The Spam and Scam Report by Jim Edwards - HTML preview

Strange Charges On Your Credit Card?

 Imagine my surprise when I got my credit card bill a few days ago and I saw a $398 charge on it from a company I didn’t recognize.

 My first reaction: anger!

 How dare they charge my credit card for something I didn’t order!

 I must admit I flew off the handle a bit as images of evildoers enjoying themselves on my money flashed across the movie screen of my mind.

 However, once I calmed down enough to look at the situation logically, I realized I could solve the problem with a couple of quick phone calls and a fax.

If you ever find any strange charges appearing out of nowhere on your credit card statement (and before you fly off the handle like I did), take this “morning after” advice as the proper way to resolve the situation quickly.

First, check to see if you actually did buy something. 

Often you may find you made a purchase, but you just don’t remember doing it. After all, almost 60 days can go by between when you make a purchase and when it shows up on your statement.

Also, many online merchants use 3rd party credit card processors and the actual merchant’s name may never make it onto your statement. So, to avoid egg on your face, make 100% sure you didn’t make the purchase before moving on to the next step.

 After some basic investigation, if you still feel you didn’t make a purchase, call the phone number for the merchant if one appears on your statement.

Ask them to give you the details of the purchase, who authorized the charge, and any other relevant information.

 Always keep the call polite and write down all the details of the conversation as well as the name and extension of the person with whom you spoke.

 Often, you can get any strange charges resolved or removed simply by talking to the merchant.

 If you can’t get the situation resolved by contacting the merchant, and you still feel the charges should get reversed, call your credit card company and dispute the charge.

Don’t wait!

 Contact your credit card company, explain exactly what happened, and provide all the details you can about the transaction you want to dispute.

 Keep the following tips in mind when talking with your credit card company.

 1. Though you want to make it clear you’re the victim, stick to the facts and keep a business-like tone.

 2. Find out exactly how your credit card company handles disputes and what they expect from you in terms of documentation or information.

 3. Some companies will do everything by phone, others require a letter or fax with your signature to initiate a dispute.

 4. Whatever they ask for, get the credit card company all documentation, letters or other information quickly.

5. Don’t wait!

 The moral here: don’t be scared to use your credit care online, just be careful.