REPORTING MERCHANT VIOLATIONS

[Continental]

I'm happy I learned about the 800-VISA-911 number here on creditboards. I've been reporting merchants to the mastercard website for quite awhile now. I still do that, but I now get more satisfaction calling Visa and making incident reports. It can sometimes be frustrating talking to the Filipino call center, but I actually feel like I'm doing something when I make the reports because they take down both my information and that of the violating merchant. I'm awaiting the letters from Visa that they say I'm supposed to receive within 10 business days.

 

On a sidenote, I like the operator I justed talked to now. After she completed my report, she asked if I had any more merchants that I wanted to report.

Once you've been violated, the joy of being able to again shop freely at a previously violating store is indescribable.

[webworm98]

You've got that right. Last time I called, it took me about 4 people before someone would take a report. I got the same person on two calls who kept re-connecting me to my bank, who will not take reports but does seem to have some knowledge of these rules now (and also directs me back to Visa Assistance Center to file a report). Maybe just a coincidence.

 

Whatever the case may be, I eventually got the report filed, which is all that matters. Speaker phone is very handy.

 

 

What did the Visa rep say, when you told them your bank does not take reports and tells you to call Visa? That is basically passing the buck back & forth.

[acesfull]

just subscribing

[thelowpriceleader]

I argue until they are willing to take the report. Usually the rep leaves and asks a supervisor who tells them to take the report. I once, years ago, had a supervisor too who insisted the merchant could require ID. I did follow up on that particular individual...

 

I would say 1 in 20 phone calls to Visa results in a rep who thinks the merchant can require ID, it is rare, but it irks me on the rare occassion that it happens. I know I could push it and ask for the rep's name/employee number and follow up and complain about the rep, but that is not the point of my call. The point of my call is to complain about a merchant and get a merchant practice fixed. I figure if there is a new rep who is unfamiliar with policies, everything is a learning experience.

[acesfull]

Hi all

 

I called VIsa last week to report a WAWA store for asking me for ID.

Here is there reply.

 

Dear Acesfull

 

Thank you for your recent inquire concerning a request for personal identification for a Visa tranaction.

We have forwarded the information you provided to the appropriate area for processing.

 

Please be assured that merchants may not refuse to honor a Visa card simply because the cardholder refuses a request for supplementary information. The only exception is when a visa card is unsigned when presented. In this situation, a merchant must obtain authorization,review additional identification and require the cardholder to sign the card before completing the transaction.

 

many cardholders have expressed concern about the recording of suplementary personal information on a bank card sales draft. In response, several states have passed legislation that prohibits requiring such imnformation on the transaction form. To find out if your state has passed such legislation, please contact your state legislators office..

 

in the future, if you have a concern about specific merchant practice, we suggest you contact your Visa Issuer directly to obtain timely assistance. You'll find the appropriate address on your visa statement.

 

Customer service and satisfaction are important to Visa. We hope this information proves helpful to you, and we thank you for using Visa.

sincerely,

robin campbell

director, specialty Services

case number XXXX

 

A-- can't tell from this letter what if any action will be taken, other then contacting WAWA .

B-- seems they want us customer to contact the issuer rather then to contact Visa?

c-- I live in NJ, but don't know if they passed such a legislation?

d-- I make purchases in different states, how would we know what each state requires?

E-- seems like I wasted my time?? I hope not.

 

Thanks for your time.

 

acesfull

[thelowpriceleader]

That is the standard letter. Each letter has a different case number. As you report more merchants, you will get the same exact letter with a different case number on each.

 

Keep calling them to report these places. Your issuing bank has no idea how to take reports and likely doesn't know a thing about the rules.

 

How much were you trying to spend at Wawa?

[acesfull]

That is the standard letter. Each letter has a different case number. As you report more merchants, you will get the same exact letter with a different case number on each.

 

Keep calling them to report these places. Your issuing bank has no idea how to take reports and likely doesn't know a thing about the rules.

 

How much were you trying to spend at Wawa?

$26.00

[Uncle Leo]

Personally, I'd ignore the suggestion to contact the merchant. It's VISA's policy, not the issuing bank's.

 

But, aynway, does anyone really need more evidence that this is a sham policy for show only and that VISA doesn't really care? One, they don't even tell their own employees about it, as evidenced by the fact that most have no clue of its existence when you call. And two, they don't want to hear about it, as proven by their continually trying to pass the buck to anyone else they can.

[webworm98]

Personally, I'd ignore the suggestion to contact the merchant. It's VISA's policy, not the issuing bank's.

 

But, anyway, does anyone really need more evidence that this is a sham policy for show only and that VISA doesn't really care? One, they don't even tell their own employees about it, as evidenced by the fact that most have no clue of its existence when you call. And two, they don't want to hear about it, as proven by their continually trying to pass the buck to anyone else they can.

 

I never heard of Visa giving out any fines unless it is a surcharge but they still pass the buck to the issuing bank. Then the bank passes the buck back to Visa.

 

I just saw a sign today. Please, show your id when using a credit or debit card. I used cash, but still it is not a violation. They said please.

[Continental]

I figure if there is a new rep who is unfamiliar with policies, everything is a learning experience.

..and if 95% of them get it right the first time, chances are you won't have any trouble.

[whar8]

Personally, I'd ignore the suggestion to contact the merchant. It's VISA's policy, not the issuing bank's.

 

But, aynway, does anyone really need more evidence that this is a sham policy for show only and that VISA doesn't really care? One, they don't even tell their own employees about it, as evidenced by the fact that most have no clue of its existence when you call. And two, they don't want to hear about it, as proven by their continually trying to pass the buck to anyone else they can.

