# Dunning block reasons

The length of the dunning block is clearly defined and depends on the triggering reason.

| Dunning block reason | Duration | Definition | Requirements for merchant |
|  --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Fraud Suspicion | 3 weeks | The customer reports a case of fraud. | Forwarding of the fraud report and the documents (invoice and proof of delivery, if necessary notification of the customer) to Ratepay.**The dunning block only temporarily suspends the dunning process, but a separate fraud report must be received by Ratepay for further processing!** |
| Debtor - Complaint | 3 weeks | If, due to a complaint, touch up or exchange has to take place, the payment term can thus be extended. | Complaint processing.**Attention! Please note that the dunning block is not automatically extended!** |
| Deferral of payment as a gesture of goodwill | 2 weeks | Goodwill decision to avoid escalation | Reasons can be e.g.: client announces the referral, client's hospitalisation... |
| Investigation request | 6 weeks | A return shipment or a delivery has been lost and an investigation had to be commissioned for clarification. | A tracking has been triggered for a delivery or return and it has not yet been completed. |
| Return | 3 weeks | A return credit note will follow so that no more payment is expected or the invoice amount remaining after a partial return is fixed. | Returns processing.**Attention! Please note that the dunning block is not automatically extended!** |
| Forwarding payment - Merchant | 2 weeks | If the customer has not transferred the claim to Ratepay. | The customer has transferred the payment for a Ratepay order directly to you as a shop. The forwarding to Ratepay or the repayment to the customer has been arranged. |