Less than an our ago, my daughter went to this service station to pump gas at a regular pump. A debit card was used and code entered for an outside sale. As prompted by direction, the selection (87 octane) was made and the gas was pumped ($26.00). After noticing that no receipt was given my daughter went inside to get a receipt. At that time a clerk said that she needed to have paid inside (but there was no direction posted outside with that instruction). The clerk asked for the card and scanned the card and my daughter had to enter her code. My daughter asked if she was being double charged for t he sale and she was assured by the clerk that only one charge of $26.00 was taken. then she gave my daughter a receipt.
Immediately after this my daughter went to the bank to make an addition withdrawal and found that her account was now negative because not only was the $26 dollar sale deducted but an additional $90 has been charged. It was proven at the bank that the $90 was deducted by that gas station. Immediately returning to and questioning the manager at the station about this charge/deduction, the manager said that the deduction was result as a $90 PRESCREEN that is automatically done when a debit transaction is done. WHAT IS THAT AND IS THAT A LEGAL ACTION. If it is should that consumer be informed prior to the "prescreen" deduction. THERE WAS NOT WARNING OR EXPLANATION GIVEN before or after this transaction to give option for authorization of deduction.
We are in this area for business and do not live here. We have limited funds and are not unable to get back to our home destination by the deadline we must meet to get to get work (5pm today). The manger said that the funds ($90) will be put back on the account probably sometime before the end of today. That puts us in a HORRIBLE situation and is not acceptable. Not only are we imposing on friends to leave their house open for us, will be missing a day's work and if the monies are not returned, are not able to pay the travel fees (gas and tolls) and may have to find a way to borrow for a hotel or someplace to sleep and food to eat until we can have our funds returned) Funds were available to cover the cost of the initial deduction of $26. Now not only is the account overdrawn but bank fees are being charged as well. This is in combination is the other concerns I have expressed. WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR THIS UNAPPROVED DEDUCATION FROM OUR ACCOUNT???