This is mostly an internet meme, I subscribed and cancelled from the NYT many times without an issue with their online chat.
> To change or cancel your subscription, please contact Customer Care.
That is pretty anti-user. Comcast does this too.
"To change or cancel your subscription, please contact Customer Care."
As a free user, you still need an account to read certain free articles. So it's not really the same as canceling your subscription.
I also wouldn't be surprised if they deleted your account but kept billing you.
NY Times needs to get their shit together.