People seem to assume that credit cards will simply hand the money back to the renters. I have done a chargeback in the past, and lost. My chargeback to a company called travelup was for airline tickets from the UK to USA. I had placed my wifes middle name by mistake in the last name box. I realised my mistake within five minutes and instantly called their helpline.
The company had not even booked the tickets with British Airways, I confirmed this, with Britiish Airways but still they refused a refund and were unwilling to correct the name for the ticket.
British Airways also confirmed to me that one call to them would allow any ticket name to be changed no problem as it was done within 24 hours and they realise mistakes do happen.
I had paid with American Express I contacted them and they started a chargeback. This means the money is temporarily placed back into your account, and accrues no interest until the credit card company have concluded their investigation.
I told Amex everything that happened with Travelup, their poor call centre service, what British Airways had told me about the fact no ticket had even been generated and if it had it could easily be changed as mistakes do happen and basically that their business model allows them to keep the considerable price of a transatlantic ticket for even the simplest of mistakes that was highlighted within minutes of the transaction.
Travelup contacted Amex, showed them their terms and conditions and after a couple of months Amex paid them the money. I was out to the tune of almost £1000 for a premium economy flight. As harsh as it was I had been stung by a bunch of crooks, but their terms and conditions said under no circumstances is the ticket changeable or refundable and they simply took the opportunity to play by these pretty rules, refusing to change any ticket details safe in the knowledge that they would eventually get to keep my money however unfair and irrespective of it would give them bad press or not.
They were able to pocket a sizeable chunk of my money for doing nothing and I had no option but to take it on the chin. Amex refused to continue any investigation or side with myself and considered the matter closed. I suggested to Amex they pay me back the money and allow Travelup to sue me. Amex were sympathetic, agreed that Travelup were behaving in a shark like manner but advised they could do no more. Should I want to go any further Amex advised I would have need to sue travelup and for £1000 with them armed with their dodgy contract I would likely be throwing good time and money after bad.
Should anyone do a chargeback, it takes about a month before David needs to even reply. Several to get it finally sorted. David will show them his contract as evidence, highlighting no refunds in any circumstances and there is a good possibility the credit card companies will agree with him.
