Recently, I was stuck for over an hour in a clinic, waiting for my neighbor to be done with her appointment. I had my phone, magazines, and chats with those who came and went.
But it is summer, and I needed something to drink. After a while, I relented to the vending machine, where over priced drinks abound.
I rarely carry coins, so out came the debit card. One swish, a couple buttons and the familiar "clunk" and I was I was in juice heaven. The cost, while silly in the first place, shocked me later that day.
The beverage was supposed to be $2.00. Imagine my surprise when I found my debit card had been charged $10.00!! Nope, not a typo folks. For the next 3 days, the charge didn't change.
I later found out it's like that $1.00 ping we often get to assure that our checking account is valid, then cancelled when it is found to be.
But $8.00!
So here is my warning. We are all thrifty on here, so it's my fear that when folks are low on funds just before payday, that might bounce us without consequence. I have literally been bounced because something cost me $1.99 instead of $1.79, so I "know of where I speak".
It pays sometimes to carry "parking change" or enough for parking meters, vending machines, or that insufferable "bathrooms are for paying customers only" lollipop. Been there, done that.
I hope this helps. No photos of course, and I can't even copy and paste my debit card statement, so it's just on faith today folks. But I was lucky. Some of you might not be.
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I've been there, too, so it's a good idea to check your bank account on-line daily like you did. We have overdraft protection now, but when we were younger and more broke, there would be times when we were down to pennies in our bank account before payday.
If somebody does get hit with an overdraft, it doesn't hurt to call the bank's customer service number and very, very politely, explain your case and respectfully see if the charge can't be removed or at least reduced.
That is really good advice thanks!!
$10 is totally outrageous.
Fortunately, Florida got tired of the constant complaints about these ridiculous charges (these charges are usually held by another company that stores/venders/merchants pay for their service) and passed several laws about how this could be done.
I am glad they did. I just received a refund from Arco for fraudulently charging us ,35 when we got gas or food. While this is a little different, there was no sign stating their practices on the machine.
You are not alone; many of us would be glad an unexpected charge did not bounce.
I also do not like the practice that so may service stations have with 2 prices for gasoline - one for cash (debit card not counted as cash) or credit. But only the "cash" price is shown on signs.
So many people do not read the small print (posted somewhere?) and wind up paying 10-20 cents a gallon more - and - they have to pay it as the gas is already in their vehicle.
This practice is not just small independent station but Shell and other major brands. I do not get caught but many do so I hope this practice will be gone soon also.
You are welcome. I am glad I didn't have to fight with them.
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