On Saturday morning, 2/28, I was on my way to work, and I needed to stop for fuel. I knew that there was approxamitly $95 to $100.00 on my debit Mastercard. Iwent ahead and pulled in to the pump at the Cubbard Express #1 An Exxon Mobile store. I slid my card through the reader and pumped $25.02 in gasoline, then I got my reciept and drove off to my work place.
I knew my wife's birthday was coming up, on Thursday, 3/5, so I decided to order her some silver jewelry online. I knew I should have about $70.00 or maybe $75.00 left in my Debit account, but I thought I better check my balance before I ordered. To my shock, I only had about $7.00 in my account. I immediatly looked at my charges, and there were 2 charges from Exxon Mobile. One for $26.02 and another for $76.00 even.
I felt sick, and flushed, wondering how could this be. I called The Cubbard Express #1 to see how it was possible that someone could take the rest of my money. At first, the Employee told me she could not think of any way, and then she happened to look in her computer files and said it was a $76.00 charge on a debit card that was an agreement between the Bank and Exxon Mobile, when you buy gas at the pump, they "freeze"the money for a couple days or so until the transaction is complete.
I was not only feeling sick, I now was really mad because that was all I had left to order my wife a gift in order for it to come by Thursday. I called two times to ask for the manager to call me back, but she could not be "located". When I got ready to drive home I was really mad. How can any company just steal your money like that, and what a crazy amount for $25.02 in gas. I decided to call the Hickory City Police and ask them to meet me there, that I want someone to "explain this"to me and then get my money.
At first the Officer who called me back, said he could not do anything"ever heard those words before?"then after I insisted he meet me, that I promised I was not going to make a scene, The Officer met me there. I asked that we go to the back office as to not cause a scene with any customers, and we did. After the lady"still not the manager" told me the same story over and over, I showed her my proof that the money had been taken from my account, that I needed it for my wifes birthday gift, and I asked her, since I had valid proof that thier transaction had been completed and I was out the money for at least a couple days, I asked her in front of the officer, to get me or give me my money, she refused.
I asked the officer to fill out a report, but he would not. He did say he would add to his daily notes that they would not help me. I then asked the attendant to please do one other thing while the Officerwas there with me and could verify the answer, and that was to please show me a note or sign that let customers know that this would happen if they buy gas with thier debit card at thier pumps. She said they do not display any kind of warning or notice.
I am sitting at home and have my wifes jewelry ordered but can't pay for it until Exxon says I can. That won't be in time for it to arrive Thursday. This has been one of the most sick, and un ethecial things I think I have encountered. My $25.02 in gas (which was immediatly taken out of my debit card) turned into a really life changing day for me. When Companies have the power to control your bank accounts without your approval or knowledge, we better take a really good look at things.
Carlos
granite falls, North Carolina
U.S.A.
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