Latest news with #FairCreditBillingAct
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Please do not go to the airport': Sliver Airways leaves travelers stranded after airline abruptly shuts down
There's missing a flight, and then there's missing every flight because your airline just went bankrupt. That's what happened to hundreds of travelers this week when Silver Airways, a Florida-based regional carrier, abruptly announced it was ceasing operations effective immediately. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Passengers flying between Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean were left at airports with no warning, no alternative flight plans and no customer service reps in sight. 'We regret to inform you that we are ceasing operations as of today, June 11, 2025,' the airline posted on Instagram. "Please do not go to the airport." The bankruptcy came with zero notice and even fewer answers, raising questions for customers who already paid for tickets. Here's what led to the airline's sudden nosedive — and what to do if your summer vacation just hit major turbulence. Silver Airways has officially flown its last mile. Roughly five months after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the Florida-based airline grounded all flights — and not because of stormy weather. In a recent statement, the company revealed it had sold its assets to another airline holding company as part of a restructuring effort. But instead of reviving the brand, the new owner decided to ground all operations. 'In an attempt to restructure in bankruptcy, Silver entered into a transaction to sell its assets to another airline holding company, who unfortunately has determined to not continue Silver's flight operations,' the airline wrote in a statement. Silver had hoped the bankruptcy would help secure new capital and offer a path toward financial recovery. Instead, the collapse has left travelers stranded and staff without jobs — a costly detour for everyone involved. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it If you're one of the many people left grounded by Silver's sudden shutdown, don't expect a refund from the airline itself. In its final Instagram post, the company made it clear that customers won't be reimbursed directly. But all hope isn't lost. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, you might be able to recover your money depending on how you paid. If you bought your ticket with a credit card, you can file a dispute with your card issuer under the Fair Credit Billing Act. Be sure to include a copy of your ticket and receipt, and clearly explain that the airline has ceased operations and failed to deliver the service you paid for. Just don't wait too long. You typically have 60 days from the date your statement was issued — the one that includes the airfare charge — to file the dispute. If you booked through a travel agent or third-party site, it's worth reaching out to see if they can help secure a refund or offer any alternatives. Some agencies have extra protections or recourse built into their services. Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Boston Globe
08-05-2025
- Boston Globe
After a strange hotel closure and a glitch, guest is charged $169
Advertisement STEVE ELIASON, Minnetonka, Minn. A. The hotel should have honored your booking — and if it couldn't, should have refunded your $169. When a hotel can't honor a reservation, the booking site is obligated to find you comparable accommodations or return your money. This is a standard practice in the travel industry. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up This is the first time in my years of advocating cases that someone has closed a hotel to give birth. I hope that the mom and baby are OK and that the hotel opens again soon. In this situation, you did everything right by trying to contact the property and You also kept a detailed paper trail of all correspondence, including emails and phone call records. This documentation shows that you gave the system a chance to resolve your problem. Advertisement Most importantly, the correspondence shows that the hotel sent you an email saying your reservation wasn't confirmed and that you wouldn't be charged. So, someone — either the hotel or — really screwed up here. If your initial attempts fail, consider escalating the issue to a supervisor or an executive. You can find the contact information for executives on my consumer advocacy website, If hadn't been able to help, and if you hadn't reached out to me, you could have disputed your charges. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, your credit card can refund you for an item you paid for but didn't receive, like a hotel stay. I contacted on your behalf. A representative acknowledged the unusual circumstances of your case and agreed to issue a full refund. You received your $169 refund from along with a $50 credit for future bookings. Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy ( ), a nonprofit organization that helps consumers solve their problems. Email him at chris@ or get help by contacting him at
WIRED
22-04-2025
- WIRED
How to Buy Used or Refurbished Electronics
