Clear guidance for common consumer problems
Here's Exactly What To Do.

Start by checking the company's refund policy, order confirmation, return window, and any written promises made during purchase. If the refund is valid, contact the company in writing and include your order number, payment date, screenshots, delivery proof, and the reason you believe the refund is owed. Ask for a written response within a clear deadline.

If the company still refuses, you may be able to escalate through your payment provider, file a billing dispute, or report the issue to a consumer protection agency.

A company should not continue charging you after you have properly canceled a subscription or service. Keep proof of cancellation, such as emails, confirmation numbers, chat screenshots, or account dashboard records.

If another charge appears, contact the company and request an immediate refund plus written confirmation that the subscription is closed. If they do not stop billing you, contact your bank or card issuer and ask about disputing the charge.

A chargeback is when your bank or credit card issuer reverses a payment after you dispute a transaction. It is usually used for unauthorized charges, duplicate billing, wrong amounts, items not received, services not provided, or a refund that was promised but not issued.

Before starting a chargeback, try to resolve the issue with the company and save all proof. If that fails, contact your card issuer quickly and explain the problem clearly.

First, check the delivery address, mailbox, porch, building reception, neighbors, and proof-of-delivery photo if available. Then contact the seller and the carrier with your tracking number.

In most online shopping cases, the seller should help investigate, replace the item, or explain the next step because they arranged the shipment. If the seller refuses to help and you paid but never received the product, you may be able to dispute the charge with your payment provider.

If an airline cancels or significantly changes your flight and you do not accept the rebooked flight, travel credit, or voucher, you may be entitled to a refund to your original payment method. Do not accept a voucher if you want cash back.

Contact the airline or ticket agent and request a refund in writing. Keep your booking confirmation, cancellation notice, payment receipt, and any messages from the airline.

The right agency depends on the type of complaint:

FTC — scams, fraud, deceptive billing, or bad business practices.
CFPB — credit cards, bank accounts, credit reports, loans, or debt collection.
U.S. Dept. of Transportation — airline refunds, flight issues, baggage, or ticketing.
FCC — phone, internet, TV, or communication service complaints.
State AG / Consumer Protection Office — local business complaints.