Who Is Eligible for a Chargeback and When Is It Possible?

[ArtemMit]

The internet is full of promises of easy money, beautiful websites, and "guaranteed" investments. Unfortunately, these often hide scammers who disappear with your money. What can you do if you've already paid and realized you've been scammed? One of the most effective tools is a chargeback — a request for a refund through your bank. It's not magic and not a "panic button," but when handled properly, it really works. Here's who can request it and in what situations it's applicable. If needed — contact us by email, we'll help you figure it out.

Who Can Request a Chargeback?

Anyone holding a Visa, Mastercard, or certain other payment systems (such as American Express) is eligible for a chargeback if the transaction was made via a payment terminal or online. The request is submitted by the cardholder to their bank, which performs an internal review and then forwards it to the payment system, which then contacts the merchant's bank.

This applies to both individuals and legal entities — the key is that the payment was made with a card and can be documented. The more evidence you have, the better: communication history, website screenshots, receipts. Even if it feels like "nothing can be done," we've seen dozens of cases where the money was recovered. Contact us — we'll advise what documents you'll need in your case.

When Is a Chargeback Possible?

Banks accept a wide range of reasons for chargebacks, but the most common and successful ones include:

• Fraudulent transactions: The payment was made without your knowledge or consent.
• Service not provided / item not delivered: You paid, but never received what was promised.
• Service didn't match the offer: For example, an investment platform promised one thing but delivered something completely different.
• Billing errors: Duplicate charges, wrong amounts, etc.
• Deception or pressure: If the seller misled you or withheld important information.

Every case is unique, so if you're unsure — don't wait. Reach out, and we'll help you determine whether a chargeback is possible in your situation.

Time Limits for Submitting a Request

One of the most critical factors for success is timing. Typically, you can submit a chargeback request within 45 to 120 days from the transaction date, but the optimal window is within the first 60 days. Some banks may have even shorter deadlines, especially if the payment wasn't disputed promptly.

Pro tip: Even if you're a bit past the deadline, it's still worth trying — we've seen cases where chargebacks were accepted late, provided there were strong arguments.

Who Is Not Eligible for a Chargeback?

Chargeback does not apply in the following cases:

• You sent money via cryptocurrency or P2P methods with no involvement of a bank.
• The payment was a voluntary transfer to a personal card, without supporting documents.
• Too much time has passed since the transaction.
• The service was fully delivered, but you simply didn't like the result.
• You signed a waiver or contract agreeing not to file disputes (some platforms use this tactic).

It's important to remember: even if it seems hopeless — talk to a specialist. We've helped dozens of clients recover funds when they thought all was lost.

Conclusion: Don't Let Scammers Win

A chargeback is a real way to get your money back — especially when scammers disguise themselves as legitimate businesses and skillfully "sell air." But your success depends on how fast and professionally you act: what documents you provide, how you present your case, and how confidently you defend your position.

We're here to help — from evaluating your case to guiding you through the process. We don't make empty promises, but we'll always tell you honestly whether a refund is possible and what steps you need to take.

If you've encountered any issues, feel free to contact us at: [email protected]