What to know, how to make a smart purchase, and where to snag the best deals on quality refurbished and used electronics. If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. Learn more. You can save money and help save the planet by buying used or refurbished electronics instead of new devices. Since most of the environmental impact of devices comes from the manufacturing phase, buying second-hand gear can reduce your carbon footprint. Do it right, and buying refurbished can feel much like buying new. This guide delves into what you need to know about refurbished terminology, offers tips on what to look for to snag yourself the best deals, and lists some of the best places to buy refurbished gadgets and used electronics. You may also be interested in How to Buy Ethical and Eco-Friendly Electronics, The Best Used Tech to Buy and Sell, What to Think About Before Buying a Used Smartphone, and How to Responsibly Dispose of Your Electronics. There is no legal definition of refurbished. Some sellers preferred used, pre-loved, second-hand, reconditioned, and the list continues. Refurbishment implies that the seller has tested the device, maybe repaired and cleaned it, but the only way to be sure is to read the fine print and make sure you understand what the seller means by whatever term it is using. If you're lucky, you may get an open-box device, which a buyer has opened but never actually used. Sellers are not legally allowed to resell returned devices as new, and it's common for all returns to end up sold in the same place. At the other end of the scale, you may end up with a device that looks like it has survived the apocalypse and doesn't work. I'll recommend a few good places to buy refurbished electronics below, but first, let's explore what you should look for in a seller and what you need to do to protect yourself when you buy. Aside from working out what the seller means by refurbished, you should read the listing for any potential purchase very carefully and try to answer questions like this: Has it been tested, and does everything work? Does it have a new battery or a guarantee about battery health? (This is crucial for old phones and laptops.) Has it been wiped if a previous user set it up? Is there any cosmetic damage like scratches or cracks? (Look for a transparent grading system.) What is included? (Chargers, cables, manuals, original packaging.) Is there any warranty offered? (The longer the better.) If there is a problem, how do returns work? Do you have to pay, and what is the window for a return? If you're uncertain about anything, it's worth asking before you buy to avoid disappointment. There are protections for purchases, such as Section 170 of the Fair Credit Billing Act in the US, or Section 75 in the UK. But you should use a credit card for purchases to get the best chargeback protection and avoid going through a third-party payment service. Some banks and credit card companies are better than others, so it's worth researching the protections they offer and their reputation. If you can inspect and test devices before you buy, do it. Otherwise, you should closely examine and thoroughly test any device you buy immediately when you receive it. Remember that there is a limited window to report any faults or issues with the condition and return an item. Always keep the box and packaging it arrived in at least until you are satisfied that you won't need to return it. You have an enormous choice when buying refurbished electronics, so let's break down your options. We have had some good experiences buying refurbished devices from their original manufacturers, which makes sense since they know precisely how to test and repair their own devices. All of these manufacturers certify the refurbished devices they sell, and most offer at least a one-year warranty, but the savings vary; for example, Apple only offers up to 15 percent off, while Dell offers up to 50 percent off. Many big retailers and carriers offer refurbished electronics, usually as a separate store, and there are bargains to be had. Here are a few of your top options: Several specialists refurbish electronics to a high standard and sell them with return policies and warranties. Back Market: You can find all sorts of electronics at Back Market, including smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, game consoles, headphones, speakers, and even appliances. Devices are professionally refurbished, and you can find a detailed explanation of what that means. Everything comes with a 30-day return policy (no cost to you) and a one-year warranty. KEH: This camera specialist offers a wide range of refurbished cameras and accessories that have been inspected, renewed, and graded. It also offers repair services and expert advice. Everything comes with a 21-day return policy (with a $25 processing fee) and a 180-day warranty. Retrospekt: Specializing in Polaroid cameras, Retrospekt refurbishes original cameras and combines refurbished internals with new exteriors. It also sells old game consoles, VCRs, and typewriters, as well as vinyl, cassettes, VHS tapes, camera film, and more. Devices come with a 30-day return policy (with return shipping costs and a 10 percent restocking fee) and a 90-day warranty. There are many other options for refurbished tech, including Gazelle and Reebelo. Folks in the UK should try CeX. You can find used electronics, sometimes for great prices, at charity stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army, but many charities now sell the best electronics donations they receive through websites like eBay or pass them through third-party services that refurbish devices for them. If you're having a rummage in store, make sure you ask if devices have been tested and see if you can try them before you buy, or at least return them for a refund if you take them home and find out they don't work. You'll get the best prices when you buy directly from other people, but those potential savings have to be balanced against the risks of getting a faulty device or being scammed. Marketplace websites that act as middlemen for private sales offer some protection for buyers but also skim a fee from each sale, which can inflate prices slightly. While you can find bargains and reputable sellers, there is some risk, and support can prove disappointing and take a long time if you ever have to dispute something. eBay : You can find everything on eBay, sellers have ratings, and there is some protection against scams. We have a detailed guide on how to buy used gear on eBay. : You can find everything on eBay, sellers have ratings, and there is protection against scams. We have a detailed guide on how to buy used gear on eBay. Swappa : Another marketplace that connects buyers and sellers for a