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575 points gausswho | 3 comments | | HN request time: 0s | source
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Irongirl1 ◴[] No.44506284[source]
FYI: Everyone just use privacy.com

It allows you to make virtual cards that are single use.

So if a merchant keeps trying to charge you, it will automatically decline.

Until the powers that be gets its act together and stops allowing businesses to run all over us...this is the way.

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1. crazygringo ◴[] No.44509445[source]
Then it just gets sent to collections, and worsens your credit score, so your next car loan or mortgage has a higher interest rate.

You have to actually resolve the issue with the company charging you, and do a chargeback if necessary which requires submitting evidence. It sucks, but virtual numbers don't make your bills go away.

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2. rsanek ◴[] No.44512928[source]
unless the value is quite high it's unlikely the bill will actually get sent to collections. even if it does, you can negotiate fairly easily with the collection company to pay less than the original amount.
3. Irongirl1 ◴[] No.44513197[source]
I think it was 30 years ago now, but I could be off by a few. My mother "insisted" on me signing up for an infomercial product for her...I offered to buy it outright (it was in stores for less than the deal they were offering and deliver it personally) she declined and kept insisting. I did so and signed up for 1 shipment. They charged me for months afterwards and put my checking account, to which the card was tied into overdraft and refused to refund. I was lucky because I was at a small bank which still had personal bankers and she was kind and reasonable. She reversed the charges for me and got me my money back. That company stole my grocery money and didn't blink an eye.

Again: this was at least 30 years ago. Nothing was changed. The companies that take advantage are still taking advantage and the government is facilitating theft, fraud and tons of stress on those who can ill afford it. It is a major issue also for seniors who constantly get trapped in this crap. They tie people up with confusing forms and jargon and make it impossible. They have no shame. Check Rip-off Reports, if they are still allowed to exist, or webarchive...the stories are awful. It's past time for people to be able to stop this thru their cards or tactical action. The cost to pay a lawyer to fight this kind of crap also falls on the person who files-think travel if they are out of state...most of these companies are based miles away and know that people can't afford to fight them.