Can I contact credit card companies myself to dispute a charge?
The Fair Credit Billing Act
- Review the details of the charge. You can review transaction details on your account such as the merchant's name, phone number and your past activity with the merchant. ...
- You may contact the merchant. ...
- Gather your evidence. ...
- Contact your credit card issuer.
- Someone else used your card without permission. Say a fraudster charged a big-screen TV to your card. ...
- There was a billing error. ...
- You've made a good-faith effort to resolve a problem with the merchant.
- Call the customer service number on the back of your credit card or on your statement.
- Email customer service.
- Dispute through the financial institution's app.
- Dispute the transaction in writing (the address should be on your statement)
Contact card issuer
Once you've compiled your supporting documentation (or at least started the process), contact your card issuer right away. Call customer service, dispute the transaction online, or send a secure message through its online portal. Customers typically have at least 60 days to dispute a transaction.
On average, merchants win approximately 32 out of every 100 chargebacks they decide to contest. This means that if you're a merchant dealing with 100 chargebacks, you can typically expect to successfully recover funds from around 32 of those disputes.
If you end up needing to involve the credit card issuer, the easiest way to dispute a charge is typically online or over the phone. But to ensure you're fully covered under the law's consumer protections, it's important to follow up with a letter, according to the Federal Trade Commission's website.
I am writing to dispute a charge of [$______] to my [credit or debit card] account on [date of the charge]. The charge is in error because [explain the problem briefly. For example, the items weren't delivered, I was overcharged, I returned the items, I did not buy the items, etc.].
You're Still Responsible for the Charge
If your dispute is declined, the charged amount remains on your credit card account. You must still pay the entire balance, including the disputed amount. Ignoring or refusing to pay this balance can have significant financial repercussions.
You might not always get a fair outcome when you dispute a chargeback, but you can increase your chances of winning by providing the right documents. Per our experience, if you do everything right, you can expect a 65% to 75% success rate.
Is it illegal to falsely dispute a credit card charge?
Cardholders can face consequences for filing false chargebacks. In fact, friendly fraud is considered to be a form of wire fraud, which means that, technically, you could go to jail for falsely disputing credit card charges. However, that doesn't commonly happen. Here's what may more likely occur.
You should dispute a debt if you believe you don't owe it or the information and amount is incorrect. While you can submit your dispute at any time, sending it in writing within 30 days of receiving a validation notice, which can be your initial communication with the debt collector.
When a cardholder disputes a transaction, the bank initiates a chargeback and contacts the merchant providing a reason code for the dispute. The merchant then has the option to either accept the dispute and the associated losses or fight the chargeback by providing evidence that the transaction was valid.
There is no specific statute describing chargeback fraud; instead, prosecutors may charge it under a range of criminal violations, any of which may result in substantial fines, jail or prison time, or mandatory restitution to the victim of the fraud.
Yes, it is possible. You can attempt a chargeback for any transaction. Just because a merchant claims a fee is non-refundable does not prevent you from prevailing in any dispute.
For most cardholders, the easiest way to dispute a charge is to contact their issuing bank through their preferred customer service channel. Usually, there will be a straightforward and user-friendly way to dispute a charge over the phone, on the web, or through their online banking app.
The legal minimum time frame for filing a dispute is 60 days, but some credit card processors allow for a longer window. For example, Visa, Mastercard and American Express each allow chargeback requests up to 120 days from the date of the transaction in certain cases.
Items Never Arrived: If you can prove that the item you ordered was never sent to you, you are entitled to dispute the charge. Service Not Provided: Same as the situation above, if you paid for a service you didn't receive and can prove it with verifiable evidence, you are entitled to dispute the charge.
- Proof of payment (transaction receipt, a screenshot of payment, video proof)
- Proof of ownership (transaction receipt, receipt from the store of the gift cards, online receipt, screenshots or video recording)
If the merchant chooses to fight the chargeback, they must submit a rebuttal letter and supporting evidence to prove that the dispute is invalid. The issuing bank will evaluate this evidence and decide whether to reverse or uphold the chargeback.
Can a merchant sue me for a chargeback?
The business can sue the person who issued the chargeback in small claims. Why? Because the business performed the service and they should get paid for their work.
Credit card fraud investigations generally involve banks analyzing transaction patterns and details for signs of unauthorized activity. They may collaborate with law enforcement, merchants, and cybersecurity experts if the situation requires more extensive scrutiny.
I am writing this letter to bring to your notice the following information added to my credit report. The [dispute item] along with the [creditor's name] are falsely added to my credit report without my prior knowledge. The mentioned details are incorrect and I request you to revise the report after due diligence.
- Either way, be assertive (not aggressive) and speak openly. ...
- Choose your timing when you talk to someone about the conflict. ...
- Instead, invite the other party to describe their position, ask how they think they might resolve the issue, and listen with empathy .
