Computer Errors

• Computer error is a likely explanation for a duplicate charge. Sometimes a merchant swipes a card and it doesn't seem to go through due to computer malfunction. The merchant may swipe it again and both transactions go through. You will see a duplicate charge in this case. If a merchant's computer is down, the merchant may take your card information and process it later. If your charge is a duplicate, call the dealership and ask the accounting department to reverse it.
  
  

Pre-Authorized Transaction

• A dealership may charge your card if you have signed a pre-authorization form allowing it to charge your card. This may happen if you purchased a service plan or an extended warranty and agreed to pay for it by installment payments. A dealer must give you a form to sign allowing it to charge your debit card for a product or a service. If you did not sign a form, a dealer cannot place a charge on your card. If you have recently been to that dealership and purchased a vehicle there, look at your paperwork to see if you have signed an authorization.
  
  

Fraud and Identity Theft

• The Federal Trade Commission alerts consumers about telemarketing scams. A telemarketer may sell you a product or a service, get your debit card number and charge it on a regular basis. Someone may get your debit card or just the number and use it at any merchant, including a dealership, posing as you. If you have never been to that dealership, chances are your identity has been stolen. You need to contact your bank immediately and report the incident. The bank will block your debit card and put an alert on your checking account for any other suspicious activity. Contact the dealership and inform the activity to the appropriate department.
  
  

Getting a Refund

• The first step to getting a refund is to contact the dealership and ask for more details about the charge. If you did not sign any forms, nor authorized the charge, you can ask for a refund. If the dealer refuses to do so, contact your bank and file an unauthorized transaction claim. Depending on when the transaction occurred and how soon you reported it, you may be liable for up to $50, up to $500 or an unlimited amount. The bank will investigate the charge and report back to you. Most banks credit the amount of an unauthorized transaction to you when you file a claim.