disputing credit card charges for online purchases?
I found four different charges made on the same day to my credit card that I did not authorize. I found out they were for companies that sell software licenses online and software that once purchased is downloaded to the purchasers computer. I have disputed these charges with my credit card company and am waiting for a reply. My questions are should I cancel my card or have my card number changed. How likely it is that I would have to pay these charges even though I clearly did not purchase anything.
Public Comments
- When I've had the odd erroneous charge on a card, I've written the card company and they've always recredited my account for the erroneous charges (hasn't happened that often). Just to be safe, and considering the high incidence of credit card number theft, you might want to consider contacting your card company (calling them usually works), explaining to them that someone has been making charges on your card, and have them issue you a new card. They will usually "transfer" whatever spending limit your have accrued over the years (rather than getting a brand new card and having to start from scratch), will transfer your whole account to the new card, and flag the old account so if there is any further activity they can look into it and you won't get charged or penalized for it. You'll have to tell them when you call what purchases you have made (what charges to expect) since your last billing statement. But, it usually takes them a couple of weeks (or more) to get your new card out to you so you'll be without a credit card during that time.
- Yes, you should request a new card number.
