Question 1: What's the best way to handle an incorrect bill? Most questions and disputes involving credit can be handled over the phone.
Usually there is a toll-free customer-service number provided on your monthly statement.
Because credit-card company telephone lines tend to be busiest on Monday mornings, try calling in the afternoon, preferably toward the end of the week.
Write down the date of the call, the name of the person to whom you spoke, and what you and he agreed to.
Question 2: What other steps should I take to preserve my legal rights? Calling in your problem does not preserve your legal rights - only a letter does that.
Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you must write the company within 60 days from the time the first bill containing the error was mailed.
Give your name, address, and account number; state the nature and amount of the error; and briefly explain why you think a mistake has been made.
Enclose a photocopy of the bill or sales slip.
Send the letter to the address given on your bill for billing-error notices.
It is wise to send the letter by certified or registered mail with a return receipt requested so that you have proof of the date it was mailed and received.
Once you have sent this letter, you do not have to pay the amount in dispute, make any minimum payments, or pay any finance charges connected with it until the matter is resolved.
Question 3: What if I made the error? You will have to pay the bill.
In addition, you may have to pay finance charges on the amount in question.