Has a store ever billed you for things you never received?

Has your card ever been charged twice for the same item?

Credit billing errors do occur.

They are easy to fix because of a law called the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA).

The FCBA applies mostly to "open end" accounts like credit cards, department store accounts, and overdraft checking. The FCBA only covers your monthly bills.

The FCBA applies only to "billing errors" like:

• Charges not made by you or anyone you said could use your account;
• Charges which are wrong, either in amount or that have the wrong date;
• Charges for things you did not accept, or which were damaged when delivered;
• Mistakes in adding up your bill;
• Mistakes over how much you paid on your bill;

It also covers. . . .

• Not mailing your bills to the right address, even when you've told them that you've moved;
• Charges for which you've asked for proof or for the company to explain.

When many people find a mistake on their bill, they call to correct the problem.

You can do this if you wish. However, to use FCBA you must also send your complaint in writing if you want the law to work for you. (Sending things in writing helps prove what happened).

Your written complaint (also called a notice) must reach the company within 60 days after the first bill that had a mistake was mailed to you.

Send the notice to the address provided on the bill for billing error notices.

Don't send it to the store unless the bill says that's where it should be sent.

In your letter you must include:

• Your name and account number.
• You must say that you believe the bill was wrong.
• You must tell them how much you think you really owe.
• You must say why there is a mistake.

For instance, you could say, "I bought a dress, then returned it and was given a refund, but I was still billed for the dress."

Also, do these things . . . . .

• Send your notice by certified mail.
• Ask the post office for a return receipt on your letter.
• If you think it will help, send copies of sales slips or other proof.
• Be sure to keep a copy of the originals for your records!
  

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[See Credit Card Billing Handling Mistakes: Part II]

[See Credit Card Billing Handling Mistakes: Part III]