“They Say I Owe More Than I Do”: How to Fight Inflated Invoices and Protect Your Business

By Jesse David Eisenberg, Esq. | JDE Law Firm, PLLC

It starts with a demand letter — or worse, a lawsuit. You’re being told you owe thousands more than expected. Late fees, extra hours, change orders, penalties... most of which were never discussed.

If you’re thinking “That’s not what we agreed to,” you’re probably right.

Good news: NY and NJ law provides multiple defenses when someone tries to charge more than you bargained for — especially if it was never in writing, never approved, or completely one-sided.

Common Tactics We See in Inflated Claims

• Surprise change orders never signed or documented
• Backdated invoices after a relationship ended
• Vague time records with no approvals
• Unilateral fee increases without notice
• Late fees and “interest” with no agreement to support them

You don’t have to accept this. Courts in NY and NJ regularly reject inflated demands when the documentation doesn’t match reality.

Key Legal Defenses Against Inflated Invoices

• Lack of mutual assent: No clear agreement to the added terms
• Unjust enrichment: They’re charging for value never received
• Quantum meruit defenses: The amount claimed exceeds the fair value
• Statutory and contractual limits: Some fees may be barred outright

You may also be able to assert counterclaims for deceptive business practices or breach of contract if their actions harmed your business.

What to Do If You’re Being Pressured to Pay

• Do not admit liability in writing — especially over email
• Do not send partial payment without legal advice
• Preserve all documents, emails, and messages
• Get legal help before negotiating or responding

Trying to “clear the air” without counsel can make things worse — and hurt your defenses in court.

Let’s Shut Down the Nonsense

At JDE Law Firm, we defend businesses accused of owing inflated or fabricated amounts — and we hit back with strategy.

📞 If the invoice is growing — but the facts don’t support it — let’s stop it now.
www.jdelaw.nyc | NY: 718-966-0877 | NJ: 732-490-7120

My business is to protect your business.