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What to Do If an Online Order Never Arrives

Escalate an undelivered purchase after checking legitimate tracking and seller information.

Quick Answer

Review the order and tracking, contact the seller, preserve communications, and use the payment provider's dispute process if the seller does not resolve an eligible claim.

Step by Step

  1. Use the merchant, marketplace, carrier, bank, or card issuer's official website/app rather than a link in an unexpected email or text.
  2. Review the order and tracking, contact the seller, preserve communications, and use the payment provider's dispute process if the seller does not resolve an eligible claim.
  3. Save receipts, order numbers, tracking details, cancellation notices, and relevant communications.
  4. For unresolved billing or delivery problems, follow the official merchant/payment-provider escalation process and observe any applicable deadlines.

If That Doesn't Work

  • Pending authorizations, merchant billing names, refund timing, and dispute rights vary by merchant, financial institution, payment network, and transaction type.
  • Never send passwords, one-time verification codes, full card credentials, or remote computer access to someone who contacts you unexpectedly about an order or payment.