Consumers
are protected by the Fair Credit Billing
Act when they use credit cards to make
purchases. Following the rules laid
out by the act will increase your chances
of successfully disputing a charge.
Use this checklist to keep everything
straight when disputing a purchase.
Checklist for disputing a purchase made on credit
Try to resolve the problem with the merchant, first. Keep notes on who you spoke with, the date and time.
If
the merchant refuses to take back the
merchandise or retract the charge, write
the merchant a letter outlining the
problem and send it certified mail.
Make sure that you have a copy of the letter for your files and another one to send to the credit card company as proof that you tried to resolve the dispute with the merchant.
Contact the credit card company to alert them of the dispute. This must be in writing and within 60 days after the bill with the disputed charge was sent to you.
Include in the letter:
•
Credit card account number.
•
The closing date on the bill on which
the disputed charge appears.
•
A description of the disputed item and
why you're withholding payment.
Enclose a copy of the letter mailed previously to the merchant and any other supporting documentation.
Send the letter certified mail, return-receipt requested to the address listed on your statement for billing inquiries, not the address that receives payments.
