# 06 · Dispute a duplicate (or unauthorized) charge with your bank

**Use when:** you were charged twice for one thing, charged after cancelling, charged the wrong amount, or charged for something you never received.

**Step 0 · Ask the merchant first (fastest).** Send the short message below. If no fix within ~7 days (or they refuse), go to the bank. Keep everything in writing.

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## A · Message to the merchant

**Subject:** Duplicate charge · please refund [AMOUNT]

Hello,

On [DATE] my [CARD TYPE] ending in [LAST 4] was charged [AMOUNT] twice for the same [ORDER / SUBSCRIPTION / PURCHASE] (order or account [NUMBER]). Transaction dates: [DATE 1] and [DATE 2].

Please refund the duplicate charge of [AMOUNT] to the original card and reply with the refund reference. If I don't hear back by [DATE + 7 DAYS], I'll ask my card issuer to reverse it.

Thank you,
[NAME]

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## B · Dispute with your card issuer (US credit card)

Most issuers let you dispute in the app: tap the transaction → "Dispute" / "Report a problem". Choose "duplicate charge", "charged after cancellation", or "incorrect amount". Attach screenshots.

For a written billing-error notice under the **Fair Credit Billing Act**, send a letter to the **billing-inquiries address** on your statement (not the payment address). The FTC says it must **reach the issuer within 60 days** after the first bill with the error was sent to you. The issuer must acknowledge within 30 days and resolve within 90 days. Send by certified mail, return receipt requested.

> [YOUR NAME]
> [ADDRESS]
> [CARD ISSUER] · Billing Inquiries
> [ISSUER BILLING-INQUIRIES ADDRESS]
> [DATE]
>
> Re: Billing error notice · account ending [LAST 4]
>
> I am writing to dispute a billing error on my statement dated [STATEMENT DATE].
>
> Merchant: [MERCHANT]. Amount: [AMOUNT]. Transaction date: [DATE].
> Reason: [This is a duplicate of a charge for the same purchase on DATE / I cancelled on DATE (confirmation # REF) and was charged afterwards / The amount is wrong: I authorized AMOUNT].
>
> I contacted the merchant on [DATE] and the charge was not corrected.
>
> Please remove the charge of [AMOUNT], plus any related interest and fees, and send me written confirmation. Copies of [receipts / cancellation confirmation / screenshots] are enclosed.
>
> Sincerely,
> [NAME]

## C · Debit card or bank account (US)
Debit-card and electronic transfer errors fall under a different law (the Electronic Fund Transfer Act / Regulation E). Report the error to your bank **as soon as you notice**: the key deadline is generally **60 days after the statement showing the error was sent**. Use the bank's app or call, then follow up in writing with the same letter above (change "card issuer" to "bank").

## D · UK
- Credit card purchases between **£100 and £30,000**: you may also have a claim against the card provider under **Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act**.
- Debit card (or credit card under £100): ask your bank for a **chargeback**. It's a card-scheme rule, not a law; banks usually want you to raise it within about 120 days. Ask your bank for its deadline.
- If the bank says no, you can complain to the **Financial Ombudsman Service** (financial-ombudsman.org.uk). It's free.

## E · EU / Italy
- Card: ask your bank for a chargeback ("contestazione addebito" / "disconoscimento").
- SEPA direct debit: you can ask for a refund of an authorized direct debit within **8 weeks** of the debit date, no reason needed; for an unauthorized one, report as soon as you notice (up to 13 months).
- Italy: if the bank refuses, the **Arbitro Bancario Finanziario** (arbitrobancariofinanziario.it) handles disputes with banks.

## Evidence checklist
- [ ] Statement lines showing both charges (screenshot)
- [ ] Receipt / order confirmation showing one purchase
- [ ] Cancellation confirmation (if charged after cancelling)
- [ ] Your message to the merchant + their reply (or no reply after 7 days)

> Never give anyone your online-banking password or one-time codes. Your bank will never need them to process a dispute.