Circuit City
Pending credit card charges

I tried to purchase a laptop computer online from Circuit City. When I clicked the enter key to confirm the order, I received a message that they could not authorize my credit card, but immediately, a pending charge for the full amount of the order (over$600) was placed on my bank account from which the card was issued (debit card). When I called to try to get the order placed and give them what ever information was needed, they just kept telling me that they could not aurthorize my card and the order was cancelled and there was nothing that they could do about the pending charge. 3 days later, the charge still remained on my account, but no order for the computer.

I spent 4 hours on the phone with their customer service department, but all I got was a run around and excuses. "Sorrry for the inconvenience" and there was nothing they could do about the peding charge. I asked to speak to a supervisor and was told that there was none! Also told that the charge would come off in 5-7 days. Finally, after much persistance, I was connected with someone who was supposed to be one of the nonexistant supervisors. I was told that the charge would come off in 24 hours. I then tried to place the order again, but when I did, I was told that the computer was now $60 more than what the original order was. I told them I wanted the original order processed, but again, just a run around and excuses.

I asked to speak to the credit processing department and was connected to Chase bank which underwrites their own (Circuit City) card. I did not use a Circuit City credit card. At one point, I was told to call my own bank and have the charge removed. What a joke. I knew even before I called, that Circuit City was the one that had to remove the charge. The customer service rep. At my bank and I had a good laugh about it.

Several times during this process of 4 hours one day and 3 hours the other day, on the phone, I was disconnected. I still have no order and still the pending charge remains on my account, 5 days later, which freezes up my money.

How is it possible that they can place a pending charge hold instantaneously, but it takes 7 days to remove it???

Company: Circuit City
Country: USA
Site: www.circuitcity.com

  <     >