How much would you pay for one drink? One cocktail after a hard day? One little beverage at a birthday party? $10? $20? $50? How about $800? That's exactly what happened to GALTime Consumer Watchdog Mary Schwager. So, she put on her detective hat to solve the case of the mega-expensive martini. What she found will help us all:
Much to my surprise that was the bar tab I ended up with over the weekend after purchasing one martini at a friend's birthday party with my debit card. On Monday, after taking out some money at the ATM, I thought my balance looked a little low. When I returned to my computer, I logged onto online banking and there it was, a debit of: $800.52. My jaw dropped. That was some drink ! I knew I had to get this rectified immediately and if you're ever in the same situation here's what you should do:
Step 1: Proof
In a panic, I grabbed my wallet and pulled out the receipt. Thank goodness I kept it. The crumpled slip I signed said $11. I breathed a sigh of relief, and put my worried mind to ease thinking I did not pay attention and just signed some $800 late night tab.
Step 2: Call the merchant
I quickly looked up the number to the restaurant and asked for the manager. Luckily he was in. I explained the situation and he dug up the bartender from that night who, turns out, entered the amount into the computer incorrectly. That was some typo! I wondered if the guy was drinking that night too? Or was he trying to pull a fast one with the tip? I was ready and armed with my receipt if I needed to do battle.
The manager said he'd call his bank and fix the error, but it may take a couple days for the credit to show up on my account. I told him I was going to call my bank to see what they could do.
For important tips on how to deal with the bank AND what your rights are-- CLICK HERE!
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