If you find a charge on your statement that you do not recognize, first re-check your records to see if it is a charge about which you may have forgotten. For this reason, it is a good idea to keep a copy of all credit card receipts until those charges appear on your statement. Also, check to see if you've made any telephone or mail order charges. Ask others who have access to your account whether they authorized the charge. Also, check to see if the amount and date of the charge is familiar, even if you do not recognize the city or the merchant's name. Some companies bill under a different name or from a central location. Contacting the Company If you still do not recognize the transaction and suspect an error, or if you have a dispute with a merchant over the quality of merchandise or services, write the credit card company. Federal law provides specific rules that the card issuer must follow in responding to suspected billing errors. The card issuer provides a statement describing these rules when the account is opened, and additional notices at least once per year. Many card issuers print a summary of your rights on each monthly statement. |