Dispute a Purchase (2024)

FAQs

What to say when disputing a charge? ›

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 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.

In some cases, even if you willingly paid for something, you can file a dispute. This includes when there is a billing error, you did not get the item in acceptable condition, or you did not receive the full services promised.

I am writing in regards to the above-referenced debt to inform you that I am disputing this debt. Please verify the debt as required by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. I am disputing this debt because I do not owe it. Because I am disputing this debt, you should not report it to the credit reporting agencies.

It's fraud

Fraud is always a valid reason to dispute a credit card charge. Legally, cardholders are liable for up to $50 in unauthorized transactions. But all the major card issuers have zero-liability policies, meaning if it's credit card fraud, you're not liable for anything.

A merchant generally needs to spend between 2 to 5 hours to dispute a chargeback. Chargebacks take anywhere from one to six months to resolve. Merchants generally win 20-30% of chargeback disputes.

Your letter should identify each item you dispute, state the facts, explain why you dispute the information, and ask that the business that supplied the information take action to have it removed or corrected. You may want to enclose a copy of your report with the item(s) in question circled.

The credit card company must respond to your fraud report and start its investigation within 30 days of the report. However, it can take up to 90 days to investigate the complaint. If the credit card company confirms an unauthorized party made the charge, the fraud victim will likely get their money back.

What happens if you falsely dispute a credit card charge? ›

What happens if you falsely dispute a credit card charge? Purposely making a false dispute is punishable by law and could lead to fines or imprisonment.

Disputing credit report inaccuracies doesn't affect your credit, but some changes made in response to disputes can help your credit scores. The removal of inaccurate late payments, new-credit inquiries or bankruptcies could result in credit score increases.

But if you file fraudulent chargebacks, you risk lawsuits and criminal charges. A fraudulent chargeback is a false dispute made by a consumer to secure a refund. Fraudulent chargebacks are a form of fraud and have severe consequences for consumers. Friendly fraud chargebacks typically refer to unintentional disputes.

While the issuer is investigating your complaint, you can withhold payment on the disputed amount and any finance and related charges. But you're expected to pay any part of the bill not in question, including finance charges on the undisputed amount.

If asking the merchant for a refund didn't work, request a chargeback with your credit card issuer. Many card issuers let you dispute transactions by phone, mail or online. You may also be able to submit a dispute directly through your card issuer's mobile app.

If you identify an error on your credit report, you should start by disputing that information with the credit reporting company (Experian, Equifax, and/or Transunion). You should explain in writing what you think is wrong, why, and include copies of documents that support your dispute.

If you find a mistake, such as a loan that shouldn't be listed as delinquent, dispute it with the credit bureau by providing documentation. Pay off your debt. If the charge-off is legitimate, the best solution is to work out a payment arrangement with the original lender or collections agency.

If asking the merchant for a refund didn't work, request a chargeback with your credit card issuer. Many card issuers let you dispute transactions by phone, mail or online. You may also be able to submit a dispute directly through your card issuer's mobile app.