Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Washington

Re: internet gambling

There is no yes or no answer to your question. Much depends on your prompt reaction.

You have two levels of defense. The first level is with the credit card company. Some credit cards provide you with a fraud guarantee where they guarantee you that they will not bill you for fraudulent charges. If you have this feature, you must make an immediate claim with the credit card company to preserve your rights. Even if you do not have this feature, the credit card companies will generally work with you to prohibit abuse of your card by a negligent or fraudulent company. Thus if the online gambling company was at fault in allowing unauthorized charges to your account you may be able to get the credit card company to reverse the charges.

Your second line of defense is to go after the online gambling company. If you did not authorize or make the bets, then chances are the gambling company was negligent or fraudulent in allowing the bets to be placed on your credit card. Even if your credit card company won't help you you should try to get the money back from the online company as soon as possible. This may be done either through a lawsuit or through a complaint to the state that regulates this particular company.

If you have more questions, call me at 253-272-2400.