Chargebacks: Your Card's Safety Net When a Seller Ghosts
Quick Answer
A chargeback is a card-transaction dispute handled through the bank that issued your card. It can apply when a seller takes payment and fails to deliver, but it is not an automatic refund and it does not cover every payment method.
Contact the seller first when it is safe, then alert your bank as soon as non-delivery is clear. Deadlines depend on the card scheme, dispute reason, bank and expected delivery date. Do not rely on a universal 120-day clock.
Start With Your Card Issuer
Visa's South African support guidance tells cardholders to dispute a charge through their issuer or bank. Use the number on your card, statement or official banking app.
Describe the problem accurately: the purchase was authorised, the promised goods did not arrive and the seller no longer responds. Fraudulent card use follows a different process.
Ask for the case number, evidence list and submission deadline. Write down the date and person or channel you used.
Build a Clean Evidence Pack
Save the product listing, checkout confirmation, card statement, delivery promise, tracking and every attempt to reach the seller.
Show the expected delivery date and the point at which tracking stopped. If the seller cancelled or admitted it had no stock, keep that message.
Do not edit screenshots in a way that hides context. Export full conversations where the platform allows and retain the original files.
The Seller Can Respond
The acquiring side can present evidence that the order was delivered, refunded or handled under agreed terms. Your bank then follows the applicable dispute process.
A temporary adjustment does not always mean the case is final. Keep the money available until the bank confirms the outcome.
Answer requests for more information before their deadline. A long silence from the seller does not remove your duty to support the claim.
Payment Method Changes the Route
The card-dispute process applies to eligible card transactions. Direct transfers and physical-money payments do not become card chargebacks.
For another payment method, contact your bank or provider at once and ask what fraud or recall process is available. Recovery can depend on speed and facts.
Report suspected fraud through the marketplace and the South African Police Service where appropriate. Keep the case details with the bank file.
Compare a Traceable Retail Order
Browse current local hardware best sellers and PC best sellers when you want a named South African seller, itemised order and delivery record.
Check the seller identity before payment and keep the invoice. A chargeback is a last-resort process, so the best protection starts with a merchant and delivery trail you can verify.
FAQ
How long do I have to file a chargeback?
There is no safe universal answer. Ask your card issuer at once because the deadline varies by dispute reason, scheme and transaction dates.
What evidence does the bank need?
Expect to provide the order, card transaction, delivery promise, tracking and your attempts to resolve the non-delivery with the seller.
Can the seller challenge the case?
Yes. The merchant side can submit evidence, and the bank follows the applicable dispute rules before deciding the outcome.
Contact your card issuer as soon as a seller's non-delivery becomes clear, and submit one organised evidence pack before the bank's stated deadline.