Credit Card Fraud
 

Recently I purchased tickets from an agent to fly to southeast asia. I sent the check for $1100. After I returned from the trip, the airlines called that the Credit Card holder on on whose card my ticket was purchased, is denying the charges. Obviously the agent used Credit Card fraudulently. I tried calling the agent but he disconnected his phone. Now the airlines wants me to pay full price for that ticket $2100. What should I do? I have already explained the situation to Airlines, they sympathise, but told me since the ticket appears to be purchased directly(without any Travel Agency's name on recored), they can not help me, and want me to pay $2100. <BR>What should I do? <BR> <BR>

It is terribly sad hearing that. I have no ideas whether you can ask for the refund to your credit card account or not, if you can, i would cancel the trip, for me, as a less well-off person, $2100 is more than too much for only the ticket. <BR>Don't forget to update how you manage it.

Before paying anything, contact your credit card company directly. They are used to deal with fraudulent use of CC and should sue the agent directly. Send them a copy of all papers connected with your purchase that can show you dealt with this agent and there is no fault on your part. Direct the airlines to deal with your credit card company. <BR> <BR>Don't give up. I wish you good luck. <BR> <BR>

Unfortunately I came to know about the fraud after I returned from the trip. And apart from purchasing from agent in another state, another mistake I commited is I wrote personal check to this agent and didn't use my Credit Card.

Sorry to hear about your unfortunate incident. <BR> <BR>There is no free lunch ... firms that take credit cards mark-up thier tour / ticket prices 2 to 3%. The best way to minimize your risk is to work with an established travle agent (PATA, ASTA, IATA) and or tour operator (the USTOA ... which insures payments made to thier members and requires each member to put up $1 million). <BR>

Did you try to get help in sorting his mess out from Conde Nest? They usually get better results for travellers who were cheated than the travellers themselves.

Here is some advise, so take it for what it is worth. Stop everything and do not pay. U.S. law provides that if a person is defrauded through the use of a credit card and can prove it, then that person is only legally liable for up to $50, the credit card company MUST assume responsible for the rest. Most credit card companies will not tell you this hoping that you will pay and not them. I would call your credit card company and ask about this clause and see what they say. Also carefully read the credit card contract, I am not sure but I think this ‘$50 rule’ must be stated in the contract. And start keeping a written record (letters, phone calls, names, places, phone numbers etc.) of everthing that you do to correct this problem. Also write a letter to the three major credit agencies (Experian, 1-800-583-4080; www.wxperian.com)and let them know that this is a "disputed claim" against your credit record. Because once it is in your record it is almost impossible to remove and if your credit record is messed up then the money you have already lost could be just the beginning. <BR> <BR>Good luck. <BR> <BR>Brad <BR>