Soft charges ‘Fall off’ ???

June 9, 2007 by Pixelpusher.

I was billed six times on my debit card for one flight.  The total almost caused an overdraft on my account.  The charges are “pending” so I can’t use my account until they clear or are dropped as errors.  Orbitz service center called these !%##% screwups “Soft charges”.  They said it’s not a problem, they will just fall off after 7-10 days.  MY bank account is technicaly empty until this is resolved…They billed me $1322.95 for a $646.69 flight!

See an Email transcript of this mess:
——————————————————————————–
 
From :  OrbitzTLCService OrbitzTLCService@orbitz.com>
Sent :  Saturday, June 9, 2007 12:00 AM
To :
Subject :  Re: Credit Cards and Billing (KMM453126I86L0KM)

——————————————————————————–
 
 
Dear Orbitz Customer,

Thank you for contacting Orbitz.

We sincerely apologize for any inconveniences caused.

In reviewing our reservation system, we show that you have a reservation
titled ‘Juneau 7/2/07′.

With regards to your query, please note that for the above reservation,
you were charged as follows:

Airfare, (Adult)                       $639.70  
Service fee                               $6.99  
                                      ———-
Total trip cost                         $646.69 USD
                                      ———-

For your reference, please note that a soft charge is a temporary
authorization that will automatically drop off your account within seven
days, if not sooner. A soft charge is when Orbitz asks for funds from a
credit card / debit card company but does not actually charge the card.
By doing this the funds are taken out of the available credit on the
card but not included in the balance that you need to pay to your credit
card / debit card company.
 
Soft charges ‘Fall off’ or are added back to the available credit after
7 - 10 days. For further information, please call your credit card
company.

We value you as a customer and look forward to serving you again in the
future.

Sincerely,

Sana
OrbitzTLC
www.Orbitz.com

Orbitz - The faster, easier way to find the trip you want.

Original Message Follows:
————————
I DID contact Orbitz Customer Service at 888-656-4546 twice and my bank
twice.  IF YOU READ MY EMAIL you would know that.  Your Orbitz Customer
Service said they could do NOTHING!  NO SERVICE!!!  The bank requires
that
Orbitz Customer Service call them at 1-866-477-5518.  PLEASE reread my
first
email more carefully!
>From: OrbitzTLCService OrbitzTLCService@orbitz.com>
>To:
>Subject: Re: Credit Cards and Billing  (KMM451285I86L0KM)
>Date: Fri, 8 Jun 2007 19:15:00 -0400 (EDT)
>
>Dear Orbitz Customer,
>
>Thank you for contacting Orbitz.
>
>We are unable to solve this issue via e-mail.
>
>For assistance with regards to your issue, please contact Orbitz
>Customer Service at 888-656-4546 or internationally at 312-416-0018.
Our
>representative will be glad to assist you.
>
>We value you as a customer and look forward to serving you again in the
>future.
>
>Sincerely,
>
>Tim
>OrbitzTLC
>www.Orbitz.com
>
>Orbitz - The faster, easier way to find the trip you want.
>
>Original Message Follows:
>————————
>I bought one ticket to Alaska on 06/07/07:
>Airline ticket number(s):
>
>Total airfare: $639.70 (including taxes)
>Service fee: $6.99
>Total trip cost: $646.69 USD
>
>My credit card was billed for six charges totaling $1322.95
>These charges are “pending” and not final but my account is almost
>empty!  I have made many calls to my bank and to your service center
>tryng to get this resolved.  Your service center said they can’t call
>my bank and my bank said they can’t call you.  CAN SOMEONE PLEASE FIX
>THIS SOON!!!  TODAY
>
>

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