Need advice on credit card charges

[Neeper]

I went to Pto. Vallarta, Mexico in March. We rented some ATV's from Mud Rats. These guys completely ripped us off, it wasn't even funny. I paid them in full in USD cash, and when I wasn't at the counter, they managed to get the other 6 guys in my party to pay them $35 USD each. The money was supposed to go to me seeing how I paid for the whole deal. Anyways.. I already wrote that off, and took the loss. I tried to get my money back but manager took off, and his staff had no idea what was going on. (please don't ever go to MudRats if you go to PV. They are the shadest people I ever met. Even if it was in Mexico).

Anyways, I left my credit card imprint as a deposit for damage. When we returned the ATV's everything was good and the staff checked us out. I asked the my credit card imprint and they said they don't know where it is. The manager might have taken it. They said not to worry, since there was no damage to claim.

I get my VISA statement and there is a $50 charge on there from them. I called my bank to tell them I didn't authorize that charge. They got the signed copy and sent it to me. Of course my signature is on there, but the charge was filled in after I left. So, not only am I out $245 already, now this as well. Does anyone out there work for the banks and know about this kind of stuff? This is pure fraud. There has to be something to protect people from "damage deposit" slips.

[JiriHrdina]

Yeah you got screwed dude. I don't know if there's anything you can do. In retrospect you should have demanded the slip and when they coudln't produce it call your credit card company and alert them not to process any charges from that company.

After the fact I don't think there is anything you can do because the paper trail all shows a valid transaction.

[Neeper]

I just hate to have to "suck it up" again. I bet these mother****ers do this all the time to other tourists. That's what really ****es me off. They actually get away with this. Maybe I'll try contacting the tourism board down there. Only thing is, I doubt they care. Makes feel not wanting to ever go to Mexico again. All we did was get ripped off down there and we "sucked it up". $300 USD for 8 frickin Coronas is another story. GRRR!

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by Neeper

There has to be something to protect people from "damage deposit" slips.

I know when I rent skis (here, of course) the place I rent from gives me the entire M/C slip back; all of the copies intact.

I know it does sorta suck, but why did you leave your Visa info in the hands of somebody who had already ripped you off once?

[Frank the Tank]

I'm no expert by any means, but when I have had to leave an imprint as a deposit, I have never had to sign it. I think that is where you are hooped.

[Ace]

yeah, just explain the story, and they won't make you pay it, plus the company may be fined by MC for not honering their merchant agreement...

[mykalberta]

Its Mexico, its why I refuse to ever go there again after my Spring Break adventure in Cancun Dont Ask.

MYK

[Buff]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

Its Mexico, its why I refuse to ever go there again after my Spring Break adventure in Cancun Dont Ask.

MYK

Well, I'm asking anyway.