(Continued from page 5)

the payment address. Include your name, address, account number and a description of the billing error. Include copies of sales slips or other documents that support your position.
• According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), you may withhold payment of the disputed amount and related charges during the investigation. In fact, many card issuers may voluntarily remove the charge until the matter is resolved since they are representing you, their client, in the dispute.
• If it turns out your bill contains a mistake, the creditor must explain, in writing, the corrections that will be made. In addition to crediting your account, they must remove all finance charges, late fees, or other charges related to the error.
• However, if the card issuer's investigation determines that you owe part ' or all ' of the disputed amount, they must promptly provide you with a written explanation. If you disagree with the investigation's results, you may further dispute your claim with the creditor, as outlined by the FTC at www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0219-fair-credit-billing. (That site also contains a sample dispute letter and other helpful FCBA information.)
• If you believe a creditor has violated the FCBA, you may file a complaint with the FTC or sue them in court.
• Hopefully, you'll never have a billing dispute that goes to these extremes. But it's good to know how consumer laws protect you, just in case.
• Jason Alderman directs Visa's financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney
•