distance contracts (contracts formed online or by phone) if certain conditions are met. However, digital services have different rules, as the supply of digital content is excluded from the standard 14-day cooling-off period if you have already accessed the service with your consent.
Your legal position is this: you have the right to terminate the subscription at any time, and the provider must make cancellation easy and free of charge. If Scan Hero or the billing platform charges you after you have cancelled, you are entitled to lodge a complaint with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDN), the government body that enforces the CPA in Malaysia.
Your right to cancel and the billing platform's responsibility
The platform through which you pay (Apple App Store, Google Play, or Scan Hero's own payment processor) bears equal legal responsibility for honouring your cancellation request. Under the CPA and the Digital Services Act principles that inform consumer protection in Malaysia, the payment processor must not continue to charge you if you have made a clear cancellation request. Furthermore, if you have been charged in error or after cancellation, you have the statutory right to request a refund. The onus is on the service provider and the payment processor to prove that the charge was authorised and that cancellation never occurred.
Pricing and billing cycles explained
Before you cancel, you need to understand exactly which plan you are paying for and when the next charge will occur.
| Plan type |
Amount (RM) |
Billing cycle |
USD equivalent |
| Weekly subscription |
RM38 |
Every 7 days |
USD 7.99 |
| Monthly premium subscription |
RM71 |
Every 30 days |
USD 14.99 |
| Annual Pro upgrade |
RM425 |
Every 365 days |
USD 89.99 |
The monthly premium subscription is the most common plan for Malaysian users. Each billing cycle renews automatically unless you cancel before the renewal date. Your bank statement or payment app will show the merchant name of the billing entity, which could be "Apple", "Google Play", "Scan Hero", or a payment processor such as Stripe or 2Checkout. Recording this merchant name is your first step toward successful cancellation, and it is also your evidence if you later need to dispute a charge with your bank or escalate to KPDN.
How to cancel Scan Hero step by step
Your cancellation process depends on which platform processed your payment and your device type.
Step one: identify your billing platform and save proof
Open your bank or credit card app and search for recent charges labelled "Scan Hero", "ScrapeHero", "Apple", or "Google Play". Write down the exact amount, date, and merchant name. Take a screenshot of this transaction entry and any receipt email you received from the payment platform. This proof is essential if Scan Hero refuses to cancel or charges you again. Open the Scan Hero app itself and navigate to the account or subscription section. Take a screenshot of the current plan name, renewal date, and any plan description. Note whether the subscription was activated on web, iPhone, or Android. Save any scanned documents you need to your device or cloud storage account before proceeding, as your access may end when the current paid period expires.
- Identify the merchant name from your bank or card statement.
- Screenshot the transaction, receipt, and current plan details.
- Export or save important scanned documents to local or cloud storage.
- Confirm whether you signed up on web, iPhone, or Android.
Step two: cancel through apple app store (iPhone and iPad users)
If your payment came from Apple, you must cancel through the App Store, not through the Scan Hero app itself.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap your name at the top of the screen.
- Select "Subscriptions".
- Locate Scan Hero in the list and tap it.
- Tap "Cancel Subscription" or "Edit Subscription".
- Choose "Confirm Cancellation" and select a reason for cancellation if prompted.
- Apple will confirm the cancellation date and your access period. Screenshot this confirmation.
Apple will end your subscription at the end of your current billing period, not immediately. You retain access to the premium features until the renewal date passes. This grace period is your right under Apple's terms, which align with Malaysian consumer protection principles. Save the confirmation screen as proof that Apple has processed your cancellation request.
Step three: cancel through google play (Android users)
If your payment came from Google Play, cancel through the Google Play app, not the Scan Hero interface.
- Open the Google Play app on your Android device.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select "Payments and subscriptions".
- Tap "Subscriptions".
- Find Scan Hero and tap it.
- Select "Cancel subscription".
- Choose a reason and confirm cancellation.
- Google Play will display the cancellation date and final access date. Screenshot this screen.
Google Play honours your cancellation immediately for most subscriptions, though you retain access until the end of the current billing period. The cancellation takes effect on your next renewal date, not retroactively. If Google Play declines your cancellation request with an error message, note the exact error text and contact Google Play support directly through the app. Yafee recommends saving evidence of any error or refusal, as this demonstrates that you attempted to cancel through the proper channel.
Step four: cancel through the Scan Hero web account (if you signed up on desktop)
If you signed up on a web browser rather than through an app store, access Scan Hero's account portal.
- Visit the Scan Hero website or app web login page.
- Log in with your email and password.
- Navigate to "Account", "Billing", or "Subscription" settings (exact labels vary by app version).
- Locate the current subscription plan and select "Cancel Subscription" or "Downgrade".
- The system will prompt you to confirm. Select "Confirm Cancellation" and save your confirmation email or screenshot.
- The system should display a final confirmation with a cancellation date. If it does not, request written confirmation by email to the support address listed in the knowledge base article.
Web-based cancellations sometimes require email confirmation. If you do not receive a confirmation email within 24 hours, email the support contact address with your account email, subscription plan, and a clear request to cancel effective immediately. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers navigate this scenario, and email evidence is always your strongest proof of intent to cancel.
