{"id":352553,"date":"2016-04-04T10:42:05","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:42:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/consumer\/credit-banking-finance\/sample-billing-dispute-letter.html"},"modified":"2024-01-22T13:55:54","modified_gmt":"2024-01-22T18:55:54","slug":"sample-billing-dispute-letter","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/credit-banking-finance\/sample-billing-dispute-letter.html","title":{"rendered":"Sample Billing Dispute Letter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Sample Billing Dispute Letter<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

As you handle your debt, false credit or debit card charges can be a surprising challenge. If you spot an unfamiliar credit transaction on your credit card statement, it’s important to act fast and let your financial institution know.<\/p>\r\n

Creditors sometimes make mistakes, or credit card theft<\/a> may have occurred without your knowledge. Suppose you believe there is a fraudulent charge on your credit card account. In that case, you should withhold payment of that amount and any finance charges until your credit card company investigates the disputed charge.<\/p>\r\n

This article will discuss your rights to dispute an unauthorized charge. There is a sample letter at the end of this article that you can use to write to your financial institution about a billing dispute.<\/p>\r\n

Your Rights Under Federal Law<\/h2>\r\n

Federal law grants borrowers the right to dispute such charges, safeguarding your consumer credit. Several government agencies help protect borrower’s rights and fight against financial fraud and scams.<\/p>\r\n

The Fair Credit Reporting Act<\/a> (FCRA) ensures your ability to question inaccuracies on your credit reports. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau<\/a> (CFPB) oversees fair credit practices. The Federal Trade Commission<\/a> (FTC) enforces the Fair Credit Billing Act<\/a>, which protects consumers against billing errors on their credit card statements.<\/p>\r\n

Another important piece of legislation is the Truth in Lending Act, which requires lenders to disclose key terms and costs associated with loans and credit. It also ensures that consumers have accurate information about the terms of their credit agreements. FindLaw’s article "Federal Consumer Credit Laws Checklist<\/a>" is an excellent resource for more information on your rights under federal law.<\/p>\r\n

If you are in a billing dispute with your credit card company or financial institution, it may be wise to consult an attorney<\/a> for legal advice. An attorney can ensure your federal rights under the law are respected.<\/p>\r\n

Creditor Requirements in Billing Disputes<\/h2>\r\n

When disputing false charges or a billing error, promptly contact your credit card issuer or lender. You can find their contact details on your credit card statement or their website.<\/p>\r\n

Notify them in writing, using certified mail with a return receipt for proper documentation. Your letter should clearly state the disputed amount. It should also provide information about the charges in question. If you are in a billing dispute, following federal requirements is important.<\/p>\r\n

Written notice to most creditors forces them to follow federal regulations<\/a> in resolving billing disputes. Some of these requirements place time limits on the creditor, such as:<\/p>\r\n