How to Handle Unauthorized Credit Card Charges
Unauthorized Credit Card Charges Are Not Yours to Pay
You get your credit card statement in the mail only to find that there are numerous credit card charges that you never authorized. You're not alone. Thousands of people have found unauthorized credit card charges on their monthly statements. Fortunately, it's not your job to pay for charges you don't authorize. Here's how to handle unauthorized credit card charges the right way.
First Things First
When it comes to unauthorized credit card charges, you first need to verify that the charge isn't legit. That means calling the company who charged your card. Sometimes you think you're ordering something from ABC Store, and it shows up on your credit card as DEF Store. The charge is legit, you just don't recognize it.
If, after you call the company who charged your credit card, you know for sure the charge was unauthorized, then it's time to take action.
Filing a Dispute
If you don't want to pay for a charge you didn't authorize, you're going to need to file a dispute and you need to do it within 60 days of the charge occurring. After 60 days, there's nothing you can do.
First, call your credit card company. Most credit card companies accept disputes via phone. If yours does not, you'll need to notify them in writing.
Once The Dispute is Filed
Once you have filed a dispute with your credit card company, they have 30 days to acknowledge the dispute in writing and 90 days to clear everything up. During this time, most credit card companies will issue a temporary credit to your credit card until the dispute is verified.
What You're Responsible For
If the company that charged your card can prove you authorized the charge, you'll have to pay the bill. If, however, they can't prove you authorized the charge, then you are only responsible for up to $50 of the unauthorized charges. Most credit card companies, however, do not require cardholders to pay any amount for unauthorized credit card charges.