How to Resolve Billing Conflicts
- 1). Review your bill carefully to determine the amount you owe. Secure a copy of your past three bills to review for discrepancies between billing cycles that might explain the problem. Checking your bank statement is also a good idea for verification that the payments cleared for previous bills. Check for inconsistencies in old bills if it is a recurring bill. Evaluate all penalties and interest charges.
- 2). Contact the creditor. Look for the contact information on the bill. It is best to call rather than write if there is a phone number provided. Calling will save precious time. Some companies will give you an address to write, but making a phone call is still recommended. Calling to speed up the process makes sense because your credit could be damaged if bill resolution takes too long, given the extra time needed for mail delivery and any paperwork processing that could be required. Get the name of every person you speak with, and record the time and date. Ask for an itemized bill if they sent a bill without the details. If the bill is unclear, then ask for clarification on the facts in dispute.
- 3). Upgrade the call to a manager if necessary. If you have a communication problem with the original contact, or you feel that he or she is rude, then immediately ask to speak to a manager. Document each conversation carefully so you can explain your communication problem as needed.
- 4). Review your contract for information about how you agreed to handle disputes. Reading the fine print on the contract is important if you have forgotten what you signed originally. You probably signed the contract agreeing to abide by the company's terms and conditions before receiving the card in the mail or obtaining a service or product. Familiarize yourself with all signed paperwork before taking legal action, as a last resort, if you can't come to an agreement with the company.
- 5). Send a certified letter disputing the charges within 60 days of receiving the bill. You need proof you sent the letter, so sending it certified mail provides the necessary documentation. The company has no more than 90 days to respond to your letter. Pay the amount that you agree that you owe to keep from incurring any penalties or future problems. Do not pay the disputed amount in question.
- 6). Seek legal help through the courts or the appropriate government agency if necessary. Call the Fair Trade Commission or your state attorney general's office for advice about how to proceed if you cannot resolve the issue directly with the company.
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