Key Points to Remember:
– Consumers have rights when they receive an order that was canceled or made in error.
– You are not required to pay for mistaken orders, but it’s important to keep records if there is a mix-up.
– Beware of scams involving free orders.
– Take caution when making online purchases to avoid unintended transactions.
It’s common to accidentally purchase items online with a simple click of a button. If you find yourself in a situation where you bought something by mistake or changed your mind quickly, do you have to pay for it? The answer is no, as there are laws and regulations in place to safeguard your rights.
Here’s what you should know about your rights and protections concerning being charged for a canceled order or an order you never placed:
If an Order Was Never Placed:
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), businesses are prohibited from sending merchandise you did not order and then charging you for it. Therefore, you are not obligated to return or pay for unsolicited goods, even if you receive an invoice or collection notice. You are free to keep such items as a gift.
Occasionally, sellers may send you a gift or sample, or a charity may send you a gift and request a donation. In these cases, you are not required to pay for the items received.
If Your Credit Card Was Charged for an Order You Did Not Make:
Under the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA), if a merchant ships an order that you canceled and your credit card is charged, you have specific rights regarding billing errors. You must notify your credit card issuer of the dispute in writing within 60 days from the date of the first statement containing the charge. Failure to follow these procedures could result in you being held responsible for the charge.
Before initiating an FCBA dispute, consider reaching out to the seller to inquire about resolving the issue. Promptly address the matter to avoid missing the 60-day dispute window.
Send a written dispute to your card issuer’s designated address for billing disputes, and ensure that the issue is acknowledged within 30 days. The issuer should resolve the dispute within two billing cycles, not exceeding 90 days. During the investigation, you do not need to pay the disputed amount or any finance charges, but you must continue paying other charges.
If necessary, escalate the dispute by reporting the vendors to the FTC or your state’s attorney general’s office.
If You Suspect a Scam:
The United States Postal Inspection Service alerted the public about a scam known as brushing, where recipients receive unordered packages without a return address. This scam involves international, third-party sellers using fake reviews to boost product ratings and sales numbers.
Stay vigilant to protect yourself from potential scams and fraudulent activities online.
Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their tactics to deceive consumers. One alarming trend is the rise of brushing scams, where individuals receive unsolicited packages from online sellers. While receiving unexpected deliveries may seem harmless at first, the reality is far more sinister. These scammers may have gained access to your personal information and could be using your address and account details for fraudulent activities.
Moreover, the contents of these packages are often worthless items that no one needs or wants. The intention behind these fake reviews and shipments is to boost the scammer’s ratings and credibility, potentially leading other unsuspecting individuals to make purchases based on false information.
In some cases, scammers go as far as using your address to order merchandise themselves, only to intercept the package before you have a chance to retrieve it. This not only puts your financial security at risk but also compromises your sense of safety and privacy within your own home.
To protect yourself from falling victim to brushing scams and similar schemes, it is crucial to take proactive measures. The United States Postal Service Inspection Service offers the following recommendations:
1. Never pay for unsolicited merchandise. If there is a return address on the package, send it back to the sender.
2. Change your account passwords regularly and keep a close eye on your credit card statements for any suspicious activity.
3. If you receive unordered items from reputable vendors like Amazon or eBay, report the fraud immediately.
4. Notify authorities if you receive packages containing organic materials, unknown liquids, or suspicious substances.
In addition to brushing scams, consumers may also find themselves facing aggressive sales tactics that pressure them into making purchases they later regret. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has established a “cooling off” rule to address such situations, giving individuals the right to cancel certain sales within three days if they were made in specific locations like homes, workplaces, or temporary seller venues.
While this rule offers some protection, it does not cover all scenarios, particularly sales under a certain dollar amount. Therefore, it is essential for consumers to be vigilant and aware of their rights when making purchases, especially in high-pressure situations.
Understanding your rights as a consumer is crucial in safeguarding yourself against fraudulent activities and unfair business practices. Should you find yourself in a situation where you are wrongly charged for orders or coerced into making purchases, remember that you have the power to dispute these charges and seek resolution.
By being informed and proactive, you can protect yourself from falling victim to scams and ensure that your consumer rights are upheld. Stay vigilant, educate yourself on best practices for online shopping, and remember that you have the right to question and challenge any transactions that seem dubious or unauthorized.
