How do I complain about not getting a refund?

Asked by: Dortha Heidenreich II  |  Last update: May 26, 2026
Score: 5/5 (40 votes)

To complain about not getting a refund, first formally contact the company with a complaint letter, then escalate to your credit card company for a chargeback if needed, and finally report the issue to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), your State Attorney General, or the FTC for pattern detection. Always start with the merchant, clearly stating your desired resolution (refund) and providing documentation.

Who do I complain to about not receiving a refund?

There are a number of different ombudsman services you can use depending on your issue. You can escalate your complaint to an ombudsman providing you have given the company a reasonable amount of time - usually up to eight weeks - to resolve your problem.

What to do if a company won't refund you?

If a company won't refund you, first formally contact them again, then dispute the charge with your bank/card issuer, and if needed, escalate by filing complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), your State Attorney General, and the FTC, or consider small claims court for larger amounts. 

Do companies legally have to give you a refund?

Generally speaking, when you buy goods you enter into a legally binding contract and you have no right to return them for a refund. However, there are circumstances where a right to return goods may arise.

Can the BBB help you get a refund?

Yes, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) (BBB) can help you get your money back by mediating disputes, but they can't force a company to issue a refund; success depends on the business's willingness to resolve the issue, though filing a complaint often prompts action for things like refunds, repairs, or replacements for marketplace problems. The process involves the BBB forwarding your complaint to the business, requesting a response, and facilitating communication, which can lead to a resolution, especially if the company values its BBB standing. 

The Escrow Account Surprise No One Tells First-Time

45 related questions found

Can I sue a company for not refunding me?

Many unethical and greedy companies, businesses and corporations are withholding your money. You don't have to accept a refund denial. Consumers have legal rights, if you have been denied a refund it may take a lawsuit to get what you deserve.

Is it worth filing a complaint with the BBB?

Filing a BBB complaint can be worth it as a free, formal way to get a business's attention, potentially leading to resolution, especially if direct contact fails, but the BBB lacks enforcement power, so success hinges on the company's willingness to maintain its rating, with other options like state agencies or legal action being stronger for non-negotiable issues. It's best for issues like service failures, not legal disputes or government complaints, and works best when the business values its public image. 

What can I do if a company will not give me a refund?

These strategies and this sample complaint letter can help you get your money back or reach another resolution.

  1. Go Back to the Store or Website.
  2. Write a Letter.
  3. Get Outside Help.
  4. Post an Online Review.
  5. Consider Dispute Resolution Alternatives.

What is a typical refund timeframe?

At a glance

The IRS generally issues refunds within 21 days of e-filing, but paper-filed returns can take 6 to 8 weeks.

What are the laws around refunds?

A refund should be the full amount the consumer paid for the product. The business must not deduct an amount from a refund to take into account the use a consumer has had of the product.

Can you force a company to give you a refund?

Consumers seeking refunds can contact organizations like the Better Business Bureau, state consumer protection offices, or the Federal Trade Commission. Start by documenting your purchase and communication with the company. File a formal complaint with these agencies if direct resolution fails.

What to do if a company is ignoring you?

Complain to the organisation

We recommend that you do this by email, where possible. If you think personal information is missing from the response, you should clearly list what other information you think they also have. This will help them review their records.

What are the 4 rights of a consumer?

The four foundational consumer rights, introduced by President Kennedy, are the Right to Safety (protection from hazardous products), the Right to Be Informed (access to truthful information), the Right to Choose (access to various goods/services at competitive prices), and the Right to Be Heard (having consumer interests represented). These rights ensure fair marketplace practices and protect consumers from deceptive or unsafe products.
 

Is it illegal to not issue a refund?

Most retail stores allow you to return things you buy within a reasonable time for a full refund, credit, or an exchange. When a store clearly displays a limited or no-refund policy, however, refunds and exchanges are not required by law.

Is the Financial Ombudsman free to use?

Yes, the Ombudsman can provide interpretation and translation services in additional languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), as requested. Does the Ombudsman cost money? Use of the CFPB Ombudsman's Office is entirely voluntary and free of charge.

Why are refunds taking so long in 2025?

Income tax refund delays in 2025 happen due to claiming EITC/ACTC (held until mid-Feb), errors or incomplete info on returns (SSN mismatches, missing forms, math mistakes), returns flagged for fraud review (identity theft), or filing too early/late, with the IRS needing more time for verification, but using the "Where's My Refund?" tool is best for status checks. 

What is the $600 rule in the IRS?

The IRS "$600 rule" refers to the lowered reporting threshold for payments received through third-party payment apps (like Venmo, PayPal, or online marketplaces) on Form 1099-K, intended to capture income from goods/services, but the rule has been phased in slowly, with delays, and the threshold is different for each year as of late 2025/early 2026: it was $20k/200 transactions, then intended for $600, but for 2024 it was $5,000, for 2025 it's $2,500, and set to return to the $600 level for 2026 and beyond, though the IRS still emphasizes that all taxable income, regardless of 1099-K issuance, must be reported. 

How long is it acceptable to wait for a refund?

You must offer a refund to customers if they've told you within 14 days of receiving their item that they want to cancel. They have another 14 days to return the item once they've told you. You must refund the customer within 14 days of receiving the item back.

Is it illegal to not refund a customer?

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA), consumers may be entitled to a refund, replacement, repair and/or compensation where goods are faulty or not as described. They are also entitled to a refund and/or compensation where the seller had no legal right to sell the goods.

What powers does a consumer ombudsman have?

Consumer Ombudsman Charter

  • Provide an agency perspective to consumers and a consumer perspective to the agency;
  • Explain agency processes, procedures, scientific principles, and technical information to consumers in plain language;
  • Ensure that consumer voices are represented within agency processes;

What is the best site to complain about a company?

The best place to complain about a company depends on your goal: for direct resolution, contact the company first, then the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or your State Attorney General/Consumer Protection Office; for broader impact against scams, report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or USA.gov/complaints; and for public visibility, post honest reviews on sites like Google, Yelp, or social media. 

What company has the most BBB complaints?

There isn't one single company universally holding the title for the most BBB complaints, as these figures fluctuate and vary by region, but industries like auto sales/repair, telecom (cable/satellite/cell phones), banks, and collection agencies consistently see high complaint volumes, with specific companies in these sectors often topping local BBB lists, like Epic Games in North Carolina for unanswered complaints in early 2024. 

Does it cost money to file a complaint with the better business bureau?

It's Free. The BBB does not charge you to file a complaint. They make money not from consumers filing complaints but from charging businesses membership fees to be accredited by the BBB.