When and how to file a chargeback with your credit card company. Evidence requirements, timelines, and what happens to the merchant. This guide is customized for Raleigh residents with North Carolina-specific consumer protection information.
Raleigh Local Tip: Raleigh's tech economy generates SaaS billing disputes — file with NC AG's Consumer Protection Division.
North Carolina law: Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 75-1.1) — treble damages available — private right of action
Valid reasons: unauthorized charge, item not received, item significantly not as described, duplicate charge, subscription charged after cancellation.
Card issuers usually require you to attempt merchant resolution. If the merchant refuses, document this for your chargeback claim.
Call the number on the back of your card. Tell them you want to dispute a charge. They'll assign a case number and may issue provisional credit.
Follow up with a written dispute including: transaction details, why the charge is invalid, evidence (emails, screenshots, cancellation confirmation), and what you want.
Your issuer contacts the merchant who has 30-45 days to respond. If the merchant doesn't respond, you win automatically. If they do, your issuer decides.