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DisputeAI — Billing DisputesDebtShield — Debt Recovery
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5 Steps

How to Dispute an Unauthorized Subscription Charge

Step-by-step process to dispute subscription charges you didn't authorize, including chargebacks, FCBA rights, and when to involve your bank.

1

Identify the charge source

Find the exact merchant name on your statement. Subscription companies often bill under different names (e.g., 'AMZN Digital' for Amazon Prime). Search the billing descriptor online if unfamiliar.

2

Contact the company first

Call or email the subscription company and state you are disputing the charge. Get their response in writing. Many will refund rather than face a chargeback, which costs them $20–50 in fees.

3

File a chargeback with your card issuer

Call the number on the back of your card. Say: 'I want to dispute a recurring charge under the Fair Credit Billing Act. The charge was unauthorized / continued after cancellation.' They are required to investigate.

4

Submit your evidence

Provide your cancellation confirmation, the unauthorized charge dates, and any communication from the company. The card issuer will request a response from the merchant.

5

Request merchant blocking

Ask your card issuer to add the merchant to a block list. This prevents future charges from that specific merchant ID, even if they try to re-bill.

Tips

The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA, 15 USC § 1666) gives you the right to dispute any billing error within 60 days of the statement date
For debit cards, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act (EFTA) provides protection — but you only have 60 days
Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Discover all have specific dispute codes for subscription abuse — your card issuer knows these
Document everything: dates, amounts, names of representatives you spoke to
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