Broker Charged Your Card Without Permission

You gave a broker your card for a deposit — and they charged it for more than you authorized, charged it multiple times, or charged it after you cancelled. This is unauthorized use of your payment information and there are fast, effective remedies available.

What counts as an unauthorized charge

A charge is unauthorized when it exceeds what you explicitly agreed to in writing, or when it occurs:

• After you cancelled the order (especially if within a refundable window)
• For an amount higher than the quoted deposit
• Multiple times for the same service
• For fees that were never disclosed in writing before you provided your card
• After you requested they stop charging your card

"Fuel surcharges," "carrier adjustment fees," and "route change fees" added after the fact and charged without your approval fall into this category.

Step 1: Call your card issuer immediately

Call the number on the back of your card and report the charge as unauthorized. Use the words "unauthorized charge" — this triggers a specific dispute process with strong consumer protections under the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA).

You have 60 days from the statement date the charge appeared to dispute it. Do not wait.

Tell them:

• The amount charged vs. the amount you authorized
• The date of the unauthorized charge
• That you have documentation of the agreed amount (your contract or booking confirmation)
• That the company charged your card without explicit authorization for that amount

What your card issuer will do

Under the FCBA, your issuer must:

• Acknowledge your dispute within 30 days
• Resolve the dispute within two billing cycles (maximum 90 days)
• Provisionally credit your account for the disputed amount while the investigation is ongoing (most major banks do this immediately)
• Not require you to pay the disputed amount while it's under investigation

Step 2: Document and send a written demand to the broker

Simultaneously, send a written email to the broker stating:

• The specific charge(s) that were unauthorized
• That you are disputing the charge with your card issuer
• That you are filing an FMCSA complaint and state AG complaint if not resolved within 7 business days
• That further unauthorized use of your payment information will be reported to law enforcement

This letter both creates a record and often produces a rapid refund — many companies fold when they see a formal written dispute because they know they'll lose the chargeback.

Step 3: File an FMCSA complaint

Unauthorized charges by a licensed broker are a violation of their FMCSA operating obligations. File at fmcsa.dot.gov. Include your contract showing the authorized amount and evidence of the unauthorized charge.

Step 4: File with your state Attorney General

Unauthorized credit card charges are consumer fraud in every state. File at your state AG's website — most have online forms and respond quickly. AG offices can issue cease-and-desist orders and fines directly to the company, often faster than federal agencies.

Is this also a crime?

Potentially, yes. Intentionally charging a card for amounts beyond what was authorized can constitute fraud or theft by deception under state criminal law. If the amount is significant and the broker is clearly acting fraudulently (not disputing the charge in good faith), file a police report. Most police won't act on small commercial disputes, but the report creates a formal record.

Protect yourself going forward

Never give a broker your card details verbally or through an unencrypted email. Always confirm the exact charge amount before authorizing. Use a credit card rather than debit — credit cards have stronger FCBA protections. Consider a virtual card number (available through many bank apps) for one-time use if you're unsure about the broker.