Consumer News - Consumer Debt - Consolidate Debt: Credit Billing Disputes - Consumer Credit Counseling Services, CCCS, Help and Tips to Repair Your Credit

The Fair Credit Billing Act applies to problems with credit card and charge accounts and overdraft checking such as:

• billing errors;

• unauthorized use of your account;

• goods or services charged to your account but not received or not provided as promised; and

• charges for which you request an explanation or written proof of purchase. To dispute an amount, request proof of purchase, or complain regarding goods or services received:

• Write to the creditor or card issuer within 60 days after the first bill
containing the disputed charge is mailed to you. (Even if more than 60 days have passed since you were billed for the item, you still may be able to dispute the charge if you only recently found out about the problem.)

• Send your letter to the address provided on the bill. Do not send the letter with your payment.

• Be specific. In your letter, give your name and account number, the date and amount of the charge disputed, and a complete explanation of why you are disputing the charge Send your letter by certified mail, with a return receipt requested, if you want to be sure it’s received.

If you follow these requirements, the creditor or card issuer must
acknowledge your letter in writing within 30 days after it is received and conduct an investigation within 90 days.

While the bill is being investigated, you need not pay the amount in
dispute. The creditor or card issuer may not take action to collect the disputed amount, including reporting the amount as delinquent, and may not close or restrict your account.

If there was an error, the creditor or card issuer must credit your account and remove any finance charges or late fees relating to the amount not owed.

For any amount still owed, you have the right to an explanation and copies of documents proving you owe the money.

If the bill is correct, you must be told in writing what you owe and why. You will owe the amount disputed plus any finance charges.

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Table of Contents

Consumer Loan Basics

Your Rights: Debt Collection

A debt collector may not...

Payday And Tax Refund Loans

Home Equity Loans

Lost and Stolen Debit/
Check Cards and Stored-Value Cards

Credit Billing Disputes

Out of Control Debt

Negative Information on Credit Reports

Source: General Services Administration

Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003

Source: Whitehouse Press Release

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