What can I do if a merchant refuses to refund?

Asked by: Willard Kerluke  |  Last update: June 13, 2025
Score: 5/5 (44 votes)

If the merchant won't give them a refund, they can simply ask the bank to get them their money back instead.

What if a merchant won't give me a refund?

What happens if a retailer refuses a refund? The customer can file a dispute with the issuing bank if they have a legitimate reason to claim a refund and a retailer refuses to issue it.

What to do if a company won't give you a refund?

Get Outside Help
  1. Contact your state attorney general or state consumer protection office. ...
  2. Contact a national consumer organization. ...
  3. Contact your local Better Business Bureau The Better Business Bureau is made up of organizations supported by local businesses. ...
  4. File a report with the FTC.

What to do if refund is refused?

File an appeal with the Office of Tax Appeals (OTA). File your appeal within 90 days from the date of the NOA that denied your refund claim or you may file a suit in Superior Court.

Can I dispute a charge if a company won't refund me?

A company can't make you wait forever. If something didn't arrive or you didn't accept it, and the company won't refund your money, dispute the charges.

How to WIN a chargeback?

32 related questions found

What to do if a retailer refuses a refund?

Try to contact the trader

It's best to email or write to the trader - you can use a template letter. Keep a copy of anything you send, in case you need to check it later. If you can't contact the trader or they won't help, you can then ask your card provider or PayPal.

How do I sue a company for not refunding?

Key Steps:
  1. Gather evidence of the transaction and attempts at resolution.
  2. Determine which court has jurisdiction over your claim based on the amount in dispute.
  3. File a complaint with the appropriate court and pay any required fees.
  4. Serve notice of the lawsuit on the company.
  5. Allow time for the company to respond.

What happens if your refund is denied?

If your tax return is rejected, don't panic. While it could delay your refund, the common reasons for rejection are often easy to fix. If your return was rejected because a return was already filed with your Social Security number, that could mean you were a victim of identity theft.

Can the FTC help me get my money back?

The quicker you act, the better your chance of getting your money back. You also can find that information at ftc.gov/scams. In some cases, an FTC law enforcement action gets money back to people. To see recent FTC cases that resulted in refunds, go to ftc.gov/refunds.

Can I do a chargeback if a company isn't accepting my return?

If you don't get something you paid for by credit, debit or charge card and the firm is refusing to refund you, you can ask your bank to 'reverse the transaction' and get your money back via chargeback.

Can you force a company to give you a refund?

In the U.S., there's no federal law that says merchants have to accept returns. However, retailers are required to provide a repair, exchange, or refund if a product is defective. And under the FTC's “cooling off” rule, you have the right to cancel some sales within three days of the purchase and get a full refund.

How to demand a refund?

How to Demand a Refund
  1. Step 1: Check the Refund Policy.
  2. Step 2: Locate Your Purchase Receipt.
  3. Step 3: Provide Reason for Refund.
  4. Step 4: Outline the Payment Details.
  5. Step 5: Finalize the Demand or Consider Further Action.

Can the BBB get me a refund?

Having the BBB mediate your complaint can sometimes result in a refund, but the BBB isn't able to force companies to fix the dispute. There are a few other places where you can report a problem that might or might not result in getting your money back.

What if the seller won't refund me?

If the seller won't refund your money

There are other steps you can take to solve your problem - these include using 'alternative dispute resolution', which is a way of solving disagreements without going to court.

Can my bank help me get my money back?

Tell your bank as soon as you notice an unauthorised payment and ask them for a refund. Make sure you get in touch with your bank within 13 months from the date of the payment. Otherwise, you may not be able to make a claim. Your bank may ask you some questions and get you to fill out a form stating what happened.

What happens if a merchant never responds to a dispute?

Merchants must adhere to the deadline given by the acquirer. If they miss it, they will lose the chargeback dispute by default. Losing the chargeback means not only losing the sales revenue, but also the associated chargeback fees merchants typically must pay to cover the cost of the chargeback process.

What to do if a retailer won't refund you?

What can you do if a company won't give you a refund? If you're due a refund and the retailer just won't pay up, or goes bust before they can pay you, then depending on how you paid, you may be able to ask your bank or credit card company for a refund.

Does filing a complaint with the FTC do anything?

The FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection stops unfair, deceptive and fraudulent business practices by collecting reports from consumers and conducting investigations, suing companies and people that break the law, developing rules to maintain a fair marketplace, and educating consumers and businesses about their rights ...

What to do when a company refuses to refund you?

First you file a complaint with the company about this incident. Then you file a police report for fraud, or attempt to commit fraud. Even if the police refuse to do anything about it, you now have the legal ammunition you need to support their fraud when you sue them in Small Claims Court.

Is it legal to decline a refund?

Most retail stores allow you to return things you buy within a reasonable time for a full refund, credit, or an exchange. When a store clearly displays a limited or no-refund policy, however, refunds and exchanges are not required by law.

Who do I call if my refund was rejected?

If you have further questions, call us at 800-829-1040 (see Telephone assistance for hours of operation).

What happens if someone refuses a refund?

If you can't get the support you need from the retailer in the form of a refund, repair or replacement, you can file a complaint with the company. If that still doesn't help, you can contact the Consumer Ombudsman.

Can you file a lawsuit for not getting a refund?

Generally, if you fully paid the tax and the IRS denies your tax refund claim, or if the IRS takes no action on the claim within six months, then you may file a refund suit. You can file a suit in a United States District Court or the United States Court of Federal Claims.

How do I write a complaint letter about a refund?

Here's a basic structure to follow when writing a refund request letter, ensuring it is clear, concise, and polite:
  1. Header. Your Name: Full name of the person requesting the refund. ...
  2. Salutation. ...
  3. Body. ...
  4. Evidence & Resolution Request. ...
  5. Closing. ...
  6. Signature.

Is it legal for a company to not accept returns?

The law allows stores to set their own refund policy. They can choose to give you a refund, an exchange, store credit, or nothing at all.