small cut, Swappa focuses on electronics. It doesn't allow broken gear, does some basic checks on some devices, and has people to review and approve listings. : Another marketplace that connects buyers and sellers for a small cut, Swappa focuses on electronics. It doesn't allow broken gear, does some basic checks on some devices, and has people to review and approve listings. Vinted : Originally for clothes, Vinted has expanded into electronics and connects buyers and sellers for a fee. It recently launched an Electronics Verification service so sellers can send devices in to be tested before they go to buyers. Sadly, it's only available in the UK, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland, and Lithuania. : Originally for clothes, Vinted has expanded into electronics and connects buyers and sellers for a fee. It recently launched an Electronics Verification service so sellers can send devices in to be tested before they go to buyers. Sadly, it's only available in the UK, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland, and Lithuania. MPB: This company has specialists who vet the quality of used camera gear. Buyers get a six-month warranty. To get the cheapest possible prices, you could cut out the middlemen altogether and agree on a direct sale with a buyer, but this can be very risky, especially for electronics. Craigslist : Simple, direct ads, but you'll have to arrange to meet the seller and usually pay in cash. The danger is that you have little or no recourse if the electronics you buy are faulty or stolen. : Simple, direct ads, but you'll have to arrange to meet the seller and usually pay in cash. The danger is that you have little or no recourse if the electronics you buy are faulty or stolen. Gumtree : This is a popular Craigslist alternative in the UK that offers similar ads with buyers and sellers meeting directly and usually paying in cash. : This is a popular Craigslist alternative in the UK that offers similar ads with buyers and sellers meeting directly and usually paying in cash. Facebook Marketplace: Someone on Facebook Marketplace probably has exactly what you're looking for. Just be wary of scams, pick a public meetup spot like a park, and bring a friend if you're nervous. Power up with unlimited access to WIRED . Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today .
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How to dispute a credit card charge
If you believe there is an erroneous or fraudulent charge on your credit card, you have the right to dispute the charge and potentially have it removed from your statement. The Fair Credit Billing Act allows you to dispute a charge within 60 days of when it appears on your monthly statement. You are not required to pay the disputed charge while the credit card issuer investigates the claim, although other charges on your statement are still due. Be sure to follow proper procedures for disputing a charge, and keep good records throughout the process. Whether you were double-billed, overcharged or hit with credit card fraud, disputing a charge on your credit card is one of your rights under the Fair Credit Billing Act. And while it should be (and often is) fairly simple, the process varies widely by credit card, card issuer, the merchant and your situation. If you need to dispute a charge, here's how to report the problem, follow through and have that erroneous item removed from your bill — along with a few tips for resolving the situation when things don't go exactly as planned. You have 60 days from when the disputed charge appears in your monthly statement to dispute it. So dispute the charge as soon as you discover it. Ira Rheingold, executive director of the National Association of Consumer Advocates, suggests setting aside one day each week to look over your financial records. That way, the minute an unrecognized charge appears, you can take action. Andrew Milz, a consumer protection attorney for Flitter Milz P.C. in Philadelphia, encourages prompt responses to any fraud alerts sent by your card issuer — allowing you to spot fraud or errors as they occur. Additionally, disputing a charge based on the issuer's own alert strengthens your case to have the item removed from your bill. It's important to adhere to the standard process to dispute a charge, or your claim might be delayed or dismissed completely. The Fair Credit Billing Act sets out 'a procedure that must be followed,' says Edward Kroub, partner and head of litigation for Mizrahi Kroub LLP. 'Any deviation can be a fatal flaw to your claim and it could be dismissed,' he adds. 'I've seen that happen.' Let's take a look at the steps you should take in order to dispute a credit card charge: Before you dispute a charge with your credit card company, review the transaction details on your account. If you decide the charge is inaccurate, consider why you'll be disputing the charge. Were you denied a refund after buying a defective product? Did a merchant double-charge you? Or are you seeing charges that you never made, maybe at merchants you never visited or even cities/states you weren't in? The specifics of your situation will determine how you move forward. In the case of charge errors, for example, contact the merchant involved and see if the problem can be resolved before getting your credit card issuer involved. If you decide to go this route, document the date you contact the merchant, who you speak with and their response to your problem. The bank may ask for this information later on. If reaching out to the merchant involved ends in a stalemate, call your credit card company. Charge errors are not the only thing consumers can dispute. You may want to dispute an unsatisfactory service or a fraudulent charge. Regardless of the nature of your dispute, call the card company immediately once you discover a problem that cannot be resolved on your end of things. Report the disputed charge, and find out what the issuer requires to get that item removed from your bill. Many card issuers have a place on their website or within their app where you can dispute charges. But you may want to think twice about using it, says Kroub. The reason: It may mean you're signing away some of your dispute rights. That's because some issuers include arbitration clauses and other binding language in a site or app's fine print. And while you've likely already agreed to some form of arbitration just by using the card, 'Why solidify their defense?' Kroub says. His advice: After you report the disputed charge by phone, follow up in writing — either a letter with a return receipt or an email. When you call, state that you're lodging a dispute, he says. 