Step five: verify cancellation across all channels
After you have cancelled through the app store or web portal, verify that the cancellation has taken effect.
- Return to the app store (Apple, Google Play, or web account) where you cancelled.
- Check the subscription section again. It should display either "Cancelled" or a message indicating access ends on a specific date.
- If the subscription still appears active or "Renewing", repeat the cancellation process or contact the app store directly.
- Check your email for a cancellation confirmation from the billing platform (Apple, Google, or Scan Hero).
- Save or forward this confirmation to a personal email account for your records.
- Mark your calendar for one day after the final access date so you can monitor whether a charge still appears.
Cancellation is complete only when the app store or Scan Hero confirms it in writing or in the app interface. A verbal acknowledgment or a support agent's promise is insufficient if you later face a charge. Written, timestamped proof is your protection under Malaysian consumer law.
What happens after you cancel
Cancellation does not end your access to Scan Hero immediately; instead, you retain access through the end of your current billing period, and the subscription does not renew after that date.
Your access rights and access expiry
After you cancel, Scan Hero must continue to provide the full premium service until your paid period expires. If you are paying monthly, your access lasts until the end of that month. If you are paying annually, your access continues for the full year. You can still scan, export, and download documents until the final day of your paid access. After that date, the app will revert to a free tier (if one exists) or disable premium features entirely. The source material does not specify a data retention policy, so assume that Scan Hero may delete your scanned documents a reasonable period after your access ends. Download and store any documents you wish to keep before your access expires.
Monitoring for unauthorised charges
Check your bank or credit card statement every few days leading up to and after your final access date. The charge should not appear on the renewal date. If a charge does appear after you have cancelled, that is an unauthorised transaction under Malaysian consumer law. Do not ignore it. Take a screenshot of the charge, note the exact date and amount, and proceed to the refund process described below. Unauthorised charges breach the CPA, and KPDN treats them seriously.
How to request a refund if you are charged after cancellation
If a charge appears after you have cancelled, you have the right to recover that money through a refund request or a bank dispute.
Step one: request a refund directly from the billing platform
Contact the platform that charged you (Apple, Google, or Scan Hero's payment processor) and request a refund on the basis that the charge occurred after cancellation.
- Apple refund requests: visit support.apple.com, log in, select "Purchase history", find the charge, and click "Report a problem". State that the subscription was cancelled and should not have been charged.
- Google Play refund requests: open the Google Play app, go to "Account", select "Payments and subscriptions", tap the charge, and select "Report a problem". Explain that the charge occurred after cancellation.
- Scan Hero direct billing: email the support contact listed in the knowledge base article with your account email, the charge amount, date, and cancellation date. Request a refund within 14 days.
Most app store platforms refund unauthorised charges within 5 to 10 business days. Save all correspondence and refund confirmation emails. If the platform refuses a refund, proceed to the next step.
Step two: dispute the charge with your bank
Contact your bank or credit card issuer and request a chargeback or dispute on the basis that the charge was unauthorised (the subscription was cancelled) or fraudulent. Provide your bank with the following evidence:
- Screenshots of your cancellation confirmation from Apple, Google Play, or Scan Hero.
- Screenshots of the unauthorised charge from your bank statement.
- Copies of any refund request emails you sent to the app store or Scan Hero.
- Dates of cancellation and the unauthorised charge.
Your bank will initiate a dispute process with the payment processor, which typically takes 30 to 60 days to resolve. During this time, the disputed amount may be temporarily credited to your account while the bank investigates. Malaysian banks are required to handle disputes fairly under the CPA and the Banking and Financial Institutions Act 2003. Consequently, if the evidence clearly shows cancellation before the charge, your bank should rule in your favour.
Step three: escalate to KPDN if the bank dispute fails
If your bank denies the chargeback or the app store refuses your refund, file a complaint with KPDN, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs. KPDN enforces the CPA and can compel Scan Hero or the billing platform to refund unauthorised charges. Submit a written complaint to KPDN that includes:
- Your personal details and contact information.
- A detailed timeline of events: subscription purchase, cancellation request, and unauthorised charge.
- All screenshots and email correspondence.
- The charge amount and the refund amount you are claiming.
KPDN will investigate the complaint and contact Scan Hero for a response. This process typically takes 60 to 90 days. Your evidence of cancellation is critical here, so ensure all documentation is clear and timestamped. Yafee can assist you in preparing a complaint to KPDN if you need guidance on format or language.
Common mistakes when cancelling Scan Hero
Most subscription cancellation failures stem from user misunderstandings rather than deliberate obstruction by Scan Hero. Being aware of these pitfalls will protect you from unnecessary charges.
Deleting the app does not cancel the subscription
This is the single most common mistake. Uninstalling Scan Hero from your device does absolutely nothing to stop the subscription or the billing cycle. The subscription lives on the app store platform or the web account, not on your phone. When the renewal date arrives, your bank account will be charged regardless of whether the app is installed. You must cancel through the app store or the web account. Deletion is irrelevant and will not protect you.
