Expert: Don Sadler - 12/14/2004

Question
Someone Someone wrote my signature on a bill for $140.00 at a place i never been in my life.    i know this ain't your expertes but could you derect me to someone who might be able to help me?  i can send a copy of the bill with the signature and my signature.  They say i got to pay cuz i singed for it.     It aint my signature.     Thanks!    Charlie Sandelin  

Answer
Charlie,

I presume you are talking about a credit card purchase.  You certainly have every right to be upset – credit card fraud is rampant these days.  In fact, this area is outside my direct expertise however, I do have some experience dealing with this.

First, if you didn't make the purchase, you don't have to pay for it.  The problem, of course, is proving that it is not your signature.  Credit card companies have a fraud and also a dispute department.  I advise you to contact both of them.  Tell the fraud department that you have been defrauded and have them check other suspicious charges on your bill(s).  Tell the dispute department that you did not sign the bill and ask what documentation they need to remove the charge.  Be very business-like, sincere, and matter-of-fact about it.  Getting upset, being belligerent or getting in their face about it will not help your cause.  Your approach should be to simply take it for granted that they will remove a contested charge.  You may have to provide a notarized statement that you were not there or that you did not make the purchase.  There is always some form of documentation they need.  Realize, of course, that all they really want is something to staple to the bill and place in your file that justifies them removing the charge... they can't just take it away because you ask.

If they are not willing to work with you, take your bill and mark out that charge and pay your bill without that charge.  Then cancel your card and tell them that they can sue you if they want the money.  Only do this as a last resort.

Hope this helps and good luck.