Bogus medical billing - how to dispute fraudulent billing to credit cards - Brief Article

Black Enterprise, March, 2001 by Monique R. Brown

QA I read your article about home-based business scares ("Schemes on the Home Front," Shopsmart, October 2000) a little too late. I've recently become a victim of a medical billing scheme. I would like to know if l can still get my money back if I've already paid my credit card company?

--Brenda Rosemarie Johnson Morrow, Georgia

According to Holly Anderson, director of communications at the National Consumer League. federal law allows you 60 days from the date of your credit card statement to withhold payment and dispute a charge. By paying the total charge, you give up your legal right. However, Anderson says most credit card companies are willing to help you resolve the issue.

As a first step, send a certified letter including your full name, credit card account number, and the amount in dispute, along with a summary of your complaints or concerns. The credit card firm must acknowledge your correspondence within one month and investigate the matter within 90 days.

During the investigation process, you are not responsible for the amount in dispute. However, any amounts that are not in dispute will still be subject to late fees or interest, so pay on time.

If the credit card company rules in your favor, it will credit your account for the amount in dispute. Alternatively, you will he billed for the amount in dispute should your credit card issuer rule on behalf of the firm.

In any case, Anderson also recommends that you file a complaint with the National Fraud Information Center (NFIC: 800-876-7060; www.fraud.org).

Mail your consumer questions to Ask Your Advocate, BLACK ENTERPRISE, 130 Fifth Ave., New York, NY I0011, or send an e-mail to brownmr@blackenterprise.com.