Online Shopping / Refunds
Dispute online purchases, request refunds, and file chargebacks for Amazon, eBay, and other US e-commerce platforms. Free consumer rights dispute letter templates.
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What is an online shopping dispute?
An online shopping dispute arises when a product is not as described, not delivered, damaged, or when a seller refuses a legitimate refund. US consumers have strong legal protections under the FTC Mail Order Rule, state consumer protection laws, and credit card chargeback rights.
Common online shopping disputes
Under the FTC Mail Order Rule, sellers must ship within the promised timeframe or offer a full refund. Credit card chargebacks under the Fair Credit Billing Act give you the right to dispute charges within 60 days of the statement date.
Steps to resolve an online shopping dispute
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1
Contact the seller directly and document all communications
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2
Open a dispute through the marketplace (Amazon A-to-z, eBay Money Back)
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3
File a chargeback with your credit card company if the seller is unresponsive
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4
Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
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5
File with your state Attorney General’s consumer protection office
Online Shopping / Refunds in Maryland
Online shopping in Maryland offers convenience, but it can also lead to disputes over faulty products, unfulfilled orders, or denied refunds. Consumers in Maryland often face challenges with deceptive practices, unclear return policies, or issues with digital goods. Fortunately, Maryland’s robust consumer protection laws are designed to safeguard your rights and provide avenues for resolution. Understanding these protections is key to a secure online shopping experience.
Maryland’s consumer protection laws extend to online shopping and refunds. House Bill 208 (2025), effective October 1, 2025, specifically amended Maryland’s consumer protection laws to impose new requirements on businesses selling digital goods. Additionally, the Maryland Commercial Law Code § 14-4902, also effective October 1, 2025, addresses gift card fraud, providing further consumer safeguards. The state has also recently passed legislation to ban "surveillance pricing" in grocery stores, demonstrating a commitment to fair pricing practices across various retail sectors in Maryland.
If you encounter issues with online shopping or refunds in Maryland, the Attorney General of Maryland’s Consumer Protection Division is the primary resource for assistance. You can file a complaint through their online portal at [oag.maryland.gov/i-need-to/Pages/business-complaints.aspx](https://oag.maryland.gov/i-need-to/Pages/business-complaints.aspx). The Consumer Protection Division offers mediation services to help resolve disputes between consumers and businesses. While there isn't a specific phone number solely for online shopping complaints, the general consumer protection line can provide guidance.
To effectively resolve online shopping and refund disputes in Maryland, follow a four-step process: first, gather all documentation related to your purchase, including order confirmations and communication with the seller; second, attempt to resolve the issue directly with the merchant, citing their return policy or Maryland consumer laws; third, if unsuccessful, file a formal complaint with the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division; and fourth, consider disputing the charge with your bank or credit card company. Most disputes are resolved within 30 to 90 days. Use the petition generator above to create a refund dispute letter in under two minutes.