My credit card was charged $13.95 in December. My credit card account was closed due to this and other fraudulant charges that were made. Then in January, the $13.95 charge was made again to my new account. Even though I was issued a new account number, it was still pushed through being as though it was set up as a recurring monthly charge. And the amount is low enough for anyone (including myself) to overlook it or just assume that it was a purchase that you made. I would have probably overlooked it again — but since I have been scouring my statements since the fraudulant activity, I caught it. I immediately called the merchant, Shopping Essentials, to dispute the charge.
It was almost like they expected my call. Both of the representatives that I spoke with (Theresa and Phil) were well rehearsed with responses to my dispute. All too familiar with my complaint. Apparently, these Shopping Essentials memberships are acquired via Potpourri.com purchases. I guess Shopping Essentials retrieves the credit card numbers through Potpourri (and most likely other companies too) somehow. The only strange thing there is, I don't remember making a purchase through Potpourri.com or their catalogue. Anyway, the Shopping Essential's rep said that I would be reimbursed and the dispute would be rectified and then abruptly ended the call. Very routine.
Please beware of this scam and scrutinize your statements!
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