Question:

The Gas station charged my account $76 for $21 worth of Gas. help?!?
I just bought gas and they charged me 76 for the 21 i pumped. I paid at the pump BUT I PAID DEBIT?!? how is this even possible? And what can i do? I didnt get a reciept. Which was dumb on my part. I just read about holds. this has never happened to me before and i have been using my debit card for years. But hey. what can ya do right?

Answers:

A-Best: It happens all the time... They authorize (or place on hold) a higher amount because the pump doesnt know how much you are going to pump. It usually corrects itself within a few days, but I recently had one authorization hold last 29 days. It really sucks if it causes you to overdraft but there is nothing you can do about it other than pay inside and tell the cashier the exact amount or use cash in the future.  

A: oh man thats scary i never get reciepts either.. did you go in right after it happen or was it later that you found out? i would go to the store and tell them the time you bought it, if you talk there manager and tell them to look up buyers names, you can verify that you were charged the 76 by comparing the numbers on the paper with your card, proving that you only bought 21 bucks worth is going to be hard. good luck !  

A: file a dispute with bank or credit card company..  

A: This sounds like a bank 'Hold". All gas stations do this. When you first give them your card they charge 75 bucks right off the bat. Then when you are done and they know the actual amount you bought they send that information to the bank. In the next day or two, the extra amount is put back in your account., All gas stations do this with debit and credit cards.  

A: It is possible they are still placing a hold on the funds until the transaction clears even if you paid debit. I would call your financial institution and see when the hold expires. Don't get angry with them as it is not their fault at all, it is Visa or Mastercard placing the hold. If they did in fact overcharge you, talk to the gas station about the problem. If they do not help dispute the charge with your financial institution.  

A: The filling station should be able to provide you with a receipt so call to speak to the manager and ask him for one and/or get the 'phone number of their bookkeeper to request one then call your bank and have them send you the form you need to complete to protest payment. (Could your vehicle tank possibly hold $76 worth of petrol?)