 

HSBC keeps telling me to contact the merchant too about this "dispute". All I try to do is file a merchant violations incident report with them on adgivce from MasterCard, but apparently computers reply to their incoming mail.

 

My relationship is with my issuing bank not Visa or MasterCard. That is why they ask you contact your bank, but of course oddly offer tools to report such things to them.

 

P.S. I even asked HSBC how do I tell you about merchant violations -- have never heard back.

[whar8]

That is the standard letter. Each letter has a different case number. As you report more merchants, you will get the same exact letter with a different case number on each.

 

Keep calling them to report these places. Your issuing bank has no idea how to take reports and likely doesn't know a thing about the rules.

 

How much were you trying to spend at Wawa?

 

Why do V and MA tell me that my bank should be contacted about these things?

 

I agree with MA and V to do so.

 

My relationship is with my issuing bank not MA and V. I would rather give it to them as then it goes B2B - merchant disputes department HSBC to HSBCs contact at MA.

[Uncle Leo]

HSBC keeps telling me to contact the merchant too about this "dispute". All I try to do is file a merchant violations incident report with them on adgivce from MasterCard, but apparently computers reply to their incoming mail.

 

My relationship is with my issuing bank not Visa or MasterCard. That is why they ask you contact your bank, but of course oddly offer tools to report such things to them.

 

P.S. I even asked HSBC how do I tell you about merchant violations -- have never heard back.

 

It's still a VISA card (or MC), and as such, it is VISA's policy. It is not your bank's policy. You can either deal with the source or you can deal with middlemen, your choice.

[whar8]

HSBC keeps telling me to contact the merchant too about this "dispute". All I try to do is file a merchant violations incident report with them on adgivce from MasterCard, but apparently computers reply to their incoming mail.

 

My relationship is with my issuing bank not Visa or MasterCard. That is why they ask you contact your bank, but of course oddly offer tools to report such things to them.

 

P.S. I even asked HSBC how do I tell you about merchant violations -- have never heard back.

 

It's still a VISA card (or MC), and as such, it is VISA's policy. It is not your bank's policy. You can either deal with the source or you can deal with middlemen, your choice.

 

That is what you pay your bank for -- to act on your behalf -- if you have an annual fee or pay interest or other fees.

[Uncle Leo]

HSBC keeps telling me to contact the merchant too about this "dispute". All I try to do is file a merchant violations incident report with them on adgivce from MasterCard, but apparently computers reply to their incoming mail.

 

My relationship is with my issuing bank not Visa or MasterCard. That is why they ask you contact your bank, but of course oddly offer tools to report such things to them.

 

P.S. I even asked HSBC how do I tell you about merchant violations -- have never heard back.

It's still a VISA card (or MC), and as such, it is VISA's policy. It is not your bank's policy. You can either deal with the source or you can deal with middlemen, your choice.

That is what you pay your bank for -- to act on your behalf -- if you have an annual fee or pay interest or other fees.

 

I don't necessarily disagree with that, and use that reasoning in other areas myself, but in this case I just see it as an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy.

[Continental]

On a sidenote, I like the operator I justed talked to now. After she completed my report, she asked if I had any more merchants that I wanted to report.

Every rep I’ve spoken with has been delightful and done a marvelous job getting crooked merchants back into compliance.

[hlburi]

Once you've been violated, the joy of being able to again shop freely at a previously violating store is indescribable.

 

 

I get joy out of travelling, reading a good book, hanging with friends, drinking a nice bottle of wine.

 

I don't think shopping in a "previously violating store" would fill me with joy.

[Uncle Leo]

Once you've been violated, the joy of being able to again shop freely at a previously violating store is indescribable.

I get joy out of travelling, reading a good book, hanging with friends, drinking a nice bottle of wine.

 

I don't think shopping in a "previously violating store" would fill me with joy.

 

Must be rapture-like. Randall C. Weems lives.

[Continental]

To report, simply call 1-800-VISA-911, press zero twice, and ask to file an "incident report" regarding a merchant violation/merchant who required ID. Crooked merchants shape-up quickly to avoid suspension. Make sure your community is 100% violation-free.

[Continental]

Crooked merchants shape-up quickly to avoid suspension.

...and crooked merchants who remain crooked are eliminated.

 

http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=374585

[Continental]

ttt

[Uncle Leo]

...and crooked merchants who remain crooked are eliminated.

 

Eliminated, eh? You mean like this?...

 

[thelowpriceleader]

You could modify your photos to add the name "Circuit City."

[improper_validation]

Went to a Golden Krust Jamaican Restaurant in White Plains, NY last night. I bought $7.80 cents worth of specialty sodas.

 

I went to the register to pay, handed over my MC and the cashier said"$10 minimum." I said excuse me and she said cash only under $10.

 

I hate to admit she did not look like she knew what a merchant agreement was, so I am complaining to HQ, called 1-800-VISA-911 and used the online MC reporting.

[GEORGE]

Went to a Golden Krust Jamaican Restaurant in White Plains, NY last night. I bought $7.80 cents worth of specialty sodas.

 

I went to the register to pay, handed over my MC and the cashier said"$10 minimum." I said excuse me and she said cash only under $10.

 

I hate to admit she did not look like she knew what a merchant agreement was, so I am complaining to HQ, called 1-800-VISA-911 and used the online MC reporting.

So did you OVER-SPEND??? (go over $10)

 

Did you walk??? (LET THEM KEEP THEIR STUFF)

 

Did you use CASH???