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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    California
    Posts
    1

    Default Erroneous Credit Card Charge

    I found an itinerary at Cheapseats' web site that met my requirements for an upcoming trip. After I had purchased the ticket, I received an E-mail from them telling me that two of the airlines contained in my ticket did not have reciprocal agreements so they could not issue the ticket. The E-mail was very explicit that the ticket would not be issued and my credit card would not be billed. I still have the E-mail. I called their 1-800 number to ask about this and it was explained to me. The person on the phone helped me to choose another itinerary that would work for me. I ordered that ticket and paid for it with my credit card. The following day, I was at my credit union's web site when I noticed that my credit card (issued by my CU) balance seemed higher than it should be. In checking, I discovered that I had two charges from Cheapseats. They were for two different amounts so it was not a matter of the legitimate charge coming in twice. The first charge to appear was for the un-issuable ticket, the second was for the legitimate ticket. I called Cheapseats and asked about it. I was told that this could not happen. After a lengthy discussion in which the issue was not resolved, I asked to talk to that person’s supervisor. After being put on hold (and dropped three times) I was told that the supervisors were all in a meeting and that one would call me back. No one called me back. The following day, the ticket that could not be issued was delivered to my door along with the one that I did purchase. I have called back several times and have talked to several different people. The issue has not been resolved. Let me add that the reservation number on the E-mail telling me the ticket could not be issued matches the number on the paper ticket and on the credit card charge.

    What I would like to know is who can I register a complaint with? Cheapseats corporate office does not have a phone number other than the 1-800 number. And that has gotten me nowhere. I have disputed the charge with the credit card company. Is there some government agency that oversees things like this? Since this involves the internet, is there an agency that oversees that? I did several internet searches and all I came up with is fraud due to identity theft. I know this is not the same situation. I also know this can be resolved but Cheapseats customer service has been worthless.

    Could somebody please provide some advice about this?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default State Attorney General and FTC

    Try your state attorney general's office, department of consumer affairs, and the FTC.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Posts
    1

    Default Re: Erroneous Credit Card Charge

    You should write a formal complaint to Cheapseats. I prefer the strategy of carbon copying both the vendor and the credit card company, but some find that too confusing. I would state in the letter that if you do not hear a satisfactory response in (at least 7) days, you will forward the letter to the FTC and begin a formal investigation process. The Better Business Bureau wouldn't hurt, but I find the FTC to be very effective in most situations where online purchases are concerned. Even if you don't get the response you want right away, making it clear that you are serious and that you know who regulates them is very important. Your letter will get some kind of response and you can go from there.

    Accidental fraud that is not corrected when brough to light is still fraud. They know full well that ignoring you makes it look very bad in that light.

    I really like it, personally, when companies try to screw me over, because after $850 in insurance fraud at my expense, it has become somewhat of a hobby. "I'm sorry that we were not able to resolve this issue privately. Due to the considerable time that has passed, I feel that the Federal Trade Commission may be very helpful to us. I will be forwarding our correspondence to the FTC on the next business day, and you should hear from them shortly. Thank you for your time."

    The politer you are when you threaten someone, the more amusingly frustrated they become when they realize you know they are in the wrong.

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