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A Company Owes Me Money. What Do I Do?
Consumer experts say phone calls, clear records and escalation can help secure refunds when a merchant refuses to pay.
On Reddit, users recently discussed how to request refunds without appearing rude, sharing advice in "threads" on financial topics and emphasizing that clarity and persistence matter.
Chuck Bell, programs director for advocacy at Consumer Reports, notes retailers have become less flexible with return policies to minimize fraudulent returns and protect their bottom lines.
NerdWallet credit card expert Sara Rathner suggests initiating a chargeback if direct merchant requests fail, while Claire Rosenzweig, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Metro New York, advises calling customer service for direct resolution.
If direct requests fail, the Federal Trade Commission suggests escalating to a supervisor or contacting third parties like the Better Business Bureau, though social media complaints can be effective if other methods exhaust.
Purchasing from deceptive websites makes refunds nearly impossible, Rosenzweig warns, and consumers should verify the identity of anyone offering "help" online to avoid becoming scammer targets.