What are my chargeback rights when I have been scammed on a purchase?
If you paid by debit or credit card, chargeback lets you dispute a transaction with your card provider and potentially recover the funds — credit card purchases may also carry additional Section 75 protection in the UK.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
A chargeback is a reversal of a card transaction initiated by your bank or card issuer. You can typically request a chargeback if goods or services were not received, were significantly not as described, or if the merchant is uncontactable. Chargeback is available on both debit and credit cards, though the specific rules vary by card network (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) and by country.
In the UK, credit card purchases between £100 and £30,000 are also covered by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, which makes the credit card company jointly liable with the merchant. This is a stronger protection than chargeback because it is a statutory right, not just a card scheme rule, and it applies even if only part of the purchase was on credit.
Chargebacks must usually be raised within a time limit — typically 120 days from the transaction date or from when you expected delivery. Acting quickly matters. Gather evidence: order confirmations, tracking information showing non-delivery, screenshots of the seller's website, and any communications.
This is general information and does not constitute personalised legal or financial advice. Chargeback outcomes depend on the specific facts and your bank's investigation.
Common red flags
- Seller website has disappeared since you made payment
- Tracking number provided does not exist or was never updated
- Product arrived but was completely different from what was described
- Seller is unreachable for a refund and is ignoring communications
- You are approaching the chargeback time limit — time-sensitive
What to do now
- Contact your card provider immediately to initiate a chargeback dispute
- Gather all evidence: order confirmation, screenshots, delivery tracking, communications
- For UK credit card purchases over £100, mention Section 75 specifically
- Submit the chargeback within the time limit — typically 120 days from transaction
- If the chargeback fails, escalate to the financial ombudsman with your evidence
- Report the fraudulent seller to your national consumer protection authority
Frequently asked questions
Can I do a chargeback on a bank transfer?
No. Chargeback is a card payment mechanism and does not apply to bank transfers. If you sent money via bank transfer to a scammer, you would need to pursue APP fraud reimbursement through your bank or take legal action separately.
What is the difference between chargeback and a refund from the merchant?
A refund comes from the merchant voluntarily. A chargeback is a forced reversal you request through your bank, which then disputes the transaction with the merchant's bank. Chargebacks are used when the merchant refuses to refund or is unreachable.