02 Jul Do I have to pay for this order I disputed for fraud?

Q. I ordered a product online based upon information in the marketing flyer. After ordering, I checked some of their claims by Googling and two items about their product were not true, including claims it was approved by the FDA. I immediately disputed the charge with the credit card company and sent an email to the company that I disputed the charge because of fake information. No reply. But the product was received and my credit card company gave a refund to my card. I tried to contact the company three more times with no replies. Am I responsible for any charges if they again bill my card?
— Shopper

A. Great question.

Probably not, but you should consider a few more steps.

First, it’s unclear whether the dispute with your credit card was finalized or if you were only offered a provisional credit. Credit cards will do that — give you the credit while it investigates — and it may then come back and either make the credit permanent or tell you that your dispute was denied.

So keep an eye on your statement, or contact the company, to see if the credit is made permanent.

Even though the company isn’t responding to you — a red flag, of course — you can try to return the product by writing “refused” or “return to sender” on the package, and take it back to the post office.

We should also mention that both federal and New Jersey law protect consumers from merchandise that’s received but unsolicited — it’s considered a gift. You can keep it, toss it, whatever you’d like, and you’re not responsible to pay for it.

Email your questions to Ask@NJMoneyHelp.com.

This story was originally published in July 2025.

NJMoneyHelp.com presents certain general financial planning principles and advice, but should never be viewed as a substitute for obtaining advice from a personal professional advisor who understands your unique individual circumstances.