What to do if you suspect credit card fraud?

From what you've described, it sounds like one of those charges that happens when the merchant is trying to get authorization to validate the card. You said that it was in the pending section, but then it went away after a few days. When it's in the pending section, there should be some identifying info about the charge... including a contact number. You can ask your bank for assistance with contacting the merchant, and then you'd be able to ask for more info regarding the charge. From your post, it sounds like it never resulted into an actual charge. Is that correct?

Another thing to note is that many times, the official name that a merchant goes by is not the same one that is on their signage. Was there a time when you may have swiped the card at a pump but decided for some reason not to go through with the sale? That can account for what you've described. Car rental places do the same thing...they just do it for larger dollar amounts until they are sure of the exact actual amount to charge.

1. Review your account right away and highlight the charges that you are not familiar.

Do you have your debit card with you?

• Please call your bank as soon as possible and explain what you have seen in your account, i.e. the $1 charge and the gas station charge and any other charges that you do not reconize.

The bank probably will issue a temporary credit on the items in question and it will be sending you an affidavit that you will have to notarize and fax back . I f you do not respond the bank will revert the charges to your account.

Act promptly.