As I mentioned last week, I paid my credit card down to zero, (no I’m not bragging, it’s pertenient to the story).   I got a small bill from my dentist so I logged in to my bank account to pay it and noticed a $38.85 on my credit card.  I was extremely confused because I haven’t used it at all, so clicked on the button that takes you to the electronic statement and there is some weird charge.  Luckily I was able to track down the company online and found their costumer support phone number and I called immediately.

If I hadn’t just paid off off the balance entirely, I probably never would have noticed this small charge since my statement is electronic I don’t always remember to check the details – but I will from now on.

Turns out that I had placed an order last December for some excerise dvds and along with that order was a “free” 30-day memebership to their online support service, (which if not cancelled would result in automatic payments being charged).  Once I knew what the order had been for,  I remembered having called them immediately when the package of dvds arrived to cancel the membership and told them do NOT charge my card and I would not be logging in to their site ever, not even for the 30 days and to close it immediately.

The guy on the phones says, “well madam as one time courtesty we will refund your money.”  I was like excuse me?   This is not a courtesty, this is a “I’m sorry for the mistake we will refund your money.”   He then proceeds to argue with me that I ordered it, and I was like no, I cancelled it.  He then says, yes you cancelled the order from Dec. 2007, but you also ordered it in Dec. 2006 and you never cancelled that membership.  I was furious.   I said how stupid do you think I am, that I would have ordered it twice?  And why when I cancelled the Dec. 2007, didn’t the person on the phone ask about the so-called 2006 membership – which by the way is your computer error.

He eventually got the hint and went to his supervisor.  When he came back on the line he apologized, and said the refund would be done as soon as possible.  And I will be checking it every day until it’s off my charge card.  I also got a confirmation number from him and asked when the next billing cycle is which is in 6 months.  I marked my calendar for that date so I can be sure to check my charge card again to be sure they are not still automatically billing me.  I don’t even what to think about how many times they may have charged me prior to this, but I just didn’t notice it. 

So take this story as a warning – trust no one!   Go over your credit card statement with a fine tooth comb.  These types of small fees, spread out every 6 months or so, can go undetected if you are not careful.

**goes off mumbling about lying thieving money-grubbing marketers**

If you want a good laugh you, pop over and read this: Cancel Your Credit Cards Before You Die.

How often do you check your paper and\or electronic statements?  Have you ever had to fight with a company to get them reverse wrongful charges?

 

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