CC Dispute

[DRILLINDK]

Just received my CC statement for May and there's a $250 subscription charge for a website I was subscribed to for one year. I thought I had cancelled the auto-renew and was content just letting the subscription terminate. I haven't even used the site for several months.

What are my options for getting this charge removed? Do I call the CC company to dispute the charges or do I call the merchant to dispute? Never had to do this before. TIA!

[creditcardfree]

I would call the merchant first. If you don't get recourse, try the credit card company. Some credit card companies allow dispute online.

[jpg7n16]

Originally Posted by creditcardfree

I would call the merchant first. If you don't get recourse, try the credit card company. Some credit card companies allow dispute online.

Exactly.

Usually the credit card company has an option that says 'I attempted to dispute this matter with the merchant, but they were unwilling to help'

[mcfroggin]

Banks usually sides with companies that have auto-renew policies. Go through the merchant!

[wolfy]

Start with the merchant and make sure you document who you talked to, what they are going to do and how long it will take. This way when the cc asks what the merchant said you can tell them. If you can, follow up with some kind of email. Credit card companies love documentation. If you do decide to dispute with the credit card company, remember you usually have a certain amount of time to dispute (don't let the merchant drag this out). Also make sure you know what the merchants return/cancellation policy is. If you don't follow it, your odds of the credit card siding with you go way down. Good Luck.

[Gary Barzel]

Be sure to know your rights before filing for a dispute. Disputes must generally be filed in writing within 60 days after the bill is sent. In certain disputes, the goods or services must cost more than $50, and the transaction must have occurred in the purchaser's home state or within 100 miles of his or her mailing address. Although state laws vary, items bought online or by phone are generally considered purchases made where you are.

[LuckyRobin]

In the past when I did some things that had autorenewals and I cancelled them I always made sure that I got a confirmation number and the first and last name of the person I talked to and kept it in a file. Then when they would autorenew it anyway (and they always would) I could whip that out and the matter would be quickly resolved. That will help you in the future if you go through this again.

[krantcents]

Originally Posted by creditcardfree

I would call the merchant first. If you don't get recourse, try the credit card company. Some credit card companies allow dispute online.

I agree!

[PetMom]

This is why I don't sign up for the memberships/programs/etc... allowing the co. access to my credit/debit card. Because they always have such a hard time doing so.

I would call the company and dispute this and the credit card company.

I have a three month membership and already a few weeks in I plan to question them regularly that it is only for three months and warn my bank to not let the charge go through.

You have to stay on top of these guys that make their profits by you rightfully assuming they will honor the time frame of the subscription.

On a similar topic - don't ever get a magazine subscription - getting out of those is on par with trying to get out of the mafia.

[photo]

Originally Posted by PetMom

On a similar topic - don't ever get a magazine subscription - getting out of those is on par with trying to get out of the mafia.

Pay by check.

[alphadore]

The bank wouldnt help you if you dont have a letter of consent from the merchant.

[photo]

Originally Posted by LuckyRobin

In the past when I did some things that had autorenewals and I cancelled them I always made sure that I got a confirmation number and the first and last name of the person I talked to and kept it in a file.

Very smart. It may seem pessimistic to constantly feel like you have to prove that you aren't at fault, but if you don't keep concrete evidence, you can bet somewhere along the line, you will lose.

Many years ago, I called to cancel a hotel reservation, well ahead of the deadline. When I called, there was a computer glitch, but the clerk said she would manually enter the information when the system was up and running. On my next credit card statement, there was a charge for the hotel room. Although I was not given a confirmation number, I disputed the charge and gave the name of the person I spoke with and the exact time and, since it was not a 800 number, offered to send a copy of my telephone bill to show that I had called. The hotel didn't hesitate to remove the charge.

I've since learned to either get everything in writing or else take notes on any business call I have, and that practice has been rewarded numerous times.