overcharge

Overcharge is the act or result of assessing a price or fee that exceeds what is fair, reasonable, or contractually required for a good or service. In common usage, overcharging refers to billing someone for more than the agreed price, the usual market rate, or a price that reflects the service received. The term is often used in consumer protection contexts to describe unfair or deceptive pricing practices.

In commerce and law, overcharging can occur through errors, hidden fees, or deliberate deception. Some jurisdictions prohibit price gouging or fraudulent billing, especially during emergencies or in situations of market power. Remedies include refunds, credits, and, in some cases, penalties or damages under consumer protection or contract law. Businesses may be required to disclose fees clearly and to provide itemized invoices to prevent disputes.

In technology and energy storage, overcharge has a separate meaning: charging a rechargeable device or battery beyond its designed capacity or voltage limit. This can degrade performance, shorten life, or pose safety risks. Systems such as battery management and automatic cutoffs aim to prevent overcharging.

Culturally, the term is also used in everyday language to describe situations where charges appear excessive, inconsistent with service quality, or contrary to explicit pricing agreements. Related concepts include price gouging, surcharge, overpricing, and fraud.