If you’re a subscriber to McAfee or Symantec’s security software, you’ve probably noticed automatic charges for renewals on your credit card, even when you didn’t request them. Look for that practice to change, now that the two companies have agreed to pay $750,000 in penalties after settling charges stemming from an investigation by New York Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo.

As part of the settlement, the companies must clearly disclose any automatic renewal programs, as well as provide easy and transparent methods for opting out of such programs.

The companies also must disclose how long they will provide updates before a charge is incurred, provide a refund to any customer who requests it within 60 days of being charged, and pay the Attorney General’s office $375,000 each in penalties to settle any claims made by consumers.

 “Consumers have a right to know what they are paying, especially when they are unwittingly agreeing to renewal fees that will not appear on their credit card bill for months,” said Cuomo. “In other words, no more hide the ball with renewal fees.”—William Dilella