Responding to Chargeback Fraud Allegations
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Reviewed & verified by A. Jason Velez, Esq.*
Managing Attorney, 1LAW · Last reviewed January 29, 2026
Legal Inquiry
Consumer Legal Issue
I’m being accused of chargeback fraud.
No I have not spoken with an attorney yet, I do have screenshots of emails the owner of the delivery app sent me.
Attorney Answer
Whether this is a criminal investigation or just a bank/merchant chargeback dispute isn't established yet, so it's worth preparing for both. Nothing in your account confirms police are actually involved. This could still be an internal dispute between you, the delivery app, and its payment processor over a disputed refund. But an accusation like this can also be referred to law enforcement, so treat the possibility of a criminal referral as real either way until you know more.
In North Carolina, if this conduct were ever charged criminally, it would typically be prosecuted as obtaining property by false pretenses under North Carolina General Statutes § 14-100, which makes it a crime to obtain property or services through a false representation. That is distinct from a chargeback dispute with a bank or merchant, which is a civil/contractual matter.
What you can do:
1. Do not discuss the accusation with the police, the delivery app, or your bank without a lawyer advising you first — anything you say could be used against you later.
2. Preserve the email screenshots from the delivery app owner exactly as received, and back them up in more than one place.
3. Hold on to any related records (payment history, app messages, bank correspondence) even though no charge has been confirmed.
4. Contact a criminal defense attorney promptly, and respond promptly if police, the bank, or the delivery app do reach out.
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Courts & Legal Aid in North Carolina
- File or look up a case through the North Carolina Judicial Branch, which serves North Carolina and the surrounding area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a chargeback dispute and a criminal fraud accusation?
A chargeback dispute is generally a civil disagreement between a cardholder, merchant, and bank over a refund, while a criminal fraud accusation involves law enforcement and requires proof of intentional false representation. The same facts can sometimes lead to both, so it helps to know which is actually occurring.
Should I talk to the company or bank before consulting a lawyer?
In many cases it's wise to avoid discussing the accusation with the company, bank, or police until you've spoken with an attorney, since informal statements can later be used against you.
What should I do with evidence like emails or messages related to the dispute?
Generally, preserving all related records and correspondence in their original form and backing them up is recommended, since this documentation can matter to a defense or to resolving a civil dispute; an attorney can assess next steps.