'Most big card companies will have procedures. Often a phone call won't be enough — you'll want to follow it up with a letter. A letter will preserve your rights under the Fair Credit Billing Act.' When preparing your letter, be sure to include the following important information regarding your dispute: Your name Account number Date of the disputed charge Amount of the charge you are disputing An explanation of why you are disputing the charge Here is a quick example of what a credit card charge dispute letter may look like: May 1, 2025Attn: Billing InquiriesRe: Notice of disputed charge to Account #: 123456789 To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to dispute a charge of $100 to my Chase Freedom Unlimited on April 1, 2025. This charge is for an item I purchased at Walmart on April 1, 2025, and returned on April 5, 2025. I have attempted to resolve this issue with the merchant but have been unsuccessful. I am requesting that the billing error be corrected and credited to my account, including any amounts for finance or other charges that I may have incurred. Additionally, please send me an accurate statement reflecting these changes. Please find a copy of the receipt for the purchased item and a copy of the return receipt enclosed. I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter. Sincerely,John Doe Just because you've contacted the merchant or issuer and sent the letter doesn't mean you're done. Keep copies of your letter, your documentation and proof it was sent. According to Kroub, it's also important to follow up with the company to make sure it received your letter and find out what action it's taking. It's also important to keep a log with detailed notes every time you contact the company. Get the time, date, employee's name and their company ID number. Jot down a short summary of what was said. If you do end up in court, 'the more that you can show that you were diligent, the better off you'll be,' says Kroub. The company has one month to acknowledge your dispute and another two months (or billing cycles) to investigate, according to the terms laid out in the Fair Credit Billing Act. When the company completes its investigation, it must notify you in writing of its decision. And if the company elects not to remove the charge, it must give you an explanation of why it made that decision, says Milz. If the company decides not to remove the charge from your bill, you have 10 days to respond, says Milz. And you may wish to consult with a consumer protection attorney, he adds. Look for one 'who is fluent in the Fair Credit Billing Act and who regularly appears on behalf of consumers in federal court,' says Kroub. You can find a list of consumer attorneys in your state through the National Association of Consumer Advocates. And often the representation will end up being free, as many consumer protection statutes are fee-shifting statutes, he says. Another consideration: Depending on the arbitration agreement in your credit card agreement, you may not be able to sue, says Rheingold. The FTC enforces the Fair Credit Billing Act, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau investigates companies accused of financially harming consumers. So if you're disputing a charge and not getting any traction, it can be helpful to file complaints with both, says Kroub. 'The more you can put this on other people's radar, the more successful you'll be.' So do you have to pay a charge while it's being disputed? Technically no, says Milz. If you've officially disputed a charge, the Fair Credit Billing Act gives you the right to withhold payment for that one item until the card issuer's investigation is complete. And the issuer isn't allowed to send you to collections, sue you or report your action on the disputed item to the credit bureaus as a late or missed payment, he says. Practically speaking, though, it can be smart to pay the charge and accept an account credit later, says Milz. Because if the account is reported to the credit bureaus, correcting that record can be much more difficult than rectifying a card billing error. And it can cost you big money in terms of a diminished credit score resulting in higher interest rates on a car or home. If there are errors on your credit report, you should dispute them with the credit bureaus and consult a consumer attorney, Milz says. You will not escape unscathed if the charge is a legitimate one. If the merchant challenges your dispute and prevails, you could be forced to pay an administrative fee or face other penalties. Merchants could also retaliate by closing your account or banning you permanently, according to Chargebacks911. Source: Whether you're dealing with credit card fraud or just incorrect or unwanted charges from merchants, disputing erroneous charges is a crucial tool for consumers. But the process can take a lot of time and might not be resolved in your favor. Still, it's important to keep a close eye on your credit card statements and follow up on anything that looks odd or incorrect. In the case of fraud, you want to report the charge as soon as possible and make sure your accounts are secure. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
05-12-2024
- Business
- Yahoo
What can I do if my credit card billing error dispute is denied?
