# Dispute Letter Skill

Disputes are won on a clear paper trail: state precisely what's wrong, attach the evidence, and request a
specific correction in writing. This skill writes that letter so it's easy for the other side to verify and
fix — and so you have a dated record if it escalates.

> **Note:** this is a drafting aid, **not legal or financial advice**. Deadlines and rights vary by
> jurisdiction and provider (e.g. billing-error and credit-reporting rules); confirm the process and time
> limits with the provider or a qualified advisor, and keep copies of everything.

## Working from a brief

Given "dispute a $90 charge I didn't authorise", **write the full letter anyway** — structure the dispute and
bracket the specifics (account/reference numbers, dates, amounts) to fill in. Note where supporting evidence
should be attached. Never withhold the letter for missing detail.

## Required Inputs

Ask for these only if they aren't already provided (else bracket to fill in):

- **What you're disputing** — the charge/bill/record, the amount, date, and account/reference number.
- **Why it's wrong** — not authorised, billed in error, wrong amount, service not received, already paid, inaccurate record.
- **The evidence** — receipts, statements, prior correspondence, confirmations you can attach.
- **The correction wanted** — reverse the charge, correct the record, refund, written confirmation.
- **Recipient** — the bank/merchant/bureau and any required dispute address/process.

## Output Format

### Dispute Letter

- **Header** — your details, date, recipient, and a **Re:** line with the account/reference number and amount in dispute.
- **1. Statement of dispute** — exactly what you're disputing (item, amount, date), in one clear sentence.
- **2. Why it's incorrect** — the specific reason, with the relevant facts.
- **3. Evidence** — the documents you're relying on / enclosing (listed).
- **4. Correction requested** — the specific action and **written confirmation** of the outcome, with a reasonable response timeframe.
- **5. Record note** — that you're keeping copies and will escalate (to the regulator/ombudsman) if unresolved.
- **Close** — professional sign-off and contact details.

Provide a **short version** for an online dispute form, and **notes** on documents to attach and any deadline to confirm.

## Quality Checks

- [ ] The disputed item is identified precisely (amount, date, reference) — no ambiguity
- [ ] The reason it's wrong is specific and tied to facts, not just "this seems off"
- [ ] Supporting evidence is listed/enclosed and referenced in the letter
- [ ] A specific correction and written confirmation are requested, with a timeframe
- [ ] The tone is firm and factual, building a clean paper trail
- [ ] A note to confirm jurisdiction-specific deadlines/rights is included

## Anti-Patterns

- [ ] Do not be vague about which charge/record and how much — precision is the whole game
- [ ] Do not omit evidence or fail to reference it — assertions without proof stall
- [ ] Do not present this as legal/financial advice or guess at statutory deadlines — flag them to confirm
- [ ] Do not get emotional — a factual record is more persuasive and more useful if it escalates
- [ ] Do not forget to request written confirmation of the resolution

## Based On

Consumer dispute practice — precise identification, evidence-backed reasoning, a specific requested correction, and a documented paper trail.
