Consumer complaint received 2024-05-05
Product: Credit card — General-purpose credit card or charge card
Issue: Problem with a purchase shown on your statement — Credit card company isn't resolving a dispute about a purchase on your statement
Company: SYNCHRONY FINANCIAL (NJ)

Dear Mastercard, The saying " Justice is Utopian, it never happens '' suggests a cynicism toward the idea of achieving true justice. However, I firmly believe that for the world to become a better place, privileged organizations should not be permitted to cheat or scam users whom they perceive as powerless or unable to challenge them.

I acquired a Mastercard Credit Card issued by Synchrony Bank/PayPal , bearing the card number :. XXXX. On XX/XX/XXXX, I fell victim to fraudulent activity on my card, resulting in a XXXX  XXXX charge by XXXX XXXX XXXX I saw an ad of eharmony.com and decided to test their service. However, during the registration process, I was required to input my card details. Immediately following registration, my account was debited XXXX  XXXX, supposedly for a XXXX subscription spanning from XX/XX/XXXX to XX/XX/year>. Upon discovering the unauthorized charge, I promptly contacted the merchant to cancel the subscription. Regrettably, they informed me that there is nothing they can do. Within XXXX minutes of noticing the fraudulent transaction on XX/XX/XXXX, I notified PayPal/Synchrony Bank . Despite my efforts, the matter remains unresolved. I initiated a dispute process with PayPal twice, yet I have not been credited. Subsequently, I received threatening emails from the merchant, insisting on payment for a service I never used. This mirrors the same intimidation tactics I mentioned to PayPal during the dispute, highlighting XXXX 's recurrent behavior towards other users. 

XXXX XXXX has implemented terms that are both illegal and unclear, inhibiting customers from canceling their registration and perpetually imposing unnecessary fees after registration. These concerns have been consistently raised in numerous online reviews and across their social media platforms. The company 's unyielding stance and lack of responsiveness to customer inquiries regarding their terms of service and delivery methods have exacerbated the situation, leaving many users dissatisfied. Despite my efforts to protect my funds and rectify the unauthorized charge through PayPal, all attempts have proven unsuccessful. As a result, I am reaching out to you to help me. The charge for the six-month service subscription remains on my account, with PayPal threatening to impose interest on this outstanding amount. 

It is unjust for XXXX to demand payment for a purported six-month service period ( allegedly spanning from XX/XX/XXXX to XX/XX/year> ) despite my request to cancel my registration within just XXXX minutes of signing up. I maintain that my submission of card details to XXXX was in error, with the intention of testing the service rather than committing to XXXX months of service. It is reasonable to expect PayPal to resolve such erroneous transactions in favor of the consumer, given the existence of regulations and consumer protection laws governing such transactions. One such regulation is the FTC 's " Cooling-Off Rule, '' which typically grants consumers the right to cancel a purchase within a short period after making it and receive a full refund. Banks are mandated to comply with regulations that safeguard consumer rights and protections, ensuring that consumer complaints and disputes are handled fairly and transparently. The FCBA delineates consumers ' rights regarding billing errors. Since PayPal couldn't assist me, I had to close my Mastercard credit card account in order to prevent further fraudulent charges, as I experienced along with many other consumers. I formally demand the full restitution of the amount erroneously withdrawn from my account, as per the provisions outlined by both the EFTA and laws governing unfair or deceptive acts or practices ( UDAP ). This action is causing me significant hardship and stress, impacting my studies. I will involve my school 's legal department to address this matter accordingly. Poorly performing companies like XXXX shouldn't be allowed to charge consumers without their consent, and the unauthorized charge must be reversed in favor of the consumers. Your prompt and thorough review of this matter is greatly appreciated.