Cancelling a trial is not the same as cancelling a subscription
Scan Hero offers free trials that convert to paid subscriptions. If you are in a trial period and want to avoid being charged, you must cancel before the trial ends. Cancelling a trial does not appear on your bank statement or cause obvious visual feedback. Many users believe they have cancelled the trial only to discover weeks later that the paid subscription began automatically. Check your subscription status in the app store directly. If it says "Active" or "Renewing", the trial has already converted to a paid plan. Yafee recommends cancelling the moment you download Scan Hero, even if you intend to use the trial fully, just to avoid the automatic conversion.
Assuming a free tier means the subscription has downgraded
Some apps allow you to downgrade to a free tier instead of cancelling. Scan Hero's support documentation does not clearly explain whether this option exists. Do not assume that downgrading is available. Always select the explicit "Cancel Subscription" option, not "Change Plan" or "Downgrade". If you select "Change Plan" and switch to a free tier, you may still be billed if the free tier converts to a paid plan. Stick to cancellation, not downgrade, to be certain.
Ignoring the final billing date
After you cancel, the app store will tell you the exact date on which your access ends and no further charge will apply. Write this date down. On the day after this date, check your bank statement. If a charge appears, it is unauthorised and you must act immediately. Most users overlook this critical monitoring step and miss the deadline for disputing the charge with their bank. Banks often enforce a 60-day dispute window from the original charge date. If you discover the charge three months later, your bank may decline the dispute. Monitor your account religiously around the cancellation date.
When to keep your Scan Hero subscription
Cancellation is not always the best choice. Consider the following scenarios before you proceed.
| Situation |
Recommendation |
Rationale |
| You scan documents weekly for work |
Keep subscription |
The app saves time and reduces paper waste. Premium features justify the cost. |
| You have not opened the app in two months |
Cancel subscription |
Inactive usage suggests the service no longer provides value. You can resubscribe later if needed. |
| You use the free tier successfully |
Cancel premium, keep the app |
The app remains available free of charge. Download your documents first. |
| You need the annual plan discount (RM425 = RM35.42/month) |
Keep annual subscription |
Annual billing is cheaper than monthly (RM71). Cancel only if the app is genuinely unused. |
| You scan documents once per quarter |
Cancel and re-subscribe as needed |
Pay only for months you use the premium features. This approach costs more but reduces waste. |
The decision to cancel depends on your actual usage patterns and budget. If you are in doubt, cancel the subscription, use the free tier, and resubscribe if you find yourself missing premium features. Most app stores make resubscription painless, and you will not lose data if you export your documents before cancellation.
Your checklist for safe Scan Hero cancellation
Use this checklist to ensure your cancellation is complete and your account is protected.
- Identify the billing platform (Apple App Store, Google Play, or web account) from your bank statement.
- Screenshot your current plan, renewal date, and billing amount.
- Export or download all important scanned documents to your device or cloud storage.
- Cancel through the correct platform (app store or web account).
- Screenshot the cancellation confirmation, including the final access date.
- Verify cancellation status in the app store or account portal 24 hours after cancelling.
- Mark your calendar for one day after the final access date to check for unauthorised charges.
- Monitor your bank statement daily for two weeks after the cancellation date.
- If an unauthorised charge appears, request a refund immediately through the app store, then escalate to your bank if necessary.
- Save all screenshots, emails, and confirmations in a dedicated folder for reference.
Why yafee is your trusted cancellation resource
Yafee.com specialises in subscription cancellation and consumer rights guidance across digital services used in Malaysia. Yafee's legal team has helped thousands of consumers navigate subscription traps, recover unauthorised charges, and understand their rights under the Consumer Protection Act 1999. Whether you are cancelling Scan Hero or any other subscription service, Yafee provides step-by-step procedures tailored to Malaysian law and practical advice grounded in actual user experience. When app stores and service providers make cancellation deliberately difficult, Yafee ensures you know exactly how to protect yourself and escalate to KPDN if necessary. Your peace of mind is Yafee's priority, and your successful cancellation is our goal.
If you encounter resistance when cancelling Scan Hero, or if a charge appears after you have cancelled, you can escalate the matter to the following authorities and resources:
- Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDN): kpdn.gov.my or call the consumer hotline at 1800-88-5050 (toll-free in Malaysia).
- Apple App Store support: support.apple.com (select "Subscriptions and Billing").
- Google Play support: support.google.com/googleplay.
- Scan Hero support: the knowledge base at support.scrapehero.com (limited to one article; email support may be available through your account page).
- Your bank or credit card issuer: contact the customer service number on the back of your card for chargeback assistance.
- Yafee.com: consult Yafee's guides and contact the team if you need further guidance on your specific cancellation scenario.
Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions and recover unauthorised charges in Malaysia. Your cancellation action is your right, and you now have the knowledge and procedures to execute it confidently. Proceed with the step-by-step process above, keep meticulous records, and do not hesitate to escalate to KPDN if Scan Hero or the billing platform refuses to honour your cancellation request or charges you after you have cancelled. Your consumer protection rights under Malaysian law are non-negotiable, and Yafee stands ready to support your journey to a free account.