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Protecting Your Rights
You've bought something with your credit card – either in a store or online – and when you open the package, you find the product does not work or arrives damaged. You've tried to work through the merchant's customer service department, but without satisfaction. Fortunately, since you used your credit card, you do have some protection.
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What You Need to Know
Under the Truth in Lending Act, you can dispute the charge, if you:
1. Paid more than $50
2. Made the purchase in your home state or within 100 miles of your mailing address
3. Have tried to resolve the dispute directly with the merchant
What You Need to Do
Check the instructions on your credit card bill or in your cardholder agreement. Some payment cards offer additional rights, such as MasterCard's Zero Liability protection, which may be helpful.
Save all documentation, including sales receipts, ads, warranties and correspondence.
Contact your issuer in writing or by phone and let them know you are disputing the charge. Although there is no time limit on disputing these charges, the sooner you do this, the sooner you will be able to solve the problem. If you have already paid off the charge, you may not have recourse.
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