Important Heads-Up on Chargebacks (Gambling + Goods/Services)
For the new names on here I Just wanted to drop some advice for anyone thinking of filing chargebacks — especially if it’s for both gambling and goods/services - a few in here will attest to my credentials
At the end of the day, it’s your decision. But you really need to understand what’s going on behind the scenes.
Banks and card schemes are getting more aware of these crooks every day. If you’ve got a large number of disputes for goods/services, but the pattern and account activity scream gambling — it raises major red flags. When loads of people are then saying the merchant is gambling-related, the law of averages kicks in. It starts to look like you’re misrepresenting the claims — and in some cases, it can even look like you’re facilitating the fraud.
A lot of people also don’t realise how chargebacks actually work. Your refund doesn’t just appear out of nowhere — it comes out of the merchant’s account, via their acquiring bank. That means the platform’s bank (and sometimes even legit merchants) are the ones left covering the loss. They have to refund as part of the visa agreements. That’s why legit platforms being used like KTM refund. Chargebacks are monitored and can result license and facilities being withdrawn.
Thats why APP on falcora is so difficult. Transfer are not covered by terms, and APP is hard to argue in multiple transactions.
The dodgy merchants — often shell companies or random processors in Africa or Eastern Europe — usually won’t even respond to the dispute. By the time your claim hits, the fraudsters have already pulled the money out and disappeared. That’s why banks end up holding the bag — and why they’re starting to take this a lot more seriously.
The real problem? If your story doesn’t hold up or you’re seen as part of the problem (even unintentionally), you risk getting flagged. And we’re talking CIFAS markers, frozen accounts, or even worse. Once that marker is there, it’s no joke — it sticks around for years and can shut you out of banking, credit, even some jobs.
Yes, the casinos and these sketchy processors are breaking the law — unlicensed, illegally targeting UK players, using shady merchant setups. But once you file a chargeback, you come under the spotlight too.
Not trying to preach — just be smart about it. If you’re filing disputes, especially for both gambling and "services" you didn’t get, make sure your evidence lines up. Make sure your case is honest and consistent. And understand the risks before you dive in.
if you approach this right, it’s takes effort and a lot of frustrating conversations with the banks and regulators, but to do this you need to be consistent from the beginning. One or too chargeback then doesn’t really matter, when they mount up your running the risk of marker etc.
so far I have recovered a good chunk for myself and helped members do the same. But its taken months of effort and persistence.
I can help with approaching banks if anyone needs help.