Customers have the right to dispute errors under the Fair Credit Billing Act. Customers should make sure they are not mistaken about the billing error and should provide the necessary information and evidence to the issuer. If the credit card issuer denies the dispute, the customer can request supporting documents and can also appeal the decision or file a complaint with consumer protection agencies. If the dispute is still not resolved, customers can seek legal advice and file a case. Most credit card transactions go through smoothly, but you can run into an occasional mishap. For instance, what if you buy something on sale and later see the full price charged for it on your credit card statement? Everyone makes mistakes, but you don't need to pay for a billing error. The first thing you should do though is attempt to resolve the issue with the retailer, and receive credit for the excess charge. If that doesn't work, your rights under the Fair Credit Billing Act also allow you to put in a credit card dispute with your card issuer. Sometimes, even the issuer dispute may not result in a fix. In case the issuer denies your dispute, you still have other recourse. There are certain types of credit card purchase situations in which you can dispute a billing error. For instance: You don't recognize a charge on your credit card bill and suspect that you did not authorize it You see a charge for an incorrect amount A charge for a purchase that was not delivered, or that you returned Your card issuer did not give you credit for a payment you sent The issuer did not send your card statement to your current address (provided that you gave adequate notice of any address change) Your card is billed twice for the same transaction Did you know? While a dispute is being investigated, you don't need to pay the amount in question, although you should continue paying on the rest of the balance due. The issuer cannot consider the disputed amount to be delinquent. Before filing a dispute, make sure that you are not mistaken about the error. For instance, you may see a merchant name you don't recognize and think it's a billing error, but the merchant is simply billing under a different corporate name. You should write to your card issuer (at its address for billing inquiries and not the address to which it receives payments), providing your card information and a letter describing the issue. Also, include copies of any documents and receipts that support your case. The issuer must receive your letter within 60 days of the time you got the first card statement with the billing error. Send it by certified mail and ask for a return receipt so that you have proof that the issuer got your letter. You'll receive written acknowledgment of your dispute letter within 30 days of the issuer receiving it. The issuer will conduct an investigation and resolve the matter within 90 days of receiving your dispute notification. After conducting an investigation, your card issuer may deny your dispute. For example, if the issuer may not find evidence that the transaction you disputed was unauthorized. The issuer may deny the entire disputed amount or a part of it; either way, it should inform you in writing about the denial and how much you owe. You will also be notified about when you need to make your payment, including any interest that accumulated on the amount while it was in dispute. You should pay this amount by the date due so that you are not delinquent. If you don't agree with the issuer's findings, you can ask for documents that support the decision to deny your dispute. You can also appeal the decision with the issuer within 10 days of being notified about it or before the deadline for you to pay the disputed amount, whichever comes later. You could also consider filing a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or even your state attorney general's office or consumer protection agency. It may be a good idea to consult with an attorney about how to follow up. While this can get costly, if they file a case that is resolved in your favor, you could be awarded damages and also have your attorney's fees covered. The issuer can report your account as delinquent to the credit bureaus if you haven't paid up within the time the issuer allowed you and start collection activity on the amount due from you. However, it should also note to the bureaus that you are disputing the billing error. If you have an issue with a billing error on your credit card statement, you can file a dispute with your credit card issuer after you attempt to resolve the matter with the merchant. In case the card issuer denies your dispute, you still have options. You should follow up with the lender to ask for an explanation and any supporting documentation. If you think your dispute was incorrectly denied given that reasoning, you can file a complaint with the FTC, the CFPB or your state authorities.
