---
title: Chargeback dispute
---

# Chargeback dispute

Most chargebacks trace back to fraud you let in earlier, so the cheapest way to cut disputes is to stop the fraud before and at checkout.

## Step 1: Block fake accounts first

Fraudulent purchases come from fraudulent accounts, so start by keeping those out. Set up [Fake account detection](/docs/v3/guides/fake-account-detection), and keep your [block lists](/docs/v3/guides/ban-enforcement) ready. When you see a flood of accounts created from one IP (hundreds or thousands), add that IP to a block list and deny it on the spot. Lists are how you react fast in the middle of an attack, so set them up before you need them.

## Step 2: Gate the checkout _(coming soon)_

A dedicated checkout action is coming soon. When it ships, you'll evaluate the purchase itself and **challenge** when it looks risky. A real cardholder clears the challenge; a card tester can't.

| Challenge when                                        | Check               | Status                                          |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- |
| The buyer looks automated                             | `bot` risk          | Coming soon (read the score now, can't gate yet) |
| Purchase rate spikes well above the buyer's normal    | per-buyer velocity  | Coming soon (`event_count` gives the raw rate today) |
| The purchase is from a new, untrusted device          | `is_new_fingerprint` | Available                                       |
| The email isn't verified                              | `is_email_verified` | Available                                       |

The fingerprint and email checks are live today, but the checkout trigger and the bot/velocity gating land with the checkout action, so this whole step arrives together.

When a chargeback does come through, the [evaluation](/docs/v3/concepts/evaluations) from that purchase is also your evidence: it holds the device, location, and risk at the moment of sale.

## Related

- [Fake account detection](/docs/v3/guides/fake-account-detection) and [Ban enforcement](/docs/v3/guides/ban-enforcement): keep fraudulent accounts out.
- [Card testing prevention](/docs/v3/guides/card-testing-prevention): the same checkout signals, framed for stolen-card runs.