Discovering an unexpected charge on your statement can feel like a personal violation. Beyond the immediate anger and panic, fraudulent transactions threaten your financial security and peace of mind. Yet consumers are not powerless. By understanding your rights and following a clear process, you can reclaim control, protect your credit, and ensure you only pay for what you genuinely authorized.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step, backed by federal law and practical advice, to dispute erroneous or unauthorized charges efficiently and confidently.

Understanding Your Rights Under the FCBA

The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) grants you the right to challenge billing errors and unauthorized transactions on your credit card statement. While debit cards enjoy some protections, the FCBA applies primarily to credit cards. Knowing these rights is the first step toward resolving disputes without unnecessary stress.

Common reasons to file a dispute include:

• Fraudulent or unauthorized charges
• Incorrect billing amounts or dates
• Duplicate transactions
• Goods or services never delivered or unsatisfactory
• Refunds not processed after returns

Under federal law, you must alert your issuer within sixty days of statement date to preserve your rights. Acting after this window can forfeit your ability to dispute.

Step-by-Step Process for Disputing Fraudulent Charges

Taking prompt, organized action increases your chances of a favorable outcome. Use the following framework to navigate the dispute process:

• Review the Charge
• Contact the Merchant
• Gather Documentation
• Notify Your Issuer
• Submit a Written Dispute

Below, we break down each step in detail.

1. Review the Charge

Start by carefully comparing your statement entry to receipts, online order histories, and subscription records. Confirm the merchant name, transaction date, and amount. Sometimes descriptor abbreviations mask familiar companies—double-check before proceeding.

2. Contact the Merchant

Merchants can often resolve simple errors faster than card issuers. Reach out via customer service channels, provide evidence like order confirmations or shipment tracking numbers, and request a correction or refund. If they agree, document the outcome, and verify the credit appears on your next statement.

3. Gather Documentation

Whether or not the merchant helps, collect all relevant proof:

• Receipts and invoices
• Email confirmations or chat transcripts
• Photos of defective goods or delivery notices
• Notes from phone calls, including dates and names

This evidence will form the backbone of your case if you escalate to the card issuer. Remember to keep only copies, never send originals.

4. Notify Your Issuer

If the merchant cannot help, contact your bank or card issuer immediately. Use the number or address on the back of your card, or the issuer’s secure online portal. Report the charge as unauthorized or incorrect, explaining why it’s invalid. Ask for the specific mailing address for billing disputes if you plan to send a letter.

5. Submit a Written Dispute

While phone or online claims trigger an investigation, a follow-up letter creates a formal record. Include:

• Your name and account number
• Date and exact amount of the disputed charge
• Clear explanation of why the charge is wrong
• Copies of supporting documents

Mail your letter by certified mail to the billing disputes address—separate from where you send payments. Retain proof of delivery.

Timeframes and Investigation Process

Once your issuer receives your dispute, federal regulations dictate the following:

During the investigation, you can withhold payment on the disputed amount and any related interest or fees. However, continue paying undisputed charges to avoid late fees on the rest of your balance.

Possible Outcomes and Next Steps

After reviewing your evidence, the issuer must provide a written response. If they rule in your favor, they’ll remove the charge and related fees, and send confirmation. Keep that notification with your records.

If the issuer upholds the charge, they must explain why and provide evidence supporting its validity. You then have two main options:

• Request proof, then reassess whether to accept or continue disputing
• Escalate to the card network or arbitration, understanding this is time-consuming and may incur fees

While formal appeals are rarely needed, knowing you can pursue them adds leverage.

Tips for a Smooth Dispute

To maximize your chances of success:

• Act quickly: start the process as soon as you spot an error
• Maintain organized records: keep all correspondence and evidence together
• Be clear and concise: present facts without emotion
• Follow up: check status periodically and document each interaction

By combining diligence with the protections of the FCBA, you can turn a stressful situation into a demonstration of consumer empowerment.

Disputing fraudulent charges isn’t just about recouping money; it’s about asserting your rights and safeguarding your financial reputation. With each successful challenge, you reinforce the standards of accountability that keep businesses honest and consumers secure.

Remember, knowledge is power. Arm yourself with the process, the deadlines, and the documentation outlined here so that no unauthorized transaction goes unanswered. Your credit, your money, and your peace of mind deserve nothing less.