Summary
A dentist suggested financing a procedure with a medical card and then charged upfront; now the patient wants to cancel
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Dear Let’s Talk Credit,
At my recent dental check up, a dentist suggested that I open a credit card to finance my needed surgical implant to replace a lost tooth. I was approved for $3,500. The dental procedure was scheduled to be done on May 7, 2014. Last week I got a bill that I was already charged $1,920 for a service that has not been started yet. After analyzing my income and expenses, I realized that I cannot afford the tooth implant. I just discovered I have to pay a huge amount in taxes for losing my house and I have no more deductions. How can I cancel my credit card, since the service is not done or even started yet? — Narciso
Dear Narciso,
The dentist’s office should reverse charges on your credit card for any amount that was billed for future services. If they are unwilling, you have the right under the Fair Credit Billing Act to dispute the charge with your card issuer. Simply call the phone number on the back of your card or go to the issuing bank’s website to file the dispu
Most card issuers will credit the charge that is being disputed and then investigate the matter. It is up to the merchant (your dentist) to prove that the charge was legitimate.
If you do not wish to keep this credit card account, you can ask the card issuer to close the account. Keep in mind that you will be responsible for any charges that remain after your dispute is resolved.
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