Consumer complaint received 2024-09-06
Product: Credit card — General-purpose credit card or charge card
Issue: Problem with a purchase shown on your statement — Credit card company isn't resolving a dispute about a purchase on your statement
Company: JPMORGAN CHASE & CO. (MO)

Issue Summary : I am filing this complaint against Chase Bank for their refusal to reopen a dispute regarding legal service charges I paid for with my credit card. The charges, totaling approximately {$8100.00}, were made to XXXX XXXX, XXXX, for legal services rendered to my husband, who signed a fee agreement with the firm. I, however, paid these charges using my personal credit card. The law firm has breached its contract by refusing to participate in binding arbitration, as explicitly stated in their contract. Despite the breach, the credit card company has refused to reopen my dispute or provide any relief, even though the breach of contract directly impacts the validity of the charges. It is also important to note that the merchant did not sign the fee agreement.

Detailed Timeline of Events : 1. Date of Dispute : On XXXX, I initially disputed charges with Chase Bank related to legal fees paid to XXXX XXXX, XXXX. My husband signed a contract with this law firm to pay for legal services related to his case, but I used my credit card to cover the costs.

2. Law Firm Breach : The law firms fee agreement includes a clause stating that any fee dispute unresolved between the law firm and the client will be submitted to binding arbitration with the Missouri Bar Fee Dispute Resolution Program. However, the firm has refused to participate in the mandatory binding arbitration process.

3. Credit Card Company Response : Despite informing Chase Bank that the law firm breached its contract, they have refused to reopen the claim. They previously denied my original dispute and, after presenting new information about the contract breach, they continue to refuse to address the issue or take action.

4. Failure to Investigate : The credit card companys refusal to reopen the case occurred despite the fact that I presented them with clear evidence that the law firm breached their contract by refusing to participate in binding arbitration.

5. Interest Charges : On top of the original charges for legal services, I have also incurred significant interest charges on my credit card due to the unresolved dispute.

6. Resolution Request : I reached out to Chase Bank on XXXX and explained the new information about the law firms refusal to arbitrate as per the contract. Despite this, they responded that they can not re-open the case, claiming it was too late to do so and that they do not have a mechanism with XXXX to handle this. 

Legal Contract and Breach : The law firm contract, though not signed by anyone at the firm, clearly states the following : In the event of a dispute about fees that can not be resolved between Law Firm and Client, Client is hereby informed that Law Firm will agree to submit the matter to binding arbitration with the Missouri Bar Fee Dispute Resolution Program. 

This clause obligates the law firm to participate in binding arbitration, yet the firm has blatantly refused to do so. This is a clear breach of contract, and I should not be held responsible for charges that stem from an invalid contract.