Here’s a most bizarre thing. I was reconciling my latest DiscoverCard statement with my receipts last nite, and saw that a particular Chevron gas station had charged me $40.60 for a fill-up on February 27, but the receipt in my hand, for the same date, same gas station, showed $20 even. I’d been resistent to filling up all the way partially to boycott the recent rise in gas prices, and partially because gas always seems to fall the day after I fill my tank up all the way.

So anyway, I’m comparing the dates, the gas station numbers, they’re all correct. And I’m feeling really indignant because gas prices are insulting enough without them overcharging me! Can you imagine, if they steal $20 from everybody, how much money they would obtain fraudulently?

During a break in our trial today, I called DiscoverCard and disputed the charge. The person I spoke to was very nice and helpful, and I could hear her typing as I explained the situation, and I told her I’d like to fax them a copy of my receipt. She said the receipt would help a lot and that she’ll credit me the difference immediately. Then she asked if I’d contacted the merchant (Chevron) about the issue. Just as she said that, my eyes zeroed in on a line at the top of the receipt that said “Visa.” VISA? I was confused, but I do realize (now) that the receipt I was holding is not for the corresponding DiscoverCard charge on my statement. All sorts of things ran through my mind. Should I keep going with this? Maybe they wouldn’t catch it and they’d credit me anyway? I can’t do that!
“Uh, can I do that? Contact the merchant?” I asked, stalling.
She said, “Sure! Actually, it might be faster doing it through them because they can usually credit you immediately, but we can do it also, it’s up to you. It’ll take us up to 30 days.”
“Oh, okay! Lemme try them then, since it’d probably be less trouble. I mean, I can just show them the receipt, they can’t dispute THAT.”
“Exactly. But it’s no trouble, I can do it here, too. Are they close by?” she asked.
“Yeah, they’re just up the street.” At least THAT part’s truthful. My face was burning. “I’m just gonna go to them and it should be faster that way.”
“Okay, if you have trouble with them, or if you want us to do something about this, just go ahead and call us back.” She was being so nice. I wonder if she found it odd I was so adamant and now I just want to cancel the dispute and get off the phone.
“Thank you so much for your help!” I said lamely and we said our goodbyes.

I looked through my wallet. I have no Visa card anymore. This is totally someone else’s receipt. Somehow, I filled up my car, pushed the button to have a receipt printed out, and someone else’s purchase printed out. Maybe it’s from the person who filled up there just before me, and someone behind me had MY receipt.

Gack.