What to do when refused a refund?

Asked by: Mr. Wilford McClure  |  Last update: September 21, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (25 votes)

When refused a refund, immediately document all interactions, review the company's return policy, and escalate by contacting customer service management, initiating a credit card chargeback, or filing complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or state attorney general.

What to do if a refund is refused?

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.

What to do when a company refuses to give you a refund?

If a company won't refund you, first formally contact them again, then dispute the charge with your bank/card issuer, and if needed, escalate by filing complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), your State Attorney General, and the FTC, or consider small claims court for larger amounts. 

Is it illegal to refuse to give 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.

Do companies legally have to give you a refund?

Generally speaking, when you buy goods you enter into a legally binding contract and you have no right to return them for a refund. However, there are circumstances where a right to return goods may arise.

Refund Requests – What to Do About Them

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How do I complain about not getting a refund?

Any aggrieved consumer can register his / her grievance by either calling the toll free number 1800-11-4000 or 1915 and talk to an agent or register himself once in the portal, get an userid and password and lodge his grievance himself attaching necessary documents, if any.

Can you force a company to give you a refund?

Consumers seeking refunds can contact organizations like the Better Business Bureau, state consumer protection offices, or the Federal Trade Commission. Start by documenting your purchase and communication with the company. File a formal complaint with these agencies if direct resolution fails.

Can you sue a company for wrongfully denying a refund?

Many unethical and greedy companies, businesses and corporations are withholding your money. You don't have to accept a refund denial. Consumers have legal rights, if you have been denied a refund it may take a lawsuit to get what you deserve.

What happens if you never receive your refund?

If you never received your tax refund

The IRS uses refund traces to track lost or stolen checks or verify whether a check was deposited. Find out how to request a refund trace and replace your refund check.

How do you report a company that won't give you a refund?

Report a business to Trading Standards

To report to Trading Standards, you need to contact the Citizens Advice consumer service. We'll pass your report to Trading Standards and we can also give you advice about your problem. You can also use our online form from 5pm on Fridays to 9am on Mondays.

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

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. And, if products show up that you never ordered? You don't have to pay for them.

How can I report a company?

File a complaint with your local consumer protection office. Notify the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in your area about your problem. The BBB tries to resolve complaints against companies. Report scams and suspicious communications to the Federal Trade Commission.

Is it unlawful to refuse refunds?

You must offer a full refund if an item is faulty, not as described or does not do what it's supposed to. In some cases you must offer a refund if the customer changes their mind.

What can I do if a company refuses to give me a refund?

If a company won't refund you, first formally contact them again, then dispute the charge with your bank/card issuer, and if needed, escalate by filing complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), your State Attorney General, and the FTC, or consider small claims court for larger amounts. 

What exactly are consumer rights?

These rights exist to keep the marketplace fair and protect you from bad business practices. Remember the 6 consumer rights: safety, information, choice, being heard, redress, and education.

In what circumstances can you not get a refund?

Consumers are not entitled to a repair, replacement or refund under the consumer guarantees if: they got what they asked for but simply changed their mind, found the product cheaper somewhere else, or decided they didn't like the purchase or had no use for it.

How are no refunds legal?

In some places, businesses are allowed to set their own refund policies, including No Refund policies, as long as they are clearly communicated to the customer before the purchase; Even in jurisdictions where a No Refund Policy may generally be legal, there are often exceptions.

What to do if you are refused a refund?

  1. Complain and get a refund. Under the Consumer Rights Act you have the right to reject goods that are of an unsatisfactory quality, unfit for purpose or not as described and get a full refund. ...
  2. Ask for a replacement. ...
  3. Write a complaint letter. ...
  4. Go to the ombudsman.

What to do if a company is ignoring you?

Complain to the organisation

We recommend that you do this by email, where possible. If you think personal information is missing from the response, you should clearly list what other information you think they also have. This will help them review their records.

Can I sue a business for not giving me a refund?

Yes, you can initiate a lawsuit against them in small claims court in California, with a limit of up to $10,000. You have the option to file this pro se, without the need for a lawyer.