So about exactly a month ago, I submitted a dispute with AMEX for a transaction over $1000. I had explained what happened (I purchased gift cards and the balances were depleted in other side of the country) and the AMEX rep opened two separate disputes with two different categories to allow the investigation team to decide which category fits best. The one they continued with was "goods/services not received". I submitted all relevant documents, receipts, pictures, etc. immediately and the charge was 'suspended' in the meantime. On December 26th, I received an email saying the charge had been reversed and to look for it in my next statement. I saw this reflected in my balance immediately. The status at that point changed to "Awaiting response from merchant". On Monday, this status changed to "In-progress" and the status showed that the investigation is ongoing. Yesterday, I noticed that the dispute had been closed with the following statement:

"As a result of our investigation, we have credited your account. This adjustment can be found on your next statement."

I called AMEX customer support and asked if that means that the dispute is closed and if I can move on with my life without having to worry about this matter. She told me that AMEX had decided in my favour and there is no way for the dispute to be reopened by anyone else in the future. Still not satisfied, I contacted AMEX on live support. They told me that the reason AMEX sided with me was because the merchant did not respond at all to AMEX' request for information/documents. They said that if the merchant does respond in the future, the case may be reopened but that the chances of that happening are extremely low.

I am the type of person that would rather proceed with cautious optimism than to assume that the case is closed and I can move forward. The merchant in question is a very large national retailer with billions in revenue. I am in Canada btw. I do not understand why the merchant would not respond to AMEX regarding a dispute for over $1000? Is it unusual for a merchant to respond a month+ after the dispute was filed?

In your guys experience, what would be the likely outcome here? If the merchant decides to respond within the next few weeks, next month, next 6 months, year, etc., could the decision be reversed and I can be hit with a surprise bill? Should I continue the dispute through outside channels (I had filed a police report with the RCMP and had filed a report with the anti-fraud department)? Or do you think that this is finally resolved and that I can assume that the credit will be there to stay?

I know this is not a black/white situation but I would love to get some input based on personal experience or anecdotes.

Thank you!