Beware extra credit-card charges for 'fees and taxes'
Some retailers swipe cards for amounts larger than agreed upon
Published on May 02, 2013
Mr Roseller Villagracia, 33, agreed to pay $700 for an iPhone 4S but was charged $889. He was told that the extra sum was for taxes. His card was then swiped again for $498 to unlock the phone. -- ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN
By Jessica Lim Consumer Correspondent
Unscrupulous retailers may have found a new way to fleece shoppers - by swiping their credit cards for larger amounts than what was agreed upon.
They then refuse to budge, and claim the extra amount is for transaction fees or taxes.
Such tactics are new, according to the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case), which put an alert out last month urging shoppers to double check the total amount they will be charged before handing their cards over to a retailer.
Last year, 78 consumers approached Case to assist them with such disputes involving electronic products and mobile phones, the first time the association received such complaints. Of these, 73 were tourists.
BACKGROUND STORY
REQUEST FOR REFUND TURNED DOWN
The shopkeeper told me it was too late. The card had been charged.
- Mr Roseller Villagracia, who was charged extra "taxes" for his purchase as well as nearly $500 to "unlock" his new iPhone
TIPS FOR USERS
Before you give your credit card to a retailer
Confirm the total amount that he will be charging you. Ask for an invoice before you hand him your credit card.
Ask if there are any extra charges he has not mentioned.
If you have been charged an amount higher than the one you agreed to
Do not sign on the charge slip. This gives you a better chance of getting a refund.
Immediately demand that the retailer void the card transaction.
Seek redress with your card-issuing bank, or call the Consumers Association of Singapore.