If you don't agree with the issuer's findings, you can ask for documents that support the decision to deny your dispute. You can also appeal the decision with the issuer within 10 days of being notified about it or before the deadline for you to pay the disputed amount, whichever comes later.
References
- https://www.incharge.org/debt-relief/debt-settlement/tax-consequences/
- https://chargebacks911.com/credit-card-fraud-investigation/
- https://www.brex.com/resources/how-to-cancel-ach
- https://www.alllaw.com/articles/nolo/personal-injury/how-much-should-settle.html
- https://www.chargebackgurus.com/blog/fighting-credit-card-chargebacks-like-an-expert
- https://supportcentre.natwest.com/Help-with-your-card/Transactions/1153527992/Will-all-transactions-be-blocked-if-my-debit-card-is-frozen.htm
- https://apps.apple.com/us/app/rocket-money-bills-budgets/id1130616675
- https://www.solosuit.com/posts/settle-collection-or-pay
- https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/will-the-creditor-forgive-my-credit-card-debt.html
- https://www.incharge.org/debt-relief/debt-settlement/credit-card-settlement-and-credit-score/
- https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/7018481?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/30-percent-ideal-credit-utilization-ratio-rule
- https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/education/basics/how-to-dispute-a-credit-card-charge
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/how-to-dispute-credit-card-charge/
- https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/education/basics/recurring-charges
- https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/cancel-credit-card-payment/
- https://www.mindtools.com/ahcpfn4/conflict-resolution
- https://www.bankrate.com/banking/savings/best-apps-to-manage-subscriptions/
- https://www.expensivity.com/how-to-block-merchant-chase-credit-card/
- https://support.noones.com/hc/en-us/articles/6125386511631-How-Do-I-Start-a-Dispute-in-Noones
- https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/ways-to-bank/tutorials/easing-financial-stress/stop-payment.html
- https://www.debt.org/credit/collection-agencies/how-to-negotiate/
- https://support.google.com/wallet/thread/245110182/how-do-i-block-a-merchant-from-my-card-in-google-wallet?hl=en
- https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/xbox/forum/all/what-is-the-difference-between-cancelling-and/098eba3c-7e21-4d4f-a269-40e38f61ed14
- https://www.fool.com/the-ascent/credit-cards/how-close-credit-card-without-hurting-your-credit-score/
- https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/can-a-debt-collector-still-collect-a-debt-after-ive-disputed-it-en-338/
- https://gocardless.com/guides/posts/what-are-payment-reversals-and-how-to-avoid-them/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/banking/stop-payments-cost-to-cancel-checks
- https://money.com/how-to-negotiate-with-debt-collectors/
- https://www.rocketmoney.com/
- https://www.paddle.com/resources/recurring-billing
- https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/money/does-closing-credit-card-hurt-credit-score
- https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/7018481?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid
- https://www.creditmantri.com/article-how-to-reverse-credit-card-payment/
- https://www.creditdonkey.com/chase-stop-payment.html
- https://answers.justia.com/question/2023/09/22/in-califonria-can-a-company-you-have-an-981129
- https://www.chargepay.ai/blog/how-often-do-merchants-win-chargeback-disputes
- https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/card-smarts/credit-card-debt-forgiveness/
- https://www.wellsfargo.com/help/online-banking/card-controls-faqs/
- https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/negotiating-with-collectors-unsecured-debts.html
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/how-to-cancel-a-pending-credit-card-transaction
- https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/education/basics/closing-credit-card-with-zero-balance
- https://www.egattorneys.com/chargeback-fraud
- https://wallethub.com/answers/cc/amex-90-days-rule-2140846822/
- https://stripe.com/resources/more/recurring-payments-vs-subscription-billing
- https://www.incharge.org/debt-relief/debt-management/how-to-pay-off-50000-credit-card-debt-strategies-advice/
- https://www.chime.com/bank-fees/chase-banking-fees/
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/how-to-cancel-pending-transaction/
- https://www.meettally.com/blog/how-to-cancel-credit-card-purchase
- https://www.salamatilaw.com/los-angeles-personal-injury-lawyer/how-much-should-i-ask-for-in-a-personal-injury-settlement/
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/will-settling-a-debt-affect-my-score/
- https://www.signifyd.com/resources/fraud-101/chargeback-process-in-depth/
- https://www.askadamskutner.com/personal-injury/average-personal-injury-settlement-amounts/
- https://www.americanbar.org/groups/business_law/resources/business-law-today/2022-august/let-em-out-rosca/
- https://www.nab.com.au/help-support/personal-banking/manage-cards/card-controls
- https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-to-cancel-a-pending-transaction-5188601
- https://www.reddit.com/r/xboxone/comments/kfcyq1/cancelling_or_turning_off_recurring_billing_on/
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/09/debt-settlement.asp
- https://www.chargebackgurus.com/blog/dispute-a-charge
- https://www.chase.com/content/dam/chaseonline/en/legacy/content/secure/sso/document/cco_stop_payment_quick_reference-lores.pdf
