Multiple Charges on Debit Card for a store whose machine was not working?

Question

About 2 weeks ago I went to a small store in our town to buy a gift for my friend. I knew they accepted debit cards so I figured I would buy my item with it. When I went to the register the lady put throught my debit card and said it would not work. She tried it twice more and couldn't get it to work. I ended up not getting anything and just putting the stuff back because I didnt' have enought cash. I got my bill statement today and I have 3 charges from that store all the exact same amount on the same day. Since I did not buy the item I do not have a receipt and therefore no proof I was even there. It adds up to about 60 bucks charged to my debit so I obviously want to get my money back. Any advice on what to do?

Answer 1

If all the transactions were reported the same day from the same location, using the same merchant code {if your debit card is a VISA or MasterCard} and your money was withdrawal, contact your bank ASAP and explain to them this. They'll ask you a series of several questions regarding these transactions and will file an investigation if they seem appropriate. During that time, the bank will request the merchant to provide all three receipts for each of the transactions within a 48-hours window., if they cannot provide the codes for the transactions, which had to be PIN-based the bank will credit you the $60.00.


Advise: Next time you make purchases with your debit card whether be PIN-based or swipe {No PIN required} and the POS {Point of Sale} does not respond, ask the employee to cancel the transaction., DO NOT leave the store without a receipt confirming the transaction(s) was/were void.

Answer 2

This is why debit cards are so bad. You don't have the same protections you have with a credit card in that you can't file a challenge, don't get the extra warranties and have almost no legal protection from your account getting wiped out. The money is just gone! Getting it back is a pain in the butt and often takes six months or longer. The bank will not cover any overdraft charges incurred and they can be substantial. Although they are convenient, all financial experts advise against these cards. Have it changed to a cash withdrawal card only. We did and had to fight our bank to do it. They LOVE debit cards.

Okay... now that the damage has been done you need to get it corrected. I'd start by taking your statement to the merchant and speaking with the store manager. When they see three identical transactions on the same date at the same time of day they'll probably take care of it for you if they are at all honest. I don't know that the bank of issue will help you but I'd definitely go there as well with statement in hand.

Good luck and CANCEL THAT CARD!!!

Edited to add... gpatrick is INCORRECT. Without your signature the merchant CANNOT charge you. They could send the charge through to the bank but if you protested it the bank would force the merchant to reverse the charges. You do have MANY protections with credit card use that you don't have with debit card use. Another example would be if you made a down-payment on something with a credit card and never received the item, as in a furniture store closing. You'd dispute the charge and get your money back. The bank would be the loser, not you. If you used a debit card you'd be out of luck since the company is out of business.

Answer 3

Hi, Oh Ho, what happened ? If you have bunged in the wrong PIN thrice, or it seems corrupred, it will correctly swallow it to prevent fraud. The blokes return the item, witheld in the machine to your bank, and you get a fresh one. That could take, as they say, five working days. Then you have to wait for a new PIN under seperate cover, which is of course changeable by yourself at any decent machine, A week or so.. My Amex went walkies once, stopped it, then I found it in a top pocket next day. Too late ! What a hassle, but OK on the security side. Fair play to them. The physical original card is shredded, if held by the bank. But pray tell. Why are we given a 10mm silly stip to sign on. ? My signiature is rather a bold one at thrice that. Do I forge it, or take a biro to plastic ? I too have a local village store, and they are happy with VISA, AMEX, and dear knows what, but their system went wonky in trying to determine a Standard Chartered Debit card last week. Not that I am a man of wealth, but the whole thing packed up for a while. It was onle carrots, cheese, spuds, and a pack of beers. I was amazed. Crashed the system. The assisstant Manager came across to the check-out and spake - "Im sorry, Sir, I will have to retain your card" No you bloomin' don't I replied. That works fine in other emporia better than this one. Twit. Have a freindly word with whoever issued the card. OK a telephone menu, but they should sort it it out pronto. Otherwise you are taking you credit elswhere. That sparks them up a bit, as supervisors at these daft call centres are listening in & recording. All the Best with it all, Bob

Answer 4

Don't listen to the other poster about financial expert's. I myself believe it safe to use all cards. This is a little different problem that you came across even if you used a credit card you would not be protected and still would have to pay because the merchant would send the receipts to the credit card company. You can go to your bank and ask them for a copy of the receipts. The bank may charge you for this. If the Merchant can not provide it-then you will be credited. The problem is between you and the merchant not the bank. Next, time it does not go through ask them for the denial code. Do not swipe the card again unless they give you a denial code and ask to speak to the manager even if it holds up the line.

The problem after getting the receipts is proving you don't have the merchandise. Talk to the manager after getting the receipts. Do not be surprised if they refused to refund or give you the merchandise.

Answer 5

Just call up ur bank and let them know wht has happened.GIve a letter by mentioning all these reasons and lodge a complaint against that store.Dont worry..! U get ur bucks back...!

Answer 6

Call your credit card company and challenge the charges. Explain what happened & have them investigate. See what other policies they have for this type of problem.

Answer 7

go to your bank and let them know what happened. They will straighten everything out for you.