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Incorrect Charges
A charge appears that you did not make, or the amount shown is not correct.
Consumer Billing Rights
Is a Billing Error Hurting Your Finances?
Incorrect charges, payments that were not properly credited, and certain other billing errors may be protected by federal law. Beverly Hills Legal Services can help you understand your options and next steps.
Clear Review of the billing issue
Documentation and dispute guidance
Next Steps based on your situation
Common Billing Issues
Know What May Qualify as an Error
Federal billing-error protections can apply to several types of mistakes involving consumer credit statements.
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Payment Not Credited
You made a payment or received a credit, but the statement does not properly reflect it.
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Accounting Errors
The statement contains a computation or similar accounting mistake.
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Charges Needing Clarification
You need additional information or documentation concerning an extension of credit shown on the statement.
Understanding Your Rights
What Does 15 U.S.C. § 1666 Do?
15 U.S.C. § 1666 is part of the Fair Credit Billing Act framework. It creates a process for consumers to notify a creditor about certain billing errors on qualifying credit accounts and requires the creditor to respond when the statutory requirements are met.
A billing error can involve more than an unfamiliar purchase. The law includes certain unauthorized extensions of credit, charges for the wrong amount or date, charges for goods or services not accepted or not delivered as agreed, mathematical or accounting errors, and a creditor's failure to properly reflect a payment or other credit.
The details matter. A consumer generally must send a written notice that identifies the account, explains the believed error, and states the amount involved. The creditor must receive a qualifying notice within the applicable statutory period.
Before You Dispute
Documents That Can Help
Having the right records available can make it easier to understand what happened and determine the appropriate next step.
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Account Statements
Keep the statement showing the disputed charge, payment, credit, fee, or other alleged error.
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Proof of Payment
Bank records, payment confirmations, canceled checks, receipts, or other evidence showing when and how payment was made.
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Correspondence
Save emails, letters, chat transcripts, reference numbers, and notes from conversations with the creditor.
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Supporting Records
Contracts, receipts, shipping information, screenshots, or other records that help explain why you believe the billing is incorrect.
15 U.S.C. § 1666
A billing dispute is more than a phone call.
For the federal billing-error procedure to apply, the notice must meet statutory requirements and reach the creditor at the appropriate disclosed address within the applicable time period.
After receiving a qualifying notice, the creditor generally must acknowledge it within 30 days unless the matter is resolved sooner, and complete the required resolution process within two complete billing cycles, but no later than 90 days.
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Identify the error
Pinpoint the statement, amount, transaction, payment, or other billing issue.
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Gather your records
Statements, payment confirmations, receipts, correspondence, and other supporting records can matter.
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Act promptly
Do not assume a customer-service call preserves statutory rights. Timing and proper written notice can be important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Billing Errors
Is calling the creditor enough?
A phone call may help resolve an issue, but the federal billing-error procedure generally depends on a qualifying written notice received by the creditor within the statutory time period. Do not assume a telephone complaint alone preserves rights under 15 U.S.C. § 1666.
Why is the 60-day period important?
The statute generally requires the creditor to receive the consumer's written billing-error notice within 60 days after the creditor transmitted the statement containing the alleged error. Waiting can affect the protections available through this particular federal procedure.
What happens after a qualifying notice?
The creditor generally must acknowledge a qualifying notice within 30 days unless the matter is resolved sooner. The required correction or explanation generally must be completed within two complete billing cycles and, in any event, no later than 90 days after receipt.
Can this remove any late payment from my credit report?
No. Section 1666 is not a general method for deleting accurate negative credit information. Whether a particular payment, fee, balance, or related reporting issue can be challenged depends on the underlying facts and applicable law.
Request a Consultation
Think something on your statement is wrong?
Tell us what happened. Beverly Hills Legal Services can review the information you provide, help identify the nature of the billing issue, discuss applicable deadlines and documentation, and explain the options that may be available for your situation.
✓Concise review of the issue and relevant documents
✓Guidance regarding dispute requirements and deadlines
✓Clear next-step recommendations based on the facts presented
Important: This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Rights and deadlines depend on the facts and the type of account involved. 15 U.S.C. § 1666 addresses qualifying billing errors in connection with consumer credit; it is not a general right to remove accurate negative credit information. No result is guaranteed.