What to do if you order something online and it never arrives?
Asked by: Lavinia Emmerich | Last update: February 22, 2026Score: 5/5 (72 votes)
If you ordered something online and didn't receive it, first contact the seller with your order details to track the package or request a refund, then dispute the charge with your credit card company (offers more protection) or bank if the seller is unhelpful, and if it seems like a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Document everything, use tracking, and remember federal law requires sellers to ship within 30 days or offer a cancellation/refund.
What happens if I order something online and it never arrived?
If your online order doesn't arrive, first contact the seller to track it or report the issue, then if unresolved, dispute the charge with your bank or credit card company, as credit cards offer better protection, and finally, report potential scams to the FTC, using the tracking number and order details as evidence for refunds or chargebacks under federal rules.
What to do if you buy something online and it never arrives?
You can ask them to redeliver your item. You can ask for a full refund if: a delivery date was essential and wasn't met. a delivery date was agreed but wasn't essential, and a second date also wasn't met.
Can I get my money back if a website scammed me?
Yes, you often can get your money back from a fake website, especially if you acted quickly and used a credit card or payment service like PayPal, by disputing the charge (chargeback) with your bank or company; if paid by debit/bank transfer, immediate bank contact is crucial for potential freezing, though recovery is harder, but reporting to FTC, IC3 (FBI), and local police helps create a record for recovery.
What if I paid for an item and never received it?
Ensure you explain to the business exactly why you are asking for a refund, or the correct product. Keep copies for your records and be sure to follow up with the business. If you do not receive a refund within 15 days, contact your credit card provider and ask them to reverse the charges.
What to do if you don't receive your order
Can I get my money back if my order never came?
Did you order something that didn't arrive? A company can't make you wait forever. If something didn't arrive or you didn't accept it, and the company won't refund your money, dispute the charges.
What to do if scammed by online shopping?
Contact your bank or payment provider straight away. Let them know what happened and ask if you can get a refund. It's important to help them while they look at your claim - make sure you give them any information they ask for.
Can I get my money back if I am scammed online?
Yes, cyber fraud money can sometimes be recovered, especially if you act immediately by reporting it to your bank and law enforcement, but success depends heavily on the speed of reporting and the type of transaction (credit cards offer more protection than payment apps or wire transfers). Prompt action allows banks to potentially freeze funds in transit, while reporting to agencies like the FTC or FBI (via IC3) helps track trends and potentially recover assets.
What to do if an online retailer won't refund?
If an online retailer won't refund you, first try escalating internally (manager, corporate) with documentation, then dispute the charge with your credit card company (within 60 days for credit cards) or bank. If that fails, file complaints with the Better Business Bureau, your State Attorney General, or the FTC, and consider small claims court or online dispute resolution for persistent issues.
Can my bank refund a payment if I was scammed online?
Yes, it is possible to get a refund for money lost in cyber crime, such as online scams or fraudulent UPI transactions. You should immediately block your bank account and inform your bank's fraud department.
What are my rights if I don't receive an order?
Request a refund
If the item is not delivered by the agreed date or within a reasonable time, you can cancel your order and ask for a refund.
What are the 4 rights of a consumer?
The four foundational consumer rights, established by President John F. Kennedy, are the Right to Safety, Right to be Informed, Right to Choose, and Right to be Heard, protecting consumers from hazards, ensuring access to information, promoting market competition, and providing a voice for consumer concerns, respectively. These core rights form the basis for broader consumer protection laws worldwide, with later additions including rights to redress, education, and a healthy environment.
What to do if scammed by an online store?
Ways to Report It
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ...
- Report to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) ...
- Report to your local law enforcement. ...
- Notify Additional Federal Agencies (if applicable) ...
- Report to Social Media and Online Platforms. ...
- Alert Your Financial Institutions.
What can I do if I paid for something and it never arrived?
If you pay for something and don't receive it, first contact the seller with your order details and tracking, then dispute the charge with your credit/debit card company if they're unhelpful, and if it's a scam, report it to the FTC and consider involving your bank or payment platform like PayPal for buyer protection.
Who is legally responsible for lost packages?
If a parcel goes missing, the seller is generally responsible for getting the item to you, even after it's shipped, until it's safely in your possession, requiring them to refund or replace it, though the delivery company handles claims if lost in transit; however, if you agreed to specific delivery terms (like "leave on porch") and it's gone, the risk shifts to you, while stolen delivered packages usually require police reports and claims through the carrier/seller.
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.
What to do if a merchant refuses to refund?
If a merchant refuses a refund, first escalate within the company (manager/corporate), then dispute the charge with your credit card company (chargeback), and finally, file complaints with consumer protection agencies like the Better Business Bureau or your State Attorney General, potentially escalating to small claims court for significant amounts. Keep all documentation (receipts, emails, policy) to support your claim.
How do I get my money back from an online purchase?
To get a refund for an online payment, first contact the merchant directly with your issue; if unresolved, use the platform's built-in refund tools (like Apple's reportaproblem.apple.com or Google Play's purchase history) or initiate a chargeback with your bank for issues like unauthorized charges or non-delivery.
How likely am I to get my money back after being scammed?
Debit cards and payment apps offer limited fraud protection, so the likelihood of getting your money back is much lower than credit cards. If you report fraud quickly, your bank may reverse a debit-card charge, though it can take longer than credit-card disputes.
What to do if I ordered something from a fake website?
If contacting the seller or website does not work, file a complaint with: Your state's consumer protection office. Your state's attorney general. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for scams and suspicious communications.
How do I get my money back after being scammed online?
Contact the company or bank that issued the credit card or debit card. Tell them the charge was fraudulent and ask them to reverse the transaction and give you your money back.
What to do if scammed by online purchase?
Contact your bank or credit union immediately if you've sent money to a scammer. They may be able to close your account or stop a transaction. Make sure you call them using their official phone number, not the one in the scam message.
Can I get my money back if I've been scammed online?
Yes, cyber fraud money can sometimes be recovered, especially if you act immediately by reporting it to your bank and law enforcement, but success depends heavily on the speed of reporting and the type of transaction (credit cards offer more protection than payment apps or wire transfers). Prompt action allows banks to potentially freeze funds in transit, while reporting to agencies like the FTC or FBI (via IC3) helps track trends and potentially recover assets.
What not to do when you get scammed?
If you're a victim of monetary or identity theft:
- Immediately stop interacting with the scammer.
- Don't send money or share personal information.
- Contact your financial institution.
- Follow the steps on IdentityTheft.gov.