- https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/you-have-protections-when-it-comes-to-automatic-debit-payments-from-your-account/
- https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-can-i-stop-a-payday-lender-from-electronically-taking-money-out-of-my-bank-or-credit-union-account-en-1605/
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/who-qualifies-for-credit-card-debt-forgiveness/
- https://pay.com/blog/how-to-stop-recurring-payments
- https://www.peopleclerk.com/post/chargeback-fraud
- https://www.chargebackgurus.com/blog/chargeback-process
- https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/subscriptions-billing/manage-subscriptions/cancel-recurring-billing-or-subscription
- https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/sample-letter-disputing-credit-and-debit-card-charges
- https://www.debt.org/bankruptcy/file-bankruptcy-for-credit-card-debt/
- https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/how-to-stop-automatic-payment
- https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/credit-score/does-settling-a-debt-hurt-credit/
- https://www.usbank.com/customer-service/knowledge-base/KB0219769.html
- https://www.quora.com/Can-the-bank-cancel-a-pending-transaction
- https://www.quora.com/How-possible-is-it-to-dispute-a-credit-card-charge-for-a-non-refundable-service-that-I-cancelled
- https://www.solosuit.com/posts/what-percentage-offer-settle-debt
- https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-stop-automatic-payments-from-my-bank-account-en-2023/
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/what-is-a-good-credit-utilization-ratio/
- https://money.usnews.com/credit-cards/articles/how-to-find-and-cancel-recurring-credit-card-charges
- https://www.moneylion.com/learn/debt-after-7-years/
- https://www.helpwithmybank.gov/help-topics/bank-accounts/electronic-transactions/automatic-withdrawal-preauthorized-payments/automatic-withdrawal-stop.html
- https://nomoredebts.org/debt-help/dealing-with-creditors/debt-forgiveness-writeoff-letter
- https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-can-i-get-a-refund-on-a-product-or-service-i-purchased-with-my-credit-card-en-1969/
- https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/banking/stopping-a-future-payment-on-your-debit-or-credit-card/
- https://www.quora.com/Can-you-cancel-a-bank-transfer-after-it-has-gone-through
- https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/05/how-stop-subscriptions-you-never-ordered
- https://www.moneylion.com/learn/how-long-do-pending-transactions-take/
- https://chargebacks911.com/reasons-to-dispute-a-charge/
- https://developer.visa.com/capabilities/visa-stop-payment-service
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/you-can-dispute-credit-card-purchases-but-should-you
- https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/recurring-payments/
- https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-best-way-to-block-specific-companies-from-charging-your-debit-card
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/how-to-dispute-a-credit-card-charge
- https://www.investopedia.com/personal-finance/debt-settlement-cheapest-way-get-out-debt/
- https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/getting-and-out-free-trials-auto-renewals-and-negative-option-subscriptions
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/how-long-do-you-have-to-dispute-a-credit-card-charge
- https://www.investopedia.com/how-to-cancel-a-credit-card-4590033
- https://lanterncredit.com/credit-cards/what-happens-if-you-falsely-dispute-a-credit-card-charge
- https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/15-3-credit-card-payment/
- https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/can-you-negotiate-credit-card-debt/
- https://crockettlawgroup.com/personal-injury-settlement-subject-to-taxes/
- https://www.quora.com/Can-you-cancel-an-online-money-transfer-after-it-has-been-initiated
- https://micreditlawyer.com/what-you-should-do-when-your-credit-card-dispute-is-declined/
- https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/consumers-and-businesses/products-and-services/refunds-repairs-and-returns/chargeback
- https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/education/basics/how-to-cancel-a-credit-card
- https://www.federalbank.co.in/credit-card-debt-settlement-process-how-it-works
- https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/how-to-cancel-a-pending-transaction/
- https://www.quora.com/Can-I-block-a-certain-company-from-charging-my-credit-card
- https://www.myncu.com/explore/learn/will-turning-off-my-debit-card-impact-recurring-payments
- https://www.helpwithmybank.gov/help-topics/bank-accounts/electronic-transactions/automatic-withdrawal-preauthorized-payments/unauthorized-charges-monthly.html
- https://www.engadget.com/how-to-find-and-cancel-your-unused-subscriptions-130036314.html
- https://smallbusiness.chron.com/company-wont-stop-charging-credit-card-55393.html
- https://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/billing-error-dispute-denied/
- https://wise.com/gb/blog/how-to-cancel-payment-made-on-visa-card
- https://www.highradius.com/resources/Blog/collection-dispute-letter/
- https://www.helpwithmybank.gov/help-topics/bank-accounts/electronic-transactions/automatic-withdrawal-preauthorized-payments/unauthorized-charges-delay.html
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/account-freeze.asp
- https://time.com/personal-finance/article/how-to-dispute-a-credit-card-charge/