Troubleshooting
False Positives in Subscription Detection
Detectors look for patterns, so some one-off or unrelated charges can be grouped by mistake. This guide explains why flags happen and how to confirm them safely, at a pace that feels comfortable.
Published: December 24, 2025 - Updated: December 24, 2025 - By FinToolSuite Editorial
Quick answer
- A false positive is when something is flagged as a subscription or waste but it is not.
- Common causes are merchant naming, bundles, and timing.
- The safest approach is verify, then decide.
Disclaimer
Educational purposes only; not financial advice. Detection is pattern-based and can be imperfect. Verify items before canceling or changing anything. Confirm changes directly with merchants or providers.
Your data is processed to detect recurring patterns; see the Privacy Policy for details.
What causes false positives
- Merchant names share a processor word.
- Similar descriptions from different merchants.
- Two one-off purchases happen near the same day each month.
- Bundles and add-ons are billed separately.
- Annual renewals look like one-offs or vice versa.
- Short data window (only one or two occurrences).
Refunds and chargebacks in your CSV
Refunds often appear as positive amounts that can offset a subscription month. Dispute-related credits can create unusual sequences. These can confuse pattern detection, so review both the charge and any credit together.
Cause and what to check
| Flag reason | What you might see | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Processor text | Many merchants share one keyword. | Look at the full description and timing. |
| Bundle or add-on | Two related charges, different amounts. | Check if you have a base plan plus add-on. |
| Refund present | A positive entry near the charge. | Confirm the net effect and whether the subscription continued. |
| Short window | Only one repeat. | Extend the date range and rerun. |
| Annual billing | One charge per year. | Enable yearly subscriptions view if available and compare year to year. |
How to confirm safely
- Check if the charge repeats at a consistent interval.
- Check amount consistency or gradual change.
- Look for a receipt or confirmation email for that date.
- Check whether the merchant is a bundle or a separate plan.
- If unsure, mark as review and do nothing yet.
Need help reading the panels? See how to read results.
Quick fixes
- Expand the statement range (for example, 3 to 6 months) and rerun.
- Clean the CSV to remove pending duplicates.
- Keep only required columns.
- Check yearly subscriptions option if you use it.
- Export results and track changes month to month.
Run another scan: open the detector.
Mini illustrative example
"VIDEO SERVICE" appears monthly at GBP 9.99. In one month, a refund of GBP 9.99 appears. The detector might still flag the recurring charge; check whether the refund canceled that cycle or if the subscription continued before making changes.
Common mistakes
- Assuming every flag is correct.
- Canceling without confirming.
- Ignoring annual renewals.
- Comparing different plan tiers as if they are the same.
FAQ
What is a false positive?
A charge flagged as a subscription or waste that is not actually recurring or cancelable.
Why does my coffee shop look recurring?
Similar amounts on similar days can look like a pattern. Check if timing is intentional or just habit.
How many repeats are needed to confirm?
Two or more consistent repeats help confirm. Longer history gives clearer patterns.
What about refunds?
Refunds can offset charges and make patterns harder to read. Check both debit and credit entries.
What about annual subscriptions?
They appear once a year; include enough history and consider yearly options if available.
Can bundles be flagged?
Yes. Base plans plus add-ons can look like duplicates. Confirm the relationship before acting.
Are results guaranteed?
No. Flags are illustrative; verify with statements and merchants.
Where can I get more help?
See the detector FAQ and how to read results.
Final call to action
Review flags with these checks, then confirm directly with merchants before making changes.