What can I do if a company refuses to refund my money?
Asked by: Dr. Stella Flatley | Last update: April 19, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (67 votes)
How do I force a company to refund?
First, reach out to the company that sold the product or service to you. Explain the issue—for example, the product you received was defective or wasn't what you ordered. Ask the company to refund the money or undo the charge. The seller might fix the problem.
What if a company does not issue a refund?
It might be tricky to get your money back, which is why it's so important to know where you stand. 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 I sue a company for not refunding my money?
You can file a small claims lawsuit against the company. You may not get all the money back, but its worth filing.
Can I dispute a charge if a company won't refund me?
That is, if a transaction was unauthorized, or if something you bought arrives broken, isn't what you ordered, or never arrives at all. You may also be able to dispute if the merchant fails to provide your refund, makes a mistake, or is otherwise uncooperative.
What do I do if a company won't refund me?
What if a company is not refunding my money?
In case money is not refunded by the company you can send a legal notice demanding payment of full dues. In case it is not done then file a complaint in consumer forum for deficiency in service. Also you can register criminal complaint of cheating against the defaultors.
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 sue someone for not refunding money?
You can take the issue to small claims court and pursue legal action if it falls between the minimum and maximum money thresholds under court rules. You may want to get legal advice from an attorney with experience in collections matters. They may be able to help you decide if you have a civil case worth pursuing.
Can the FTC help me get my money back?
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 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.
Is refusing a refund illegal?
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.
How to demand a refund?
Write a letter of complaint to the business.
If you can't get help over the phone or in person, you should write a letter to the business. Remember to get to the point. If you have the legal right to a refund, mention it in the letter. In the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission has a sample letter you can use.
What is the 6 year consumer law?
Consumer rights or rights under a guarantee
You can raise a problem about a product for up to six years from the date of buying it regardless of the terms of any guarantee. You can rely on the remedies available to you under law rather than your rights under a guarantee.
How do I get my money back from a company that won't respond?
- Try to Work it Out with the Merchant First.
- Option 1: Request a Chargeback.
- Option 2: Consider Mediation.
- Option 3: Sue in Small Claims.
- Option 4: Pursue Consumer Arbitration.
- FairShake Can Help Make Arbitrating a Breeze.
What is federal law regarding refunds?
Federally, retailers must accept returns under two basic scenarios. First, federal law requires refunds if the product is defective. Small variations or cosmetic defects might not legally require a refund. But significant problems with the product's safety or functionality could conflict with the product's advertising.
What to do if you pay for something and don't receive it?
If your item wasn't delivered to the location you agreed, it's the seller's legal responsibility to sort out the issue. You can ask them to redeliver your item. You can ask for a full refund if: a delivery date was essential and wasn't met.
What to do when a company won't refund you?
- Go Back to the Store or Website.
- Write a Letter.
- Get Outside Help.
- Post an Online Review.
- Consider Dispute Resolution Alternatives.
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 is the consumer protection act?
An Act to provide for protection of the interests of consumers and for the said purpose, to establish authorities for timely and effective administration and settlement of consumers' disputes and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
Is it worth going to small claims court for $500?
Conclusion: Going to small claims court may be worth it for $500, but it will determine how you weigh your costs versus benefits. At a minimum, it is worth it to send a demand letter.
Can you sue if you don't get a refund?
Consumers have legal rights, if you have been denied a refund it may take a lawsuit to get what you deserve. Whether or not companies must give refunds or other forms of recompense compensation can be a complicated legal matter. But what's pretty clear is that you shouldn't have to pay for something you don't receive.
Should I settle or go to court?
In a trial, you must accept the decision of the judge or jury. On the other hand, settling could put you at a disadvantage. Accepting a settlement may result in you receiving less money than you would if you went to court. Your lawyer will assist you in determining if going to trial is worth the extra time and money.
What can I do if I don't receive a refund?
Contact your bank or payment provider straight away. Let them know what happened and ask if you can get a refund. It's important to help them while they look at your claim - make sure you give them any information they ask for.
Can I sue a company for not returning my money?
The answer is yes, and your back pay can be a substantial amount of money.
What to do if you don't get your refund back?
Can You Call the IRS to Check Your Refund Status? In some cases, you can call the IRS to check the status of your tax return. Individual taxpayers can call the IRS at 800-829-1040 if: It's been 21 days or more since you e-filed your return.