How to cancel Scannero and reclaim your money in new zealand
What Scannero is and why you might want to cancel
Scannero is a subscription-based phone-number lookup and people-search service that operates through mobile apps and online platforms. The service allows you to search for caller information, location data, and contact details by entering a phone number or name. If you have signed up for a trial or ongoing monthly subscription and now wish to exit the service, Yafee has prepared this guide to help you navigate the cancellation process step by step.
Understanding the operator behind Scannero
Scannero's terms of service reference operation through entities registered in Hong Kong and Cyprus. This offshore structure means cancellation requests and refund processing may take longer than you would experience with domestic New Zealand services. Consequently, you should maintain detailed records of all cancellation attempts, correspondence, and payment dates. This documentation will prove invaluable if you need to escalate a dispute through the appropriate consumer authority.
When cancellation is the right choice
You may decide to cancel Scannero if the service has failed to deliver the results you expected, if you have completed your search requirements, or if you no longer use the lookup features regularly. Many New Zealand subscribers find that the monthly subscription cost, typically ranging from NZD$80 and upwards depending on your chosen plan, accumulates quickly without consistent use. Yafee recommends you cancel immediately once you recognise that you will not actively use the service, rather than allowing additional charges to accrue on your payment method.
Your pricing and payment structure with Scannero
Understanding what you are paying for helps you make an informed decision about whether cancellation serves your interests.
| Plan type |
Cost (NZD) |
Billing cycle |
Features |
| Basic trial |
Free or reduced |
7-14 days |
Limited searches per month |
| Standard monthly |
$80+ |
30 days (recurring) |
Full phone lookup and location data |
| Premium monthly |
$120+ |
30 days (recurring) |
Unlimited searches and priority support |
| Annual plan |
$800+ |
365 days (recurring) |
Full features with upfront commitment |
Your subscription will continue to renew automatically unless you actively cancel before your billing date. Yafee advises you to check your payment method and recent statements to confirm which plan you are currently enrolled in. This information becomes essential when you contact Scannero to request cancellation and a potential refund.
Your legal rights and consumer protections in new zealand
The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA) is the primary piece of legislation that protects your rights when you purchase goods or services in New Zealand, including subscription services like Scannero.
What the consumer guarantees act protects you for
Under the CGA, you have the right to receive services that are of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and safe. If Scannero fails to provide these guarantees within a reasonable timeframe after purchase, you may be entitled to a refund, repair, or replacement. Furthermore, you have the right to cancel a subscription service within certain timeframes if the service provider has misrepresented the service or if the service is not as described in their marketing materials.
The CGA also covers unfair contract terms. If Scannero's terms of service include a clause that prevents you from cancelling or obtaining a refund in circumstances where you would normally be entitled to one, that clause may be unenforceable under the law. Yafee recommends you review your original purchase agreement and any confirmation emails to identify the exact terms you agreed to.
Your legal position when cancelling
You have the following legal rights:
- The right to cancel a trial subscription before any charge is deducted from your account.
- The right to request a refund if the service fails to meet the standard of quality, fit for purpose, or safety required by law.
- The right to cancel a subscription for any reason, provided you submit your cancellation request before your renewal date.
- The right to dispute any unauthorised or duplicate charges on your payment method.
- The right to lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission (the New Zealand consumer authority) if Scannero refuses to honour these rights or respond to your cancellation request within a reasonable timeframe.
The Fair Trading Act 1986 also applies. It prohibits misleading or deceptive conduct in trade. If Scannero has advertised features that do not exist, or if the service performs significantly worse than advertised, you have grounds to request a refund under this Act as well. In accordance with these protections, you should retain all marketing materials, email confirmations, and screenshots of the service's performance as evidence.
How to cancel Scannero: step-by-step procedure
Follow this structured process to cancel your Scannero subscription and protect your interests throughout.
Step 1: locate your account settings and cancellation portal
- Log in to your Scannero account using your registered email address and password.
- Navigate to your account settings or profile page, typically found in the top-right corner of the dashboard or under a menu labelled "Settings" or "Account".
- Look for a section titled "Subscription", "Billing", "Payment Method", or "Manage Subscription".
- If you cannot find a self-service cancellation option online, document this fact with a screenshot for your records.
Step 2: submit your cancellation request in writing
Yafee emphasises the importance of written cancellation requests because they create a documented record of your intent to cancel.
- Prepare a cancellation email or letter that includes:
- Your full name as it appears on your account.
- Your registered email address and phone number.
- Your Scannero account number (if available).
- The date you wish the cancellation to take effect.
- A clear statement: "I request cancellation of my Scannero subscription, effective immediately" or "effective before my next billing date on [insert date]".
- Your reason for cancellation (optional, but may help if you are seeking a refund).
- Send this email to the contact address listed on Scannero's website or in your account settings.
- If no email address is provided on their website, contact them through the "Contact Us" or "Support" page, and select "Billing" or "Account" as your inquiry category.
- Keep a copy of your email, including the timestamp and any confirmation reference number provided by their support system.
Step 3: contact your payment provider if direct cancellation fails
If Scannero does not respond to your cancellation request within 5 business days, or if they refuse to cancel your subscription, contact your bank or payment provider directly.
- Log in to your bank's app or online portal and review your recent transactions with Scannero.
- Select the Scannero transaction and choose "Report as disputed" or "Unauthorised transaction".
- Provide your bank with copies of:
- Your cancellation email(s) to Scannero.
- Any automated responses or confirmation messages from Scannero.
- Screenshots of your account settings showing you attempted to cancel.
- A timeline of all subscription charges.
- Your bank will investigate the dispute and may reverse the charges if Scannero cannot provide evidence of your explicit consent to continue billing.
Step 4: escalate to the commerce commission if necessary
If Scannero ignores your cancellation request and your bank dispute is unsuccessful, lodge a formal complaint with the Commerce Commission, New Zealand's consumer authority.
- Visit the Commerce Commission's official website (www.comcom.govt.nz).
- Navigate to their dispute resolution service or consumer complaints section.
- Prepare your evidence package:
- All cancellation requests (emails, screenshots, dated correspondence).
- Proof of payment and billing history.
- Screenshots of Scannero's terms of service, particularly any clauses about cancellation or refunds.
- Any responses (or lack thereof) from Scannero's support team.
- Documentation of your bank dispute attempt.
- Complete the Commission's complaint form and submit it along with your evidence.
- The Commission will contact Scannero and attempt to resolve the matter within a specified timeframe.
Refunds: what you can expect after cancellation
Your entitlement to a refund depends on the reason for cancellation and the time elapsed since your last payment.
Full refund scenarios
You are entitled to a full refund of your most recent subscription fee if:
- You cancel before any charge is applied to your payment method (i.e. during a free trial period).
- You cancel within 14 days of the charge being applied, provided Scannero's terms of service do not expressly exclude a 14-day cancellation window (the Consumer Guarantees Act implies this right where not explicitly removed).
- The service you received was materially different from what was advertised or promised.
- You can demonstrate that Scannero charged you multiple times without authorisation or that duplicate charges were applied in error.
Partial or no refund scenarios
You may not receive a refund if:
- You cancel after 14 days and Scannero's terms explicitly state that cancellations beyond this window receive no refund.
- You have actively used the service for the entire subscription period and the service has performed as described.
- You paid for an annual plan that carries a non-refundable structure as stated in the terms of service you agreed to at purchase.
Nevertheless, even if Scannero's terms contain no-refund language, the Commerce Commission and courts have held that such terms may be unenforceable if they are deemed grossly unfair or if the service has not been provided as promised. Yafee recommends you challenge any refusal to refund if you have a genuine reason for cancellation within 14 days or if the service was misrepresented.
Timeline for receiving a refund
Once Scannero processes your cancellation request, refunds typically appear in your account within 5 to 10 business days. However, given Scannero's offshore registration, refunds may take longer if the payment travels through multiple currency conversions or international banking channels. Contact your bank if a refund is not visible after 15 business days.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
You are not alone in finding cancellation frustrating; many New Zealand users have reported difficulties with subscription services based offshore. Here are the pitfalls to sidestep.
Failing to cancel before your renewal date
The most costly mistake is allowing your subscription to renew automatically. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar for at least one week before your renewal date. Submit your cancellation request well in advance, ideally 10 days before the charge date. Do not rely on a phone call; always send written cancellation requests so you have proof.
Trusting automated responses as confirmation
An automated email saying "Your request has been received" does not mean your cancellation has been processed. Follow up with a second email within 3 business days asking for written confirmation that your subscription has been cancelled and that no further charges will be applied. Save this confirmation to your records.
Not keeping records of your cancellation attempts
Screenshots, email timestamps, and payment statements are your evidence. If Scannero charges you again after you cancelled, or if they deny ever receiving your request, these records are what the Commerce Commission will rely on. Create a folder on your computer or cloud storage dedicated to Scannero correspondence.
Assuming a charge means cancellation did not work
If a charge appears on your statement after you cancelled, it may be a final billing cycle, a duplicate charge, or proof that your cancellation was not actioned. Do not assume; instead, contact Scannero immediately and request a refund, citing your previous cancellation request. If they refuse, dispute the charge with your bank.
What happens after you cancel Scannero
Cancellation does not end instantaneously; a few practical steps follow.
Account access and data
After cancellation, your Scannero account will remain visible for a limited time (usually 30 to 90 days), but you will lose access to premium features. You will not be able to perform further searches or download reports. If you need to export any data or reports before your access expires, do so immediately after cancellation is confirmed.
Monitoring for unexpected charges
Continue to review your bank statements for 2 to 3 months after cancellation. Occasionally, subscription services apply "final charges" or attempt to recharge dormant accounts. If any Scannero charges appear after your cancellation date, report them to your bank as unauthorised transactions and reference your cancellation request email.
Unsubscribe from promotional emails
Scannero may continue sending marketing emails after cancellation. Look for an "Unsubscribe" link at the bottom of these emails and click it, or reply to the email requesting removal from their mailing list. This step is not mandatory but will reduce unwanted communication.
Checklist: your cancellation action plan
Use this checklist to ensure you have completed every step and protected your interests.
| Action |
Status |
Date completed |
| Review your current Scannero plan and next billing date |
Pending / Complete |
|
| Locate and screenshot your account settings and subscription details |
Pending / Complete |
|
| Compose and send written cancellation request to Scannero |
Pending / Complete |
|
| Receive written confirmation of cancellation from Scannero |
Pending / Complete |
|
| Check for refund in your bank account (within 10 business days) |
Pending / Complete |
|
| Verify no further charges appear on your next billing cycle date |
Pending / Complete |
|
Comparing alternatives to Scannero before you cancel
Before you finalise your cancellation, consider whether a competitor service might better meet your needs, or whether you genuinely no longer require this type of service.
| Service |
Monthly cost (NZD) |
Key features |
Cancellation ease |
| Scannero |
$80+ |
Phone lookup, location data |
Difficult (offshore company) |
| TrueCaller |
Free (premium $40+) |
Call blocking, ID verification |
Easy (NZ-friendly support) |
| WhitePages |
$15 (one-time) |
Single searches only |
Not subscription-based |
| Indigenous Directories |
Free+ |
NZ-focused people search |
N/A |
If you decide to switch services rather than cancel entirely, Yafee advises you to confirm that the new service has a transparent cancellation policy and responsive New Zealand-based support before committing to a paid plan.
Scannero's parent entities are registered in Hong Kong and Cyprus, which affects how and where you submit cancellation requests.
Contact methods and address details
Submit your cancellation request through the following channels:
- Email: Support email address located in your account dashboard or on the Scannero website under "Contact Us" or "Help".
- Web form: Use the in-app or website support ticket system; select "Billing" or "Subscription" as your inquiry type.
- No postal address: Scannero does not provide a physical mailing address accessible to New Zealand customers. For this reason, email or web-based cancellation is your primary method.
- Registered office (Cyprus): If you wish to send formal written notice by post, you may direct correspondence to Aviwell Limited's registered office in Cyprus; however, this method is slower and less reliable than email. Request this address from Scannero's support team before attempting postal cancellation.
Always use email or the web support form because you will receive an automated receipt with a timestamp and reference number. This evidence is invaluable if you later need to escalate the matter to your bank or the Commerce Commission.
Escalation contacts in new zealand
If Scannero does not respond to your cancellation request or refuses to process it, contact these New Zealand authorities:
- Commerce Commission: www.comcom.govt.nz | Phone: 0800 943 600 | Complaints relating to misleading conduct, unfair terms, or failure to honour consumer rights.
- Your bank or payment provider: Report the dispute through your online banking portal or by calling their customer service line. This step is free and often resolves the issue within 20-30 days.
- Disputes Tribunal (if claim is under NZD$10,000): www.disputestribunal.govt.nz | A free, informal adjudication service for consumer disputes.
Yafee has guided thousands of consumers through cancellation disputes with offshore subscription services, and the evidence trail-your emails, screenshots, and payment records-is what determines the outcome of any formal complaint or dispute.
Final summary: your next steps
Cancelling Scannero is straightforward once you follow the correct procedure. Your first action is to log into your account and attempt self-service cancellation through the app or website. If that option does not exist or fails, send a written cancellation request to Scannero's support email. Provide your account details, state your intention to cancel, and request written confirmation. Keep copies of everything.
Within 5 to 10 business days, you should see the cancellation reflected in your account and receive confirmation that no further charges will apply. If a charge appears after your cancellation date, dispute it with your bank using your cancellation email as proof. The Consumer Guarantees Act and Fair Trading Act 1986 protect your right to cancel and, in many cases, to obtain a refund if the service has not met legal standards of quality or accuracy.
You are not obliged to accept unfair cancellation terms, no matter where Scannero is registered. The Commerce Commission enforces your consumer rights across all services sold to New Zealand residents. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions, dispute unauthorised charges, and recover refunds by following the framework outlined in this guide. Use this article as your reference, gather your evidence, and take action today.