IBM CHARGE DISPUTE UNRESOLVED!!!!!!!!!

[jordi32]

This is outrageous! It has already been over a month when IBM charged my check card for the amount of $232.69 and I started a dispute with Bank of America. My bank investigation department says that so far they have not heard back from IBM and that legally they have to give IBM the chance to respond until October 19th before they credit back my account. IBM will refuse crediting my account back even though they acknowledge that my card was used to charge for someone else's purchase due to the similarity of both card numbers. I even spoke several times with a customer service supervisor but she said she can't do anything on her end or IBM's end. Does anyone know what I should do? I am unwilling to wait until October 19th to see if this matter is resolved. I find it outrageous that IBM can't take responsibility for their mistake and refund my account right away. They were indeed very quick charging my card without my authorization! Has anyone had any similar experience? Can someone advise what to do? I feel that they are pushing me around.

Thank you very much for your replies.

Best regards,
Jordi

[sktn77a]

Sorry to sound sanctimonious but what have you learned from this? NEVER use a debit card for online purchases - only use a credit card. You're SOL but hopefully your experience will be a lesson to others.

[jordi32]

Sktn77a,

Thank you for your reply and advice. What does SOL mean? Do you have any advice regarding how to proceed now?

Best regards,
Jordi

[Klangfarben]

You might consider discussing your problem with staffs of Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbb.org).

[sktn77a]

What does SOL mean?

As Dirty Harry said "Sh_t out of luck!"

Do you have any advice regarding how to proceed now?

Well, if you are sure you have escalated the problem as high as you can, then the BBB, reseller ratings, etc are your only recourse. It's not that IBM can't do anything - it's that they won't (at least not until they are good and ready - October 19, in your case). That's why escalating the problem higher and higher usually finds someone who can help. Have you called IBM Corporate headquarters?

[XCoalMiner]

Jordi

Two pieces of advice, one a repeat of above: 1.) Don’t use a debit card to make online or mail order purchases, because you have fewer legal protections than you do when using a credit card for the same purpose. For a debit card, the rules are stacked in the bank’s and the payee’s favor, not in your favor. The only time you should use a debit card is when you personally swipe the card and sign for the purchase.

2.) If you are willing to spend the time researching what your rights and responsibilities are, take a look at at the finance forum at fatwallet: http://www.fatwallet.com/c/52/ . Search for ‘debit card’ and/or resolution and/or dispute. Of course read the usual ‘Please read BEFORE posting,’ and ‘How to EFFECTIVELY search’ sticky notes. If the answer is not listed there, post a question and someone will know.

[BillMorrow]

IRT Debit Cards..

everyone should take them and cut them up..!

and toss the bits in the face of the bank manager..
debit cards cost the merchant the same as a CC..
the bank makes more since there is little risk..

and when you screw up and allow your balance to fall below zero, they will continue to allow these charges..
so, for instance, you buy $6 worth of groceries or gas for your lawn mower and you get hit with a $30 fee each time..

there is a reason banks push these things on customers..
high profits..!