My monthly credit card bill just came in and there is one charge I do not recognize. What should I do?
On your billing statement, there is probably a phone number next to each charge. Find the phone number next to the charge that looks unfamiliar to you and call it. Often, the name of the billing entity is simply different than the name of the store or Web site or other entity you dealt with and a simple phone call can connect the dots between the two names or can refresh your memory. Almost always, the charge is legitimate and the cardholder just doesn't recognize it. If that's the case, breathe a sigh of relief!
If you aren't able to determine the charge was legitimate this way, look for the fine print on your charge card billing statement that tells you how to dispute the charge. Follow the instructions to the letter, in terms of putting it in writing, describing the charge with specificity, including your card number, and sending it to the address the card issuer specifies. The card issuer will then contact the merchant and investigate the dispute.
One technique that will help you avoid charge card reconciliation problems (except in the case of fraud) is establishing a folder for each of your credit cards. In the folder, place all charge card receipts. When you receive your statement, compare the charges on it with the receipts you have. If it's an online charge, you can print the receipt from the Web site. If it's a telephone order, you're going to need to make your own note to stick in your file. If it's an in-person charge, you should, of course, have your copy of the actual charge receipt. If there's a charge for which you don't have a corresponding receipt, follow up. If there's a receipt for which you don't have a corresponding billing statement entry, hang on to the receipt. Sometimes it can take months for the charge to appear on your statement, and, no, you aren't home free if the charge doesn't appear right away!
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On your billing statement, there is probably a phone number next to each charge. Find the phone number next to the charge that looks unfamiliar to you and call it. Often, the name of the billing entity is simply different than the name of the store or Web site or other entity you dealt with and a simple phone call can connect the dots between the two names or can refresh your memory. Almost always, the charge is legitimate and the cardholder just doesn't recognize it. If that's the case, breathe a sigh of relief!
