Disputing a debit card overcharge in a hurry

September 15, 6:33 PMNews You Can Use ExaminerMary Schwager

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How much would you pay for one drink? One cocktail after a hard day? One little beverage at a birthday party? $10? $20? $50?  How about $800?  

Much to my surprise that was the bar tab I ended up with over the weekend after purchasing one martini at a friend's birthday party with my debit card.  On Monday, after taking out some money at the ATM, I thought my balance looked a little low. When I returned to my computer, I logged onto online banking and there it was, a debit of: $800.52.  My jaw dropped. That was some drink !  I knew I had to get this rectified immediately and if you're ever in the same situation here's what you should do:  

Step 1: Proof

In a panic, I grabbed my wallet and pulled out the receipt. Thank goodness I kept it.  The crumpled slip I signed said $11.  I breathed a sigh of relief, and put my worried mind to ease thinking I did not pay attention and just signed some $800 late night tab.

Step 2: Call the merchant

I quickly looked up the number to the restaurant and asked for the manager. Luckily he was in. I explained the situation and he dug up the bartender from that night who, turns out, entered the amount into the computer incorrectly. That was some typo! I wondered if the guy was drinking that night too? Or was he trying to pull a fast one with the tip?  I was ready and armed with my receipt if I needed to do battle.

The manager said he'd call his bank and fix the error, but it may take a couple days for the credit to show up on my account. I told him I was going to call my bank to see what they could do.

Step 3: Call your bank

This was the best phone call I made. As much as I've griped about banks in this column, the customer service rep. was great!  She had me read her a couple of numbers off my receipt. Then she asked me if we could do a three way call to the restaurant.  Happily, I dialed the number and connected our conference call.

I explained to the manager it was "me again" and this time someone from my bank was on the line. The customer service rep. asked the manager for a couple of secret codes from their side of the transaction, including the exact time of electronic transaction and the date. Something only the real merchant knows.

Within minutes the $800.52 was restored to my account. I thanked everyone and hung up relieved.

Step 4: Follow my own advice

I've preached many times about the dangers of using debit cards. If there's an error the money comes right out of your checking account and you risk the possibility of hearing that big BOUNCE noise and getting hit with some outrageous overdraft fee for something that's not your fault.  

When I was hurrying out the door over the weekend to catch a cab I called, I just quickly grabbed my debit card for the night. My bad.

If you get charged for a purchase you did not make, or the merchant you bought something from goes belly up, you have greater protection using a credit card which is regulated under the federal Fair Credit Billing Act to get your money back.

So far I haven't been recharged the $11 from that martini I ordered. I'm waiting to see if that one turns out to be "on the house."

UPDATE: Yup, they charged me for the drink.  The correct price this time around.