Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California
I recently discovered a charge for $944.65 to my Visa which I did not authorize. I called the bank's customer service and was told to explain the situation in writing. In November when I was at the showroom, I used my credit card to pay a deposit of $944.00 on custom window treatments. I was not told by the salesperson that my credit account information would be put on file and the dealer would use it again nor did I authorize usage of the card for anything but the $944 deposit. I was given no agreement nor nor did I sign any document giving the dealer permission to make future charges on my credit card. In December, the installer showed up to our home with part of the order incorrect. Both my husband and I have called and e-mailed the sales rep several times but she has not gotten back to us. Meanwhile, my Visa was charged for the balance of $944.65 without my permission. The bank claims it's a "quality of service" issue and will not investigate whether I did indeed authorize the charge. Was it legal for this merchant to charge my credit card a second time without my knowledge? Do I have any recourse?
1 Answer from Attorneys
probably not