I used my debit card to buy gas and a couple days later got hit with another charge from the same gas station.

Question

It was for exactly half of what the original purchase was. I called the station and spoke with the manager and he said that happens sometimes and they will research it. I don't think my card has been "skimmed" but I have never heard of this happening. Has anyone else?

Answer 1

Call the bank that issued the card. Many banks will credit the money back to your account while they research it. Your bank will get everything resolved, and then you can be sure your card wasn't "skimmed" or your information compromised in any other way.

Answer 2

I had an experience like this today. I purchased gas in the amount of $20.00 this morning. When I looked at my account online a few hours later, I was charged the $20.00, PLUS there was a charge for $75.00 from the same store. I immediately contacted my bank (fortunately, a small town bank where help is accessible) and then I went back to the gas station where I had made the gas purchase. I was informed by the "idiot in charge" (owner's son) that it was their policy (per instructions from the debit card companies) to hold an amount (approximately 3 1/2 times the purchase amount) to insure that they get their money. Needless to say, I showed my tail. I asked why they didn't post a notice on the pump of this practice and was told that they would not put up a sign because they would lose too much business. I reported this back to my bank and was assured that the bank would put the money back into my account immediately (again, thanks to a small town institution) regardless of how long it takes the station to release the money. UNBELIEVABLE that this kind of thing can go on without giving notice to the public that this is the practice.

Answer 3

Gas station always call credit card company for temporary authorization. This authorization will drop after the real charge goes through. It will take couple days for that to happen. Call your local bank. They will follow up for you.

In case of the mistake, bring in the receipt and show it to the bank. They will remove the additional charge.

It happened to me before. I parked my car down town and somehow they charged me $15 twice. I brought in my receipt to the banking center. They removed the additional charge because it was impossible to park the same car in 2 minutes different.

I later received a letter from the bank apologized for the mistake.

Answer 4

The previous responder's advice is good, but you need to follow up in writing (not email) for your complaint to be official. Copy the gas station on your letter. Something is very wrong here - these things don't just "happen sometime".