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Disputing a Billing Error on Debit or Credit Card Statements

Giovanni Orantes Dec. 20, 2021

Billing errors on your debit or credit card statements may include unauthorized charges, misapplied payments, charges for services or goods you haven't received, or vague transaction descriptions. If you make use of a credit or debit card, you are likely to find a billing error on your statement once in a while. However, you could forfeit your right to dispute the error if you fail to act immediately. An experienced California attorney can enlighten you about your rights and obligations if you discover a billing error on your debit or credit card statements.

At The Orantes Law Firm, we're committed to offering outstanding legal services and helping consumers dispute billing errors on their credit or debit card statements. As your legal counsel, we can review and investigate the billing issue, explore your possible legal options to challenge the error, and strive to recover your funds. Using our extensive experience, we will fight diligently to protect your best interests and help resolve the billing error. The Orantes Law Firm proudly serves clients across Los Angeles County, Orange County, Los Angeles, and Irvine, California.

WHAT QUALIFIES AS A "BILLING ERROR?"

A billing error can be described as anything that is inaccurate or incorrect regarding your account. It can also be an error on a bill due to a mistake from the seller. Pursuant to Title 12 Code of Federal Regulations Section 1026.13 (a)(1), a billing error is:

"A reflection on or with a periodic statement of an extension of credit that is not made to the consumer or to a person who has actual, implied, or apparent authority to use the consumer's credit card or open-end credit plan."

TYPES OF BILLING ERRORS

Here are some common types of billing errors:

  • An unauthorized charge

  • A vague transaction description (charge not clearly described on your bill)

  • A charge that needs more information

  • A mathematical error

  • A payment that isn't posted

  • A charge for a service or product that you haven't received or accepted

  • A charge for a damaged or defective product that was returned

  • The failure of the company to mail you a periodic statement

  • The failure of the company to credit your account correctly

An experienced attorney can investigate the billing error and enlighten you about your rights and obligations to dispute the error.

YOUR RIGHTS TO DISPUTE AN ERROR

The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) was designed to protect consumers – debit and credit card users – from honest mistakes and outright fraud by sellers when making payments. Here are some important provisions of the law:

  • Creditors must immediately acknowledge billing complaints from consumers and investigate such billing mistakes.

  • Creditors must not take any action which will negatively affect the consumer's credit standing while an investigation is ongoing.

  • All payments must be posted to the consumer's account promptly.

A knowledgeable attorney can help you understand your rights to challenge a billing error on your card statement and guide you through the dispute process.

THE DISPUTE PROCESS

To dispute a billing error on your debit or credit card statements, follow the steps below:

Notify the Credit Card Company: Notify the credit card company through a written letter or by filing an online form. However, ensure that you forward your notification within 60 days of transmitting the first statement that shows the alleged billing error.

Provide Supporting Documents: Complete your dispute forms and provide copies of supporting documents, including receipts showing the right amount of the charge.

Make sure the written letter is sent to the designated address or through certified mail. You can find the correct address on your statement or credit card agreement. An experienced attorney can help submit the necessary documentation and improve your chances of the best possible outcome.

HOW THE ORANTES LAW FIRM CAN HELP

Challenging a billing error on your debit or credit card statement and recovering your funds involves a lot of complex procedures. Notifying the credit card company, filing a dispute, and providing supporting documents can make the whole process complicated and overwhelming. Therefore, you need to work together with an experienced consumer protection attorney to explore your options to recover your funds and decide your best course of action.

At The Orantes Law Firm, we have the resources, experience, and diligence to assist and guide clients who are trying to dispute or resolve billing errors on their credit or debit card statements. As your legal counsel, we will:

  • Fight diligently to protect your best interests

  • Enlighten you about your available legal options to challenge the billing error

  • Outline an effective strategy to help pursue your case

  • Gather relevant information and required documentation regarding the billing error

  • Seek to recover your funds or pursue rightful justice for your unique situation

Contact The Orantes Law Firm to schedule a simple consultation with an experienced consumer protection attorney. Our dedicated team can offer you detailed legal counsel and reliable advocacy to challenge the billing error and navigate crucial decisions. We're proud to serve clients across Los Angeles County, Orange County, Los Angeles, and